Discounting the brief wave and greeting I directed to Toronto Archbishop Francis Leo when I viewed him touring The Catholic Register’s office on Yonge Street from the comfort of my remote workspace in Calgary, I first enjoyed a full-on interaction with the now Cardinal this past January.
More than a few good men
By Mickey Conlon, The Catholic RegisterFor the most part, we can say the Catholic Church has done its share to make this a better world, and done this very well despite a few hiccups here and there.
What Catholics need to know about Palestine
By Catholics for Justice and Peace in the Holy LandNever has this generation been subjected to such a barrage of disinformation and misinformation as has been generated surrounding the current Israeli military assault on the people of Gaza.
Men behaving beastly
By Greg Erlandson, OSV News"Why do men become beasts?"
The question was asked by South African Archbishop Buti Joseph Tlhagale. In a speech last August, he was warning men that they will be held accountable for the treatment of women. "The Son of God will make us pay for all the things we have done, or not done," the archbishop said.
Facing martyrdom a paradox of persecution
By Mario Bard, Catholic Register SpecialPope Francis has always shown deep sensitivity to the plight of persecuted Christians worldwide. Since the beginning of his pontificate, he has regularly spoken out in defence of these vulnerable communities, highlighting the injustices and suffering they endure. Whether in Iraq, Syria, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, or other regions marked by conflict and violence, the Holy Father has expressed his unconditional support, urging the international community to intervene to protect the faithful.
Dig deep like Jesus, Mary, and Job
By Cheryl-Ann Smith, Catholic Register SpecialYea though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. This line from the Book of Job was the response of Rabbi Abraham Heschel to the question, “How can you possibly believe in God after six million of your people were slaughtered in the holocaust?!” The tears streaming down Rabbi Heschel’s face spoke of his anguish over this evil, and perhaps his anguish in not understanding why God allowed it. His tears spoke of an answer wrenched from the deepest possible act of trust and faith, not an answer solely from the intellect or will. It’s the only answer that can bring peace to the heart.
Prayer breathes peace amid urban chaos
By Cheryl-Ann Smith, Catholic Register SpecialStanding at the edge of the Grand Canyon in Arizona is an extraordinary experience. It’s not just the stunning beauty, It’s also the silence. You can hear the chatter of tourists behind you, but in front is a palpable silence, replete with Divine Presence.
To the Catholics of the Middle East
By Catholic Register StaffThe following is the text of Pope Francis’ “e-letter” released on Oct. 7 to mark the anniversary of Hamas’ murderous attack on Israel and the ensuing spiral of violence.
Discussion of family back on the table
By OSV NewsDiscussions of family size have increased in political and religious discourse as North American birth rates hit historic lows. Catherine Pakaluk, an economist and associate professor at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., recently authored Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth.
Euthanasia empties life of its meaning
By Charles Lewis, Catholic Register SpecialIn 2013, I wrote a column for the National Post about Dr. Donald Low, a microbiologist at Mt. Sinai Hospital. He spoke about his cancer diagnosis, his fear of tremendous pain that might be looming and the loss of his dignity. He spoke without self-pity and urged Canada to make physician-assisted death legal. He died eight days later.
A Northern encounter with living treasures
By Amanda AchtmanPope Francis often speaks about how the elderly are a treasure and has dedicated much of his pontificate to promoting a culture of encounter between generations.Inspired by this emphasis, Bishop Hector Vila recently invited me to the Diocese of Whitehorse to deliver several workshops and presentations geared toward exploring the value of life at all stages.