Angelus address of Pope Francis given at the Archbishop’s Residence on the Feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus, July 26, 2013 Dear Brothers and Sisters, Dear Friends, I give thanks to Divine Providence for bringing me here to the city of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro. I offer heartfelt thanks ...read more

How can St. Anthony’s story continue to inspire generations of believers? That was one of many questions I looked into, as I prepared for this latest Catholic Focus. So you know, St. Anthony to this day continues to be one of my favourite Saints in the Church. Besides helping me with lost items (like keys), ...read more

"Preferring Nothing to the Love of Christ" On the feast of Saint Benedict - July 11 ...read more

I have just returned from 9 months in New York City at the United Nations. Upon reflection, I feel like that amount of time was just enough to carry and incubate a new me. Not a completely different person, but somehow not quite the same. I find the labour to be in the transitions. That ...read more

The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus presents us with the opportunity to reflect on the relevance of this venerable symbol in our daily lives. The image of the Sacred Heart is never mentioned as such in Sacred Scripture, but its meaning can be found spanning each page from Genesis to Revelation. Today’s readings ...read more

A reflection on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Year B Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40 Psalm 33 “Blessed the people the Lord has chosen as his heritage” Romans 8:14-17 Matthew 28:16-20 “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” That has got to be one of my favourite passages of scripture. God ...read more

This past week Cardinal Christoph Schonborn of Vienna participated in the Leadership Conference at Holy Trinity Brompton, an Anglican parish in the heart of downtown London. Cardinal Schoenborn’s presentation was more of a Question and Answer session with Holy Trinity pastor Nicky Gumbel. He spoke about Christian Unity, Pope Francis, the Conclave, and was also ...read more

As a 22 year old, it is always humbling to have to ask for money from those whom I know, in many cases, are struggling financially themselves. There seems to be a financial need everywhere these days – coming to us from places like our homes, workplaces and places of worship. It is sobering to ...read more

A reflection on Isaiah 6:1-2; 3-8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 and Luke 5:1-11 Tomorrow the Church marks the 50th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, a day that is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Easter, traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday. As I reflect on the readings for Good Shepherd Sunday (Acts 13:14,43-52; Revelation 7:9,14-17 ...read more

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