What are we to expect from Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Voyage to the Czech Republic that begins on Saturday? One theme of discussion that has come up in the last few weeks is secularization. Just over 31% of the Czech population identify themselves as Catholic, according to statistics released by the Vatican this week. The ...read more

The head of Canada’s episcopal conference is urging Parliament to reject the latest attempt to legalize euthanasia. With the House of Commons expected to s00n debate private member’s bill C-384, Archbishop V. James Weisgerber wrote the country’s MP’s to address popular confusion surrounding end of life issues. Referring to euthanasia’s proponents, the Winnipeg prelate declared ...read more

Obtenir le lecteur Flash pour voir cette vidéo. Salt + Light Television has prepared a new lineup of enlightening programming for Fall 2009 and beyond. As host, I will be joined by all of S+L’s on-air personalities as they reveal the new series, documentaries and specials that you’ll soon see on Your Catholic Channel of Hope. ...read more

As reported on the Wednesday September 23rd edition of Zoom, while meeting in their annual plenary assembly, the Bishops of Quebec held a press conference to release a letter regarding the Ethics and Religious Culture program. Here is the letter: A letter to the Minister of Education on the Ethics and Religious Culture Program The ...read more

If I have an idol in my life, it’s likely my vacation time. Every year I carefully consider my options before committing to a time or place—no city-dwelling staycations for me. My friends can attest to my countless hours spent pouring over websites in search of a somewhat paradoxical destination: it must be prayerful, yet ...read more

We could face today’s problems “more serenely and effectively”, said Pope Benedict XVI, if we reject “lies and violence in intentions, words and actions” and cultivate “sentiments of respect, understanding and esteem for others”. On Sunday, the Holy Father delivered an exhortation for peace prior to the recitation of the Angelus. Included below is ZENIT’s ...read more

The following article comes from Deborah Gyapong of Canadian Catholic News: Bishops poised to become more effective in the public square By Deborah Gyapong Canadian Catholic News September 17, 2009 OTTAWA (CCN)— The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is poised to become more effective in the public square. Two former Members of Parliament—a Liberal ...read more

Pope Benedict XVI’s Wednesday General Audience looked at the Eastern monk Symeon the New Theologian. One point I found interesting, particularly in this Year of the Priest, was the Holy Father’s comments on spiritual direction. Symeon had a spiritual father who helped him greatly as a young man, and our Pontiff invited the faithful to ...read more

In the past two seasons of Lectio Divina with Archbishop Thomas Collins, Toronto’s chief shepherd has meditated on the Sermon on the Mount and the writings of St. Paul. The third season premiers this weekend, with the Archbishop reflecting on the Parables of Jesus. The Sower, the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan are among ...read more

A woman religious from Israel will be among five new beatifications occurring this fall. The announcement of the five new blesseds came last week from the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff. The four other Blesseds include a Spanish Cardinal, a Hungarian Martyr, an Italian diocesan priest and a German religious. Here are ...read more