BLOG: Fr. Raphael Ma, CR
Though most countries celebrate the feast of our Lord’s Ascension today, in Canada that solemnity is transfered from the traditional Thursday to the following Sunday. That means liturgically, the Canadian Church celebrates the optional memorial of St. Joseph the Worker today. On this feast I am always reminded of a wooden statue of St. Joseph ...read more
Where are you when it comes to technology? Up-to-the-minute? Lost? Navigating somewhere in between? More importantly… where are your kids when it comes to technology? Today on Mothering, Full of Grace we talk to moms about the good and bad of technology, the advantages and dangers it presents our children, and how moms can stay ...read more
We’ve been thrilled with the positive response to 64 Days with the Ark, Salt + Light Television’s new series that follows a 1000 km walking pilgrimage from Midland, Ontario to Quebec City. As I type, a hardy group of portageurs continues carrying the Ark of the New Covenant (a symbolic religious artifact) onwards to the ...read more
The Church’s teaching on indulgences is very ancient and the basis for the original understanding of indulgences still stands. But over the centuries, the doctrine and practice suffered many unfortunate abuses, so upon the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI formed a Commission to study the topic thoroughly. On January 1, 1967 ...read more
From tying up shoelaces to help with History homework, parents play a giant role in teaching their children. Of course, kids are taught and influenced by their teachers and friends and coaches, but when it comes to “World’s Best Teacher,” well, that’s an award that should go to each parent. It says so right in ...read more
The S+L team returned to Toronto Monday morning at 10:45 AM. Coincidentally, the papal plane landed in Rome at the exact same time. During the eight hour flight, “Shepherd One” flew briefly over Canadian airspace, prompting the Holy Father to impart a greeting and prayer to Governor General Michaëlle Jean. Her Excellency Michaëlle Jean Governor-General ...read more
“A soothing balm,” is how one priest described the Holy Mass with Priests and Religious, celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral. “We are wounded. We needed this.” Witnessing the 40-something cleric crying at the start of the Mass awakened me to the great struggles of the American Church. As a ...read more
I’m off to the papal departure at JFK airport. “The Lord be with you!” says the Pope. “God has redeemed you and made you His children. … May almighty God bless you the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” ...read more
The Holy Father preached an incredible homily during the Mass from Yankee Stadium on Sunday. It masterfully brought together the different themes Pope Benedict touched on in his addresses and homilies during the past six days. It’s a wonderful summary of his Apostolic Voyage — a message of joy, of faith, and a challenge to ...read more
Pope Benedict has just emerged from the Yankees dugout and proceeded to the altar consructed at second base. This is the third time a Pope has stepped onto the field at Yankee stadium. Pope Paul VI celebrated mass here in 1965 and John Paul II in 1979. I am sitting in the press box with ...read more