BLOG: Fr. Raphael Ma, CR
Is it just me, or is this now the news of the day? Is it because CTV aired the controversial film the Suicide Tourist or is it because this Nov 30th and Dec 1st is the first ever International Symposium on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide? I don’t want to talk too much about the film, ...read more
The College of Cardinals will increase by 23 this Saturday, breaking the 200 mark for the first time. In an atmosphere compared to the Superbowl by at least one commentator, Rome will be abuzz with the new appointments. Kenya, Brazil, Mexico, Senegal, Italy, Spain, France, Ireland, India and the U.S.A. are among the nations celebrating new ...read more
In order to rush to a television studio near the Vatican, Cardinal Marc Ouellet never likely had to get off a plane as quickly as this afternoon. The Quebec media had been running after him for well over 24 hours. If you are not from Quebec, maybe you didn’t hear what was the top story ...read more
As close as all the Salt + Light producers are to each other, I have to admit that we don’t often get a chance to sit down and find out intricate details about everyone else’s shows or projects.  We do find time, however, to pray together and hang out once in a while. Recently I ...read more
After Jesus foretold a great upheaval in Sunday’s Gospel, surely it wasn’t mere curiosity that provoked his disciples to ask, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” (Luke 21:7, NAB) Yes, the apocalypse provides a thrilling narrative, whereby all humanity is inescapably pulled ...read more
…to start thinking about advent. Already, retail stores are luring Christmas buyers with their festive displays, which always get me excited. It hit me that I could redirect those feelings towards starting my spiritual advent as soon as stores begin to deck their halls. In the first week of advent, the church invites us to ...read more
As I climbed the stairs of a subway exit a perfectly intact poppy laid on the landing. I thought for a second, and then picked it up. I considered not taking it, but it seemed disrespectful to leave a poppy in that dirty stairwell. In Canada, when I look at the poppy I think of ...read more
I am so happy to share with you that finally we are airing the second season of In Your Faith! For those of you not familiar with the show, In Your Faith is our very own Salt+Light Television show for high school students. Byron and Rosanna, two wonderful young Catholic actors, host the half hour ...read more
I hope you had a chance to catch Wednesday’s edition of Zoom, where we filmed on location at Ontario’s Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board’s Faith Day, held in Mississauga. Host Kris Dmytrenko and cameraman Wally Tello weren’t the only Salt + Light staff on hand, in fact ten of us were there filming, tracking ...read more
As we enter November, let’s consider the Papal Prayer Intentions. Pope Benedict’s mission intention for November is: “That in the Korean peninsula the spirit of reconciliation and peace may grow.” His general prayer intention is: “That those dedicated to medical research and all those engaged in legislative activity may always have deep respect for human ...read more