Category Faith

The Presentation of the Lord

By Anne Louise Mahoney, Editor The Bible is short on details when it comes to Jesus’ early life. In fact, Luke’s gospel covers Jesus’ first 12 years in a mere 34 verses! But in between his birth and his being…

On the Quebec Shooting

Joseph Sinasac, Publishing Director Canada has its own racist demons. Can we learn anything from the killing of six Muslims at a suburban mosque near Quebec City on Jan. 29? How do we respond – as individuals and collectively –…

The Conversion of St. Paul

Matthew Sottile, Editor The Conversion of St. Paul; what to think of such a dramatic moment? Many are reminded of the theatrical representation captured best by the hands of Michelangelo- and no, I do not mean that Michelangelo. Instead, I’m…

Ushering in the New Year

Joseph Sinasac, Publishing Director January 24 is the Feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron of writers and journalists. This memorable bishop, writer and advisor of popes and European royalty remains to this day an inspiration for those of us…

Merry Christmas from the Novalis Team!

Joseph Sinasac, Publishing Director Why do we love Christmas? Why do we spend so much time, energy, money and angst in preparing for this single day? For many reasons, I suppose, but at its heart, Christmas responds to our deep…

Literature’s Impact

By Matthew Sottile, Editor  By definition, literature consists of “written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit.” The books we cherish move us to tears, educate youth, and transport us to worlds far away. I think we…

St. John of the Cross

By Anne Louise Mahoney, Editor Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield recently published a book for children called The Darkest Dark. It turns out that this intrepid spaceman was once afraid of the dark! It’s only when he sees the moon landing…

A Glass Half-full

By Simon Appolloni, Editorial Director As our neighbours to the south prepare to give thanks this weekend, I am reminded of a book Novalis published some time ago, a book that is perhaps even more relevant today: Radical Gratitude, by…

Portraits of Faith: Where Would I Be without God? An Incredible Journey

The following is an excerpt from one of our new Fall 2016 titles, Portraits of Faith: Young Adult Catholics Share Their Stories. This book contains a collection of 15 essays by young Catholics from across Canada, and offers a series of portraits from this…

Remembering St. John XXIII

By Anne Louise Mahoney, Editor It was October 1958. Pius XII had died after 19 years as Bishop of Rome. Canadian Catholics, like Catholics around the world, were anxiously waiting to hear who their new pope would be. The conclave,…