We do not go to Holy Communion because we are good; we go to become good. – Saint John Bosco, +1888
Year: 2022
True Love and Willing the Good: Is Love Kind and Patient?
An examination of the synonyms of love found in Roget’s Thesaurus provide an entry into today’s second reading, Saint Paul’s mini-treatise on love;[1] appetite, favour, liking, partiality, preference, taste, craving, crush, desire, infatuation, longing, lust, yearning, ardour, eagerness, enthusiasm, fervour, zeal, esteem, regard, respect, adoration, idolatry, worship, allegiance, fealty, fidelity, loyalty.[2] Which of these, would[…]
Fourth Sunday: Witnessing to the Truth
But Jesus passed through the midst of them and went on His way (Lk. 4:30). ⧾ Our Gospel reading today is a continuation of last Sunday’s Gospel. Having returned to Nazareth where He had been brought up, Our Lord encounters the opposition which is often experienced when the Gospel is first preached or preached in[…]
A Smell of Burning (A Short Story)
She smelled strongly of burnt toast. “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The priest made a sign of the cross. “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned…” A long pause followed. “It’s been two years since my last confession…” Another pause. Her voice sounded rough, like[…]
Pope Benedict and Saint Thomas
Pope Benedict XVI, in his series on great figures in the Church’s history, dedicated no less than three addresses to the life and thought of the great Saint Thomas Aquinas, back in June of 2010. For those keen to learn more of the great Doctor – and who would not? – here they are for[…]
Truckers’ Convoy for Freedom!
The Truckers’ Convoy for Freedom is nearing Ottawa, stopping in Pembroke tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. For those anywhere near, you are welcome to join others at the Irving Truck Stop, at the corner of Highway 17 and 41. There are thousands in the convoy – already breaking the Guinness record for the largest such in[…]
Jordan Peterson, Brian Peckford and the Charter
Jordan Peterson interviews Brian Peckford, former Premier of Newfoundland (1979 – 1989), who helped draft Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1981-82). He is suing the Federal Government under Justin Trudeau for violating this charter, in particular the following provisions: From the Charter: “Mobility of citizens 6 (1) Every citizen of Canada has the right to enter,[…]
The Popes and the Holocaust
The United Nations General Assembly has chosen this day, January 27th, to remember both the survivors and victims of the Holocaust. In this International Holocaust Remembrance day it is appropriate to acknowledge the Pope’s contribution to defend the Jewish people from persecution, prejudice and all sorts of terrible injustices they unjustly suffered throughout the ages.[…]
Day of Prayer for Ukraine
The Holy Father has asked us to pray for a peaceful resolution to the situation in Ukraine, as Russian troops amass on the border. It seems Ukraine has expressed an intention to join NATO, a move with which Putin disagrees. The argument is that NATO is a defensive organization, and poses no threat. But, then,[…]
Revolution and Renewal in England: Glimpses into the History of Catholicism in ‘Mary’s Dowry’
(On this day, January 25th, in 1533, Henry VIII secretly married his paramour Anne Boleyn, for whom he had thrown off not only his true wife, Catherine of Aragon, but the papacy itself, to gain what he coveted. And so began the destruction of the Church in England. Anne would be beheaded on Henry’s order[…]