Proclaiming the Word: Part Four Last time we looked at why a homily must be scriptural, pastoral, catechetical and liturgical and that there should be one key message (focus) and one suggestion as to how we can respond to that message (function). These are great suggestions for organizing your text. However, no matter what, the ...read more

Most diocesan news papers and news sites have scaled back production for the summer. This week’s Coast to Coast is a look at upcoming events across the country. July 31 is the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Canadian Jesuits and Jesuit affiliated parishes, schools, and organizations will be celebrating in different ways across the ...read more

Several weeks ago Pope Francis, while giving a homily in Cassano allo Ionio, declared that members of the Mafia are not in communion with God, “they are excommunicated”. Outside of Italy the homily got attention because it was so unexpected and didn’t really make sense. For Italians in the south, the declaration was long overdue. ...read more

I recently took a trip to Québec City where rich history and beautifully restored buildings attract millions of visitors each year. Especially this year, with the first ever Holy Door outside of Europe and Québec’s two newest saints! I delighted at the shrines of newly canonized St. Francois de Laval and St. Marie de L’incarnacion, ...read more

Executive Producer Alejandro Bermudez, Producers Michèle Nuzzo-Naglieri and David Naglieri, Director of Photography Wally Tello, Senator Liliana Negre de Alonso, a close friend and collaborator with Cardinal Bergoglio, and Executive Producer Andrew Walther– in Buenos Aires for filming of Francis: The Pope From the New World.  ...read more

 It’s always interesting to see what’s “going viral.”  Oftentimes it’s a hit pop song or music video, or some other video giving a quick dose of ridiculous comic relief.  But sometimes the world of social media provides a sudden and real opportunity for all people of good will to unite behind a cause for justice ...read more

Ever wonder where the idea for feathered caps came from? I recall my mother saying ‘that’s a feather in your cap’ to express an accomplishment. But, whenever she said it the first thing that came to mind was a pirate or buccaneer. Later I learnt these nefarious characters stole the idea from the landed gentry, ...read more

On the Feast of Mary Magdalene – July 22 “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” The famous catchphrase first appeared in the letters of St. Augustine, when he wrote, “With love for humanity and hatred of sins.” It was later included in the autobiography of Mohandas Gandhi as “Hate the sin and not the sinner.” ...read more

Last time  I wrote about what makes a good homily and what is an image of a preacher.  At the preaching conference, most of the presenters dedicated their talks to how a homilist should prepare. “Prepare the homilist; not the homily” was a phrase used by Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto during the keynote opening ...read more

In Vancouver, the Catholic school board has created a policy for dealing with transgender children after one family pulled their child out of a lower mainland Catholic school and filed a human rights complaint. The dioceses of Edmonton and Mackenzie – Fort Smith have signed a covenant of cooperation, inspired by John Paul II. In ...read more