BEYOND THE SHAMROCK – MORE LESSONS FROM ST. PATRICK
St. Patrick, though the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Britain when the Roman rule of the land was coming to an end – around the end of the 4th century. At the age of 16 he was captured…
MAKING WAY FOR NEW LIFE THIS LENT
I recently watched a poignant interview of a 50-something celebrity who is living with a terminal illness. He spoke about his career, his life choices, and his relationships with friends and family, especially his children. His life before his diagnosis…
LENT: A TIME OF PREPARATION
Lent is a time of preparation. We spend 40 days preparing for the glory of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. We then spend 50 days celebrating the joy and light of the resurrection. Easter is so central to our lives…
ASH WEDNESDAY
Ash Wednesday represents both a personal and communal reckoning. Before God, we receive the ashes on our foreheads, drawn in the shape of the cross. We are reminded, rather bluntly, that we are mortal and will die. Much as we…
FAMILY DAY
February 16 is Family Day. It is observed as a statutory holiday in a number of provinces – Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Family Day in these provinces coincides with Louis Riel Day in…
ST. VALENTINE’S DAY
February 14. Is it the feast day of a saint? A throwback to pagan gods? A holiday for romance? A commercial opportunity for chocolate and candy makers, florists, card designers and fancy restaurants? And what about the little Valentine cards…
WORLD DAY OF THE SICK
Today, in a world community united in prayer for those who are sick, we are invited to consider the gospel of the Good Samaritan. We are also invited to join with a world community praying in celebration for the feast…
NOVALIS RESOURCES FOR LENT: “HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT US”
The Jubilee Year of Hope may be over, but we can carry this important attitude with us into Lent. With the daily news bringing us story after story of war, loss, economic upheaval, violence and political instability, hope is an…
THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
Forty days after Christmas we come to a feast day that will lead us on a path to the cross. Also known as Candlemas, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord has layers of meaning. Jesus, the Light of…
ST. JOHN BOSCO
John Bosco (1815 – 1888), affectionately known as Don Bosco, was an Italian Catholic priest, educator and writer. He worked in Turin and ministered to people who were harshly affected by industrialization and urbanization. He dedicated himself to supporting street…