Douglas Adams – Evolution – Human Beings
I just came across this fascinating and entertaining video - a rich combination of seriousness and humor. It is a talk given at the University of California by Douglas Adams just before his death. Adams didn’t believe in God, but he certainly had a profound appreciation for our beautiful planet, and how we are unwittingly destroying ourselves. Maybe, if Douglas Adams had lived a little longer, he would have come to appreciate that human beings were not only created from the earth*, but in God’s own image. And, I believe, it is this most extraordinary revelation that will help save us from our destructive selves. He once wrote: "I love to keep poking and prodding at it (religion). I’ve thought about it so much over the years that that fascination is bound to spill over into my writing.** Maybe, he was almost there, because he was obviously trying to awaken us. View the video, and you’ll see what I mean. (This is a longer YouTube video than usual, but it is well worth watching.)
God’s Revelation Surrounds Us
The recent tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico was a real reminder of all the beauty God has given to us to appreciate, benefit from, and look after. Here is a little video that a parishioner sent to me. It is indeed gorgeous and inspiring. The author, I believe, created It as a call to faith, and a reminder of our awesome responsibilities. LINK Make sure you have your speakers on to appreciate this inspiring video.
The Feast of the Assumption
This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. Pius XII declared this feast a dogma of the church in 1950. This was a very difficult time for millions and millions of people around the world. World War II was over, but the devastation and tragedy it left behind burdened peoples hearts. Mary symbolized the hope of the Resurrection which is God’s gift to all of us. Pius XII was doing his best to remind us that the lamb of God had conquered all hopelessness, even though sin and death ominously threatened the light of faith. He said at the time, "Finally, it is our hope that belief in Mary’s bodily Assumption into heaven will make our belief in our own resurrection stronger and render it more effective."
Brother André – Videos, Pictures, Podcasts
As we approach Oct. 17th, the day on which Brother André will be canonized, I have been updating myself on his life and work. CBC, God bless it, has preserved and made available historic film footage, TV Broadcasts, and Radio Broadcasts from over the years. Here is the link: CBC- Brother André.
Haiti – Broken Promises
It’s hard to believe that most of the promises of help and support that the world’s nations offered after the tragic earthquake in Haiti were never fulfilled. In January, and for a few weeks following the devastation there were offers and promises of all kinds of help. “We care,” said the world, and, “we will help. We Promise!!!!” Well this summer CNN checked out all those promises and discovered they were mostly empty. For a report on CNN’s investigation, read catholic online’s recent post: Majority of the financial aid to Haiti never arrives.
Cardinal Ouellet’s Essays.
Cardinal Marc Ouellet is longtime Communio editorial board member and author. Some of you might be interested in reading some of his articles. Communio has made a number of them available as downloadable pdfs.
Bus Crash Switzerland – SURVIORS
See previous posts for initial information. Update- 3:08pm, Saturday, June 12, 2010: I just had a call from a gentlemen in my parish who was speaking to two of his sisters who were on the bus crash in Switzerland. Both his sisters, Connie and Leona, are at a hotel and are OK. Fr. Tom Villeneuve and his sister are in the hospital, but are reported to be be doing well, and not too seriously injured. As I get further information, I will update to this post. 4:00 pm – Just received world that Carl R. (St. Raphael’s Parish) and Gail W. (St. Andrew’s Parish) are OK. 6:00pm – Update on two more that are OK: Yvonne. B. (St. Anthony’s) and Claire M. (St. Andrew’s). Let us continue to pray for all survivors and victims of this terrible tragedy.
Latest Word on Bus Crash
Update- 3:08pm, Saturday, June 12, 2010: I just had a call from a gentlemen in my parish who was speaking to two of his sisters who were on the bus crash in Switzerland. Both his sisters, Connie and Leona, are at a hotel and are OK. Fr. Tom Villeneuve and his sister are in the hospital, but are reported to be be doing well, and not too seriously injured. As I get further information, I will update to this post. 4:00 pm – Just received world that Carl R. (St. Raphael’s Parish) and Gail W. (St. Andrew’s Parish) are OK. 6:00pm – Update on two more that are OK: Yvonne. B. (St. Anthony’s) and Claire M. (St. Andrew’s).
Two dead after bus with local tour group flips in Switzerland - The Cornwall Standard Freeholder - Ontario, CA
Our Local paper says it has confirmed that Fr. Tom Villeneuve was on the tour bus. He is the former pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Williamstown, and St. William’s Parish in Martintown.
Canadians killed in Swiss bus crash: report - The Globe and Mail
Let us pray for all on a tour bus, especially, the dead and injured. It appears that some of the people might have been from our area.
