BLOG: Saints and Blesseds,Special Events
Stories are powerful. They inspire us, imbue us with values, and foster a sense of continuity with the past. In fact, I always marvel at how Jesus used parables to reveal realities that could hardly be fathomed by those who heard them. I’ve heard it said that we become the stories we tell ourselves. I’ll ...read more
There was more to celebrate this past weekend than just the Resurrection of our Lord! As reported on Perspectives yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI has given his approval for Fr. Felix Varela to be given the status of “venerable,” following a unanimous recommendation from the Vatican’s Congregation for Saints’ Causes. This means that Varela is now ...read more
Today marks the 7th anniversary of Blessed John Paul II’s death. This video, “Thank You John Paul II”, is a Salt + Light Television production that pays tribute to a man who touched the hearts of millions of people. We know that Blessed John Paul II will forever be remembered for his courageous bridge-building efforts ...read more
This evening the Holy Father greeted children gathered in Peace Square, Guanajuato. In an atmosphere of festive and joyful song, the Holy Father spoke with the young children gathered, encouraging them to draw near to the Lord. He spoke of the true nature of discipleship saying, “He [Jesus] wishes to write in each of your ...read more
Upon Pope Benedict’s arrival at the International Airport of Guanajuato, Mexico the region has reason to celebrate. Although Blessed Pope John Paul II visited Mexico five times, he never went to Guanajuato – known as the most Catholic state of Mexico. In his opening address the Holy Father warmly greets the Mexican faithful as a ...read more
Published below is a message from Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate for all of Ireland. In the Universal Church today, we celebrate the feast day of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. With great joy, on this, the Feast day of St Patrick, our National Apostle, I wish Irish people everywhere a ...read more
Not only did Pope Benedict XVI give Canada a new Cardinal, but he also approved the canonization of a new Canadian Saint. Along with six others, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha will be proclaimed a saint later this year — on October 21, 2012. Published below is an official statement released by Archbishop Richard Smith, president of ...read more
It’s easy to take ecumenism for granted in Canada, even during this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Of course, the full expression of visible unity has not been achieved, and won’t likely occur within our lifetime. But we have grown so accustomed to respectful relations and cooperative efforts on social issues that our prayers ...read more
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has dedicated a new page on its website to the Church and Indigenous Peoples of Canada. This special project was launched to coincide with the feast day of Canada’s first woman saint, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys. In the Universal Church, St. Marguerite’s feast day is celebrated on Thursday, Jan. 11. ...read more
Host Mary Rose Bacani discovers the heart-warming stories of pilgrims who travel to Saint Joseph’s Oratory from all over the world in search of peace, holiness and healing. She also visits the Cantins, a family from Southwestern Ontario that has one of the most impressive archives of Br. André in North America. ...read more