Catholic Register Columns

A lamp under a bushel basket and a cooler of food

For some time, we’d noticed several big coolers and baskets by the front door of a neighbour. Sometimes, while walking our dog, we’d see someone pull into the driveway and drop some food in a cooler or basket.

By Robert Brehl

A grave marker of a couple is illuminated with a candle as a full moon shines through clouds on All Souls’ Day. The day, observed on Nov. 2, commemorates all the faithful who have died.

Death is not the final word

“In the sight of the world, he is now dead.”

By Fr. Raymond J. de Souza

Flags fly at half-mast on the Canadian Parliament buildings in Ottawa, Ontario, Oct. 23. Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, a Canadian soldier, was shot and killed while on duty at the nearby National War Memorial.

Tread carefully

After the attack on Parliament by a lone gunman the instinctive temptation is to respond aggressively. First, to respond politically by supporting new laws that empower police and security officers at the expense of some civil liberties. Second, to respond socially by waffling on Canadian principles that uphold tolerance and respect for all citizens of all backgrounds.

By Catholic Register Editorial

For Francis Campbell’s mother and mother-in-law, praying the rosary was a way to ease the anxieties of life.

Ask God for help with worldly worries

Sometimes, sleep doesn’t come easy. Dreams are pushed aside by worry and fretting. Counting sheep gives way to counting out real-life scenarios and possibilities late into the night.

By Francis Campbell

Prayer integral in our schools, but there’s more that can be done

Part of the mandate of Catholic schools is to ensure that students develop an appreciation and understanding of the role of prayer.

By John B. Kostoff

Risky business

Pope Francis sought a “sincere and open” discussion among Church leaders attending the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family. Well, he got it. And then some.

By Catholic Register Editorial

Retired Pope Benedict XVI greets Archbishop Shevchuk prior to beatification Mass of Blessed Paul VI in St. Peter’s Square on Oct. 19.

Never too late to listen to Pope Benedict XVI

One of the world’s wisest voices was not heard during the synod fortnight in Rome. His time to speak publicly is definitively past, but it behooves the Church to listen now to what he said then.

By Fr. Raymond J. de Souza

Front line euthanasia ethics

At this month’s Supreme Court hearing on assisted suicide, much time was spent arguing whether Canadians have a right to be killed. Few moments were spent considering those who would have to do the killing.

By Peter Stockland

The money debate: root of evil or springboard to happiness?

In a recent column, I mentioned the old biblical warning that money is the root of all evil and that sure set off a lively debate with my wife.

By Robert Brehl

The Pope declared two 17th-century French missionaries, Marie de l’Incarnation, far left, and Francois de Laval, as saints April 3 without requiring the verification of a miracle or a canonization ceremony.

Model Canadians

The year-long celebration of the 350th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of Quebec reached into the Vatican on Oct. 12 with a papal Mass to honour Canada’s two newest saints.