Earlier today, the Permanent Council for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops released a pastoral letter on freedom of conscience and religion. Issued by the CCCB’s Permanent Council, the letter expresses concern about an “aggressive relativism” in Canada that seeks to relegate religion to the private sphere. More than that, the Permanent Council explains why ...read more

Why is the practice of religion such a universal phenomenon throughout the history of cultures? Do religions still have a role to play in the secularized countries of the 21st century? Are religions currently evolving in pluralistic societies? An exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, entitled God(s): a User’s Guide, provides the inspiration for ...read more

The month of May – the month the church dedicated to Mary – serves as a good excuse to get familiar with Marian devotions around the world, Marian artwork, and most importantly what we can learn about Christ and our faith by looking at Mary. Once again we turn to our friend Fr. Jim Phalan, ...read more

An interfaith delegation of nearly 20 religious leaders from Ukraine were in Canada this week. The delegation included Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk (Patriarch of the Ukrainian Catholic Church), Mr. Jacob Dov Bleich (Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine), Patriarch Filaret Denysenko (Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyivan Patriarchate), as well as senior representatives of the Roman Catholic, ...read more

Working for Christian Unity is harder than it sounds. The core of all Christian’s faith is Christ. Many Christian denominations have some sort of celebration of Eucharist. Yet many of these Christian confessions who celebrate Eucharist understand that Eucharist differently than we do. This week the Methodist church and Catholic Church in the United States ...read more

Stories are powerful. They inspire us, imbue us with values, and foster a sense of continuity with the past. In fact, I always marvel at how Jesus used parables to reveal realities that could hardly be fathomed by those who heard them. I’ve heard it said that we become the stories we tell ourselves. I’ll ...read more

There was more to celebrate this past weekend than just the Resurrection of our Lord! As reported on Perspectives yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI has given his approval for Fr. Felix Varela to be given the status of “venerable,” following a unanimous recommendation from the Vatican’s Congregation for Saints’ Causes. This means that Varela is now ...read more

“Do not be afraid!  I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.  He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said!” (Matt 28:5-6) Join Salt + Light TV or online as we bring you LIVE coverage of the Easter Sunday Mass and the Urbi et Orbi Blessing from St. Peter’s ...read more

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast of Ottawa, Canada tells us that Christians are to see themselves as “raised with Christ.” More than that, they are called to spread the mystery of Easter to the world. Published below is his complete Easter message. On behalf of His Grace, Archbishop Prendergast and our entire team at Salt and Light ...read more

In his homily during the Easter Vigil, Pope Benedict spoke of the fundamental goodness of creation; of matter; of Being itself. Just as in the beginning God said “Let there be light!” so again He says on Easter morning, “Let there be light!” – the resurrection of Christ – “God’s new day.” The Holy Father ...read more