In a small farming village in southwestern Ontario a few weeks ago, the sun was shining, incense was permeating the air and the Most Blessed Sacrament was being adored in an outdoor procession. 

With summer fast approaching, students everywhere are itching for the end of the school year, and for many, it’s because there is a much-anticipated family vacation awaiting them. 

Imagine yourself as a tree. 

We all start off as small little seeds and the water is all of the blessings and gifts the Lord grants us in order to grow. Slowly over time, we grow into a tall, strong and beautiful tree. The fruits that we bear are everything that we have to offer to others and to the Lord. 

Justin Trudeau’s Liberals captivated Canadians during last year’s election campaign with its vision to create a new Canada — a humanitarian Canada focused on making the world a more optimistic and equal place. But in its good-natured desire for rapid change, the government’s efforts to protect the dignity of the human person have been misguided. 

I recently read an article about how Confirmation is often seen as a milestone, like graduation, rather than a sacred tradition. This led me to think back on my own experience with the sacrament.

There is no doubt that the events at Fort McMurray are a tragedy. But the tragedy lies not only in the destruction, but in the disruption of everyday life.

Power. Betrayal. Love. All the words that come to mind after having watched The Huntsman: Winter’s War. As simple as these words may sound, they are anything but that. These words continue to creep into our lives, especially when we least expect it, and challenge our character.

There is no hiding the fact that gambling is a popular pastime amongst adults. Whether it be betting on sports, purchasing lotto tickets or visiting a casino, the gambling world is vast. But what most people don’t realize is that gambling has also become a rising problem with the younger generation.

Pope Francis wants us to be the generation that will restore the future of the family and we must begin with ourselves.

The challenge of fighting for what we believe in isn’t necessarily a fight many of us would like to have. If anything, many of us would avoid it and hope for the best.