ST. ANDRÉ BESSETTE, PATRON OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS
It was an ordinary Sunday until the Mass ended and a parishioner went up to the ambo to speak. He shared the story of a man who had been severely injured by a falling tree and who had gone to…
HOSANNA: A LITANY OF PRAISE AND PETITION FOR THE NEW YEAR
The passage from the old year to a new is a time for reflection. One thinks about the losses, griefs, and disappointments suffered as well as the achievements, blessings, and successes enjoyed! Life is something of a mixed bag and…
THE CHRISTMAS CARD DOESN’T TELL THE WHOLE STORY
One of my favourite Christmas images is of the Holy Family huddled together. Looming large in the forefront is a Christmas card bearing images of gifts, bells, candles, etc. The painting is by an Argentinian artist and I am not…
FROM POLITICS TO PEACE: THE FEAST OF HOLY INNOCENTS
Three days ago, we were filled with joy at the birth of the Christ child. Today, we mark the deaths of innocent children at the hands of Herod, pawns in a political game. Two thousand years later, how much has…
“A THRILL OF HOPE, THE WEARY WORLD REJOICES”
I have childhood memories of sitting in the silence of Christmas morning. Of course, there was great excitement about presents and company coming. Deep within, there was the contemplation of something holy and important. It is in this silence that…
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE & NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IN SOLIDARITY WITH INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
December 12th is the Feast Our Lady of Guadalupe (Patron of the Americas). In December of 1531, on a site revered by Aztecs as a shrine to the goddess Tonantzin, the Blessed Virgin appeared to an indigenous man, Juan Diego.…
AN OPEN LETTER FROM ST. NICHOLAS
Dear Adults, Kids love me because I love them first. Ever since I was a kid myself, I’ve done what I could for the vulnerable – all those folks who can’t stand tall enough to reach the table and help…
HOW IS YOUR ADVENT JOURNEY?
Advent is my favourite liturgical season for so many reasons. It provides an opportunity for seeing more of the nighttime sky and the stars. And the night sky plays such an important role in the Christmas story. Advent is a…
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Let us go rejoicing! The 1st Sunday of the Advent is upon us. This beautiful season seems to rush past us in the anticipation of Christmas. I hope to slow down this year and savour the candles, the hymns and…
COME, LORD JESUS! BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ADVENT
Where did the liturgical year go? We’re almost at the end of this one, with Advent and the new church year just around the corner. I love Advent, but it often flies by before I can really immerse myself in…