As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live. (Pope Saint John Paul II)
Year: 2024
A Catholic Family Day
I suppose it is requisite to wish everyone a happy Family Day, even though, as my own Dad said about ‘Mother’s Day’, every day should be ‘mother’s day’, and every day, in a way, mother’s day. But it is good to set a special day aside to remind of these truths, and the sacrificial love[…]
Look down with maternal clemency, Most Blessed Virgin, upon all your children. Consider the anxiety of bishops who fear their flocks will be tormented by a terrible storm of evils. Heed the anguish of so many people, fathers and mothers of families who are uncertain about their future and beset by hardship and cares (Pope[…]
The Seven Founders of the Servite Order
On February 17th, we celebrate the liturgical memorial of the Seven Founders of the Servite Order, whose story goes back to the thirteen century. In medieval times one would encounter groups which were called guilds, which were essentially groupings of craftsmen of related skills and professions structured to learn, advocate and safeguard their trade. Today’s[…]
Might Dogs Be in Heaven?
I took my brother’s dog, Rocco, out for a glorious hike recently. He’s a golden retriever, raised in my brother’s home from his first days as a puppy, born just over two years ago on the feast of Saint Roch (August 16th) who is, providentially, the patron saint of dogs. Rocco’s a good dog, obedient,[…]
The truth is like a lion. You don’t have to defend it. Let it loose. It will defend itself (Saint Augustine, +430)
Censoring Science
Two significant censorship stories: Here in Canada, Member of Parliament Charlie Angus has put forward a bill, C-372, that would criminalize any speech claiming the benefit of ‘fossil fuels’, punishable by $1,000,000 and two years in prison. Promotion of said fuels is defined broadly and vaguely as: a representation about a product or service by any[…]
Saint John Baptist of the Conception – The Reformer of the Trinitarians
Most of us are familiar with the names John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila. They defined the Spanish Golden Age of mysticism and started the Reformation movement not just for their Order (Carmelites), but for the entire religious life of the Church. But there is another great reformer born in the same milieu,[…]
The Holy Season of Lent
‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him’ (Mt. 4:11). On Ash Wednesday we begin the observance of the holy season of Lent with the imposition of blessed ashes; an external sign of our interior resolve to undertake Lenten penance. By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to[…]
For one pain endured with joy, we shall love the good God more forever. (Saint Therese Lisieux, +1897)