Arts and Culture

Smoking gun? Pope Francis’ critics cite new book in questioning his papacy

December 6, 2014

NEW YORK - Was there a secret plot to elect Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio at the papal conclave last year? Did Bergoglio — who became Pope Francis at that conclave — give the go-ahead to such a plan? And does that campaign call his election, and his papacy, into question?

Faith helped Hurricane Hazel endure political slings and arrows

December 6, 2014

Catholic Register columnist Robert Brehl teamed up with Hazel McCallion to write the life story of the remarkable woman who served Mississauga as mayor for 36 years. In this excerpt from Hurricane Hazel: A Life with Purpose, Brehl and McCallion delve into the important role faith played in her political life.

Teilhard De Chardin and human transcendence

November 29, 2014

The third and most ambitious staging yet of playwright Adam Seybold’s play The De Chardin Project begins with an image of sin. Fr. Teilhard De Chardin, played by Cyrus Lane, wakes up on a bare, black stage beside a broken tea cup. He doesn’t know where he is or how he got there and he can make out nothing of his surroundings except the broken china.

At St. Michael’s Choir School, tradition matters

November 29, 2014

TORONTO - St. Michael’s Choir School brings Christmas, real Christmas, in six-part polyphony, to Toronto’s Massey Hall for the 49th time this Dec. 6 and 7. But if you haven’t managed to buy a $20 to $50 ticket yet, you could head down to Shuter Street and look for a scalper.

Leahy sets Christmas mood in Toronto

November 29, 2014

TORONTO - Fans of the fancy fiddle work of Ontario’s very own Donnell Leahy will have three chances to see the Lakefield native perform in Toronto this holiday season.

A nearly 300-year-old favourite has aged well

November 29, 2014

TORONTO - Even after performing Handel’s Messiah with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra for almost four decades, Patricia Krueger says the music from this Christmas classic never gets old.

Excitement on environmental guidebook is shortlived

November 29, 2014

I take seriously the call to stewardship of our environment and respect for God’s creation as a whole. So I was excited to delve into a new study guide produced by the Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice published by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

In Scripture, we learn of Christ

November 22, 2014

Growing up in Nigeria, Fr. Victor Abimbola Amole wanted to become a doctor, until age 12 when he met a missionary priest from Ireland who changed his life’s path. By age 16, he began to consider the priesthood and by 18 his mind was set.

Pius XII book earns honour for King’s prof Ventresca

November 22, 2014

A Canadian has captured the first ever American Catholic Historical Association prize for biography.

Bob Carson’s dream comes true

November 22, 2014

TORONTO - Being the crossword puzzle guy in a prison means you are never without friends. You become the go-to person when someone is stumped.