EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
In 2022 Pope Francis referred to Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night (1889) in his homily for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord: “A great painter, Vincent Van Gogh, once said that his need for God drove him to…
MARY, MOTHER OF GOD AND WORLD DAY OF PEACE
Scientists of human development, psychology and neuroscience are all in agreement that the loving gaze from a mother to a child is a vital part of one’s growth into a healthy integrated human person. There is something about that long,…
HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses offers a beautiful image: our Lord carrying the Israelites all along the way of their 40-year journey through the desert. On this feast day celebrating and honouring the Holy Family, we might review our…
CHRISTMAS — IS THAT ALL?
My son was four years old when, on the morning of December 25, far too early after the short night before, he finished unwrapping the last of his gifts. Then he turned to me, an anxious look in his eyes:…
O ANTIPHONS
Have you ever wondered about the O Antiphons? These chants and prayers show up during the week before Christmas. They are part of the Acclamation prayers in the weekday masses. What might be most familiar to us about the O…
LIGHT AND VISION: AN ADVENT REFLECTION ON ST. LUCY’S FEAST DAY
I recently suffered from a nasty eye infection. I couldn’t see properly and suffered from acute photo sensitivity. This experience led me to a deeper appreciation of healthy vision. St Lucy, patron saint of eyesight, became a welcome prayer companion.…
WELCOME ADVENT
The time of waiting for a child to be born is full of excitement and wonder. What will he/she be like? How much will the baby weigh? Will the baby’s eyes be blue or brown? My grandson was born on December 24…
WORLD DAY OF THE POOR
Who are the poor?The one who is without shelter through no fault of their own.The one who is dependent on alcohol or pain medication.The one who visits food banks in order to provide nourishment for their children.The one who fears…
READ, REFLECT, REPEAT: NOVALIS BOOK(LET) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ADVENT
Advent has a way of sneaking up on us. Just when we’re feeling like the fall routines are in place and we’re adjusting to the time change and the cooler weather, the liturgical calendar shifts into a new season. We’re…
REMEMBRANCE DAY: A DAY TO HONOUR SACRIFICE AND EMBRACE PEACE
Every year on November 11, we pause in silence. The world remembers the men and women who gave their lives in wars past and present. Their sacrifice is not an abstract idea; it is the reason we are free to…