Vatican Archives – Greater Access Coming
In the past few weeks there have been several reports on the Vatican decision to allow scholars and journalist greater access to the Vatican Archives. Here are a few links and video:
Trinity Sunday – The Divine Fire Within
This weekend we celebrate Trinity Sunday. It can become every preachers nightmare, If it is approached from the point of view of doctrine and theology. Ultimately, no matter how hard we try, we always fall short when we try to explain and make sense of ‘three persons in one God.” Preachers and meditators might consider approaching this feast from the point of view of spirituality. Trinity Sunday can be a time to explore the mystery of God, being human, and something that Fr. Ronald Rolheiser calls, ‘the divine fire within’. He states: "We humans are infinite spirits in a finite situation, and that’s a sure formula for restlessness. You want to make love to the whole world, you want to consume the planet but you’re confined to one person, one place. … These energies — this divine fire —make up our spirit. How we direct that spirit is spirituality. Our spirit is restless because it’s divine and insatiable."
Gulf Disaster = Co-Creation is Serious Business
A little over a month ago, the “Deepwater Horizon” drilling rig blew up in the Gulf of Mexico. Since that date The New York Times reports that 210,000 Gallons of crude oil have been gushing into the gulf each and every day. I don’t think there has ever been a more catastrophic environmental disaster - and it just keeps gushing! Last Sunday night (May 16th, 2010) CBS reporter Scott Pelley of 60 Minutes interviewed a fellow by the name of Mike Williams. Mike was the chief electronics technician aboard the drilling rig who narrowly escaped with his life and some horrific memories.
Human Co-Creators Take Control of Living Cell
I am not a scientist, but from what I can gather from recent media reports, scientists are now capable of taking the simplest living cell and theoretically turning it into any kind of cell they want.
Theologians have identified us as co-creators with God, and indeed, I think we are. In some ways one could say it is part of being human and should be celebrated as the dignity of human life. On the other hand, humans are finite individuals who often lack the wisdom of the big picture. We act, but often with great immaturity, pride, and selfishness. We are co-creators and not creators! Let us hope and pray that scientist will have the humility to act and co-create with great caution, and recognize in all sincerity and absolute practicality the limitations of the human situation.
Canadian Bishops Inaugurate New Website.
In response to Pope Benedict’s request that Catholics “make astute use of the unique possibilities offered by modern communications,” the Bishops of Canada have answered the call: http://www.cccb.ca/
Giving the Internet a Soul
Not long ago, the Pope, while encouraging faith sharing and evangelization through the internet, also spoke of “giving the internet a soul.” Danielle Bean took up his challenge of ‘soul giving’. Maybe you won’t agree with everything she suggests, but the topic, in my opinion, is long overdue for thoughtful discussion. I welcome the post, and I think many others will also welcome and appreciate it. 10 WAY TO GIVE THE INTERNET A SOUL
Just a White Dot in the Sky
If you looked up with your own eyes from the Planet Mars, this is what we would look like. Nasa’s OPPORTUNITY ROVER captured this picture of PLANET EARTH from the surface of Mars. I find the picture rather mysterious and humbling. It sort of puts a lot of things in perspective, doesn’t it?
Pictures of the Month
I am old enough to have experienced hundreds of Tridentine Masses, but I never saw this:
Legionaries of Christ – Vatican Report
The long awaited report from the Vatican on the Legionaries of Christ was released today. The NATIONAL CATHOLIC REGISTER has just published the document in English. Deception and Betrayal are horrible to experience in life, and I can imagine that many in the Legion are experiencing all kinds of mixed emotions. Why their founder (Father Marcial Maciel Degollado) did what he did is now in God’s hands, but the scandalization, hurts, and scars he has left behind are just horrible. Let us remember in our prayers the thousands and thousands of very good and holy people he has hurt and betrayed, and pray that the church will be able to comfort and heal the wounds of so many. Here is a brief quote of assurance from the Vatican report.
Faith and Questions?
Questioning one’s faith is something that many Catholics feel uncomfortable about. Yet, if our faith is to grow and develop in this digitalized age – an age of information and message bombardment, we need to know how to approach and respond to questions of faith. Here is an excellent article that might be of some help to you: ARTICLE
Learning the Faith – Prayers and Catechism
How do we learn about faith? The other day I asked a lady of Scottish heritage at St. Mary’s Parish (who is in her late 80’s) how she learned her prayers and catechism. What she told me was not about books, but the story of her mother, her brothers and sisters, and of a faith that was taught from the heart and lips of her mother. (The Scottish people were story tellers and passed on their customs, culture, and faith orally – the oral tradition.) I asked her if she would write down a few words, and a few days later she gave me a hand written note. I have decided to type most of it up, and to share it with you. It is a story of faith, a loving mother, of memory, and the oral tradition. Today many Catholics find it difficult to express their faith – they just don’t have the words or the vocabulary. This might help us to appreciate the ways of another era, and to learn a little from days gone by.
