The Catholic Bishops of Canada welcome the new Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini (The Word of God). These reflections by the Holy Father will be a major impetus in the ongoing renewal and life of the Church, universally and in our own country. Catholics, as well as other Christians, were already enriched and encouraged by the deliberations of the Synod of Bishops on the Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church. This Apostolic Exhortation distills the impetus and recommendations of that 2008 Synod. “The Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures just as she venerates the body of the Lord, since, especially in the sacred liturgy, she unceasingly receives and offers to the faithful the bread of life from the table both of God's word and of Christ's body” (Second Vatican Council, Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, Dei Verbum, no. 21). Saint Augustine wrote that when the Church and its members read and meditate on the Scriptures, our minds are enlightened, our wills strengthened and our hearts set on fire with the love of God. Vatican II encouraged a deeper understanding of the Scriptures. This is a major reason why the Council had such impact on pastoral life, catechesis, preaching, ecumenism and Christian witness. As did the Second Vatican Council, so also may this Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Benedict XVI. May it inspire all the Church today to reclaim the enthusiasm and mission of Pentecost, and be ever more determined to renew the face of our earth -- in faith, hope and love.In addition to Cardinal Ouellet, five other Canadian bishops participated in the Synod of Bishops in 2008: Bishop Luc Bouchard - Diocese of Saint Paul, Alberta Bishop Ronald Fabbro, CSB - Diocese of London, Ontario Archbishop Lawrence Huculak, OSBM - Ukrainian Archeparchy of Winnipeg, Manitoba Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, SJ - Archdiocese of Ottawa, Ontario Bishop Raymond Saint-Gelais - Diocese of Nicolet, Quebec - Photo credit: CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters
At the Manresa Spiritual Renewal Centre in Pickering, ON, retreatants of all ages can encounter a God of surprises.
In June, 2024, the domed roof and interior of St. Anne's Anglican Church in Toronto tragically burned down. However, the parish community continues to stand strong and serve its neighbourhood.
Pope Francis invites us to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.
Pope Francis invites us to pray for the right to an education for migrants, refugees and those affected by war; that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, may always be respected.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with the CND sisters and enjoy a special lunch of soup, pizza, salad, and dessert. While I was there, I thought it would be a great opportunity to ask the sisters about what they were looking forward to this Christmas.