ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA
“If I only knew then what I know now.” This is what I said to Emund Matatawabin, former Cree Chief at Fort Albany, author and winner of the Order of Canada. He responded that he thought this would make a…
Category Social Justice
MUSINGS ON THE THEME OF THIS WORLD DAY OF THE POOR: “STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND TO THE POOR”
I remember long ago an anecdotal story of the conference of bishops of Brazil who ended their meetings about policies and procedures with the question: “Well gentlemen, how have we helped the poor today?” Whether this account is true or…
Be Servants of Hope in a World of Fake News
By Joseph Sinasac, Publishing Director Does the Catholic Church have anything relevant to say about the spread of “fake news” and its impact on political debate? Pope Francis offers an unalloyed “yes!” In his Communications Day Message for 2017 (issued…
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…
Remembering Henri Nouwen on his 20th Anniversary
By Joseph Sinasac, Publishing Director Henri Nouwen devotees everywhere will recall this day 20 years ago: It was when we heard the news that this spiritual thinker par excellence had died. I remember it clearly myself. I was at a…
A Saint for Our Times: Saint Francis of Assisi
This weekend offers a most unique moment in the sanctoral cycle as churches offer the annual blessing for pets, a lively and always unpredictable way to mark both the October 4th feast of St. Francis of Assisi and the gift…
Working for Peace in Syria: Three Ways You Can Help
The other day I told some friends of mine that I was against military intervention in Syria’s civil war. One friend sharply criticized my response and suggested that our inaction will lead to the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands,…