Eleven years ago, when I was Artistic Director for World Youth Day 2002, one of my responsibilities was the Papal Welcome Ceremony. Fr. Tom Rosica, CSB (who was Director of WYD) had suggested that we include a specific liturgical dance group comprised of people with different abilities, and so began my journey with the L’Arche ...read more

As the week began with news of the 37 foreigners killed during the Algerian gas-plant hostage-taking, I began thinking about what else is happening around the world: Toronto: Court watches video of the death of Ashley Smith. Ashley killed herself in her prison cell while guards looked on from the outside. They say they were ...read more

Every year on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Benedict takes part in a special tradition: he celebrates Mass in the Sistine Chapel with Vatican workers who have had babies in the last year. He also baptizes the new ones. This tradition originally began with Pope John Paul II in the first ...read more

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) issued a statement earlier today concerning Motion 312. The motion seeks to re-examine the question of when human life should be recognized under the law. The statement, signed by CCCB president Archbishop Richard Smith, is published below. Later this month, on September 21, Members of Parliament will continue debate on Motion 312, proposed by Mr. ...read more

On Day 2 of Pope Benedict’s trip to Lebanon, he met with members of the government, institutions of the Republic, the diplomatic corps, religious leaders and representatives of the world of culture. The meeting took place inside the Presidential Palace at Baabda. Below, you will find a copy of his address. Mr President, Dear Friends, ...read more

Published below is the address that Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, delivered at the 2012 Catholic Media Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. At this year’s awards celebration, Salt + Light received a Gabriel Award for Best Arts Documentary for Panes of Glory: The Windows of St. Peter’s Seminary. Dear ...read more

Our intrepid reporters, Marie and Andre Brunet of Winnipeg, bring us another look at what’s going on in Milan during the VII World Meeting of Families. Milan, Italy –  We are writing this from the Piazza del Duomo (the Milan Cathedral Square), where we await with large crowds and great anticipation the arrival of the ...read more

This post was submitted by Marie and Andre Brunet of Winnipeg. They will be providing blogs from Milan during the World Meeting of Families. In a matter of days, my husband André and I will be leaving on a pilgrimage – one of many we have embarked on in our lives.  Long before we were ...read more

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

Thousands of pro-life supporters from across Canada gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa yesterday for the 2012 National March for Life. Khoi Vu and I had the great privilege in taking part in this year’s events. Cloudy skies and a constant threat of rain did not deter the young, old, man and woman from coming ...read more