Pope 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. 

We often think of faith as belief or trust, which it is, but have you ever thought of faith as endurance? I’m beginning to think endurance and perseverance are a big part of the faith picture. Let’s begin with this bracing statement: “When you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials.” Yikes! Why is that? It’s the mystery of the Cross. 

Those of us who have experienced the death of a loved one, even if we believe that she or he has gone to a better place, still find ourselves struggling with the parting.

Yea 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.

Two excerpts from the Grey Nuns Codex Historicus of life at St. Paul Mission

Farley Magee was the musical leader for years at the Sunday services of Inner City Pastoral Ministry (ICPM), the ecumenical group that serves the beautiful and broken people who populate downtown Edmonton.

Farley died Oct. 11, and his memorial service 17 days later packed the basement of Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, the church visited by Pope Francis last year on his journey of reconciliation. Farley was a gentle, beloved soul whose difficult life can bring some understanding of those without homes.

Is it okay to call God “Mother”? Well, what does God want to be addressed as, and how do we know what God wants? It’s all in the Bible. God has various titles in the Old Testament, but God’s “final word” was revealed to us by Jesus in the Gospels. 

Pro-life people are used to euphemisms in the abortion debate. The term “pro-life” itself is often denigrated because some believe pro-lifers are only concerned about life in the womb, and not the fullness of life afterwards. In reality, “pro-life” is about as clear as any term used to discuss abortion. It’s those on the other side who mostly prefer to speak in euphemism and/or double speak. 

Two days are designated World Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians. There are many of them that just one World Day is not enough. Last Sunday, Nov. 3, and again this Sunday, Nov. 10, people have been asked to pray for the persecuted, many of whom are in prison for Christ’s sake.

I’m afraid I must disagree with Sr. Georgette Gregory about what constitutes good Catholic journalism — with emphasis on both words.