Below is the Vatican-provided translation of Pope Francis’ discourse at the conclusion of the Synod of Bishops on the Family in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall this afternoon: Dear Beatitudes, Eminences and Excellencies, Dear Brothers and Sisters, I would like first of all to thank the Lord, who has guided our synodal process in these ...read more

Here’s a look at what’s been going on church-wise across the country: The landscape of religious life is growing in Vancouver: two Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist have arrived and have taken on active roles in the archdiocese. One of sisters shared her vocation story with the faithful. Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Regina celebrates 100 ...read more

Here’s some of what we’ve been reading across Canada this week: The Synod of Bishops has four Canadian bishops participating. Cardinal Thomas Collins shared his synod talk this week. It’s been about five months since Pope Francis’ encyclical on human ecology “Laudato Si” was released. Here is a look at how one religious community in ...read more

“The good Lord gave me a father and a mother more worthy of Heaven than of earth”. Photo: CNS/Paul Haring These words come to us from Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Carmelite nun and youngest daughter of Louis and Zélie Martin. Their names will soon be added to the book of saints next October ...read more

A few months ago a group of us at Salt and Light signed up for Community Supported Agriculture program with Willo Wind Farms, you can read more about that here. And now that the Fall is upon us and we’re nearing the end of the season here’s what I took away: Everything tasted way, way better ...read more

“How’s your married life?” is the question I was most frequently asked after I got married. You read that correctly, I got married two months ago on August 8, 2015. Thanks be to God that the wedding went so smoothly. Thank you to everyone who helped us out on that day. Do you want to ...read more

Here’s what’s been going on across the country this week: In Vancouver, where the permanent diaconate program has only been in place for about two years, another group of candidates have started the journey towards ordained ministry. In Saskatoon, a controversial “conscientious objection” policy was passed this week by the province’s College of Physicians and ...read more

There’s this great scene early in the Wizard of Oz where Dorothy unsuccessfully tries to relate to her family about an incident involving her dog Toto. After she’s brushed off with the admonishment “find yourself a place where you won’t get into any trouble” Dorothy muses to her dog Toto, “‘Some place where there isn’t ...read more

“You illustrate humility, you model service, and a hope we all are hoping and waiting for.” On the morning of September 19th, you, Holy Father, flew to Havana, Cuba, where people raised their eyes to welcome you.  A path of faith was printed in the itinerary of your visit to Cuba, celebrating Mass, vespers, and ...read more

On Tuesday, September 22, 2015, Pope Francis met with families in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Cuba. Below, find the full text to his prepared remarks. We are here as a family! And whenever we come together as a family, we feel at home. Thank you, Cuban families. Thank you, Cubans, for ...read more