Don Justo – Building a Cathedral
Don Justo is a Spaniard who had to leave a Trappist Monastery after eight years because of declining health. He promised Mary that he would build a cathedral in her honor, if he got well. Today, Don Justo is 83 years old, and for fifty years he has been single-handedly constructing his cathedral from a small family inheritance and private donations. His work and life are a tribute to our remarkable human spirit – and inspiring in an infinite number of ways.
Helping Children Cope With Human Suffering
Adults often have difficulty dealing with catastrophes and human suffering, and children do also. Because they are young and inexperienced their reactions can be very developmentally harmful and devastating, if adults don’t recognize, understand, and intervene in appropriate ways. Some children even end up with distorted views of God. In this week’s edition of America Magazine, Medical Doctor Pat Fosarelli provides some useful insights into the fearful feelings and reactions of many of our children to human suffering, and offers some suggestions on how caregivers can help. Dr. Pat states, “Over the last 15 years or so, I have surveyed more than 7,000 children and teens regarding their ideas about God and God’s relationship to our world. One of the questions invited respondents to ask God any question they wished. More than 98 percent of the questions these children and teens posed were not flippant or cute, but were serious questions about themselves or our troubled world.” America Magazine
Priest, Abuse, and the Vatican
It seems that the only news available on the the Catholic Church right now is about the scandal of sexual abuse of children by priests. My Google reader is filled with story after story, viewpoint after viewpoint, situation after situation, opinion after opinion, etc.. If you are like me, you look for articles and people who have the ability to be most insightful and helpful. One of the authors I turn to is John Allen which Vatican Radio also turn too, and even reprinted one of his recent articles. A second author is Thomas Reese, S.J., Senior Fellow of Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University. There is an excellent interview with him by Maureen Fiedler on http://interfaithradio.org/node/1290.
Technorati Tags: Vatican,Abuse,Tom Reese,John Allen,Commentary,viewpoint,understanding
Stations of The Cross
Children from the various parishes in the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall have created Pictures depicting the events of Good Friday.
National Catholic Mission – 2010
This annual Lenten television event is presented by the (Canadian) National Catholic Broadcasting Council. It provides and invitation to Catholics and Christians to rekindle their faith, and to seek new direction for their lives. Spiritan Father Pat Fitzpatrick, and Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister host this year’s Mission which explores the theme, “A God For All Seasons.” It was televised from St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Addressing the Sexual Abuse Crisis
The Official blog of the Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto has a new post on the sexual abuse crisis. It is well worth reading. These few opening words near the beginning of the post set its tone and perspective: “We should all remember that if there was no abuse, we wouldn’t be having this discussion. We are ashamed that there was rampant sexual abuse of minors by clergy throughout the world and that this abuse was not dealt with more directly and pastorally.Yes, the spotlight is being shone on us but it is also our responsibility to set the bar at the highest level.” FULL POST of March 29, 2010 –ADDRESSING WORLDWIDE CLAIMS OF ABUSE
Letter to the Catholics of Ireland, 19 March 2010, Benedict XVI
The long awaited letter to the Irish People has finally been published by the
Vatican. Here is the Link: Letter to the Catholics of Ireland, 19 March 2010, Benedict XVI
I Believe in Chances
This Sunday we hear once again the parable of the prodigal son. It is so hard for us to appreciate, accept, or live what Jesus is telling us about God, Us, and Love. There is a little video about a Jesuit priest, Fr. Greg Boyle, who lives by this parable and inspires others to do the same. He is the founder of Homeboy Industries, and has given hope and meaning to thousands of young people in Los Angeles: View Video
Kate McGarrigel – Rest in Peace
Canadian folk singer, Kate McGarrigel (1946-2010) died Monday, January 18, 2010. This song seems eminently relevant given the situation in Haiti.
Inspiring Words of Hope
Archbishop Robert Carlson of St. Louis preached a homily at a special Mass for Haitians on Thursday, January 14, 2010. Here is an excerpt that inspires hope, courage, and a Christian response:
Eyewitness Family
Port-au-Prince archbishop among dead in earthquake | National Catholic Reporter
"The lifeless body of Archbishop Joseph Miot of Port-au-Prince was found this morning under the rubble of the archbishops’ residence," L’Osservatore Romano reported this morning. Full story and details in the NCR report:
Earthquake - Realtime image results at PicFog
It almost seems voyeuristic to post this site with pictures from the social web about the tragedy (earthquake) in Haiti. The global village definitely makes human suffering so real and graphic. Canada, the United States, and the international community are attempting to respond quickly with help. Let us pray that they are successful.
The Downtown Chapel – A Place at the Table
“For so many, the need to belong is strong but the search can be discouraging and lonely. One may feel isolated, unsure whether there is a place of love and nurturing for them. They do not feel at home anywhere, or with anyone. There is no place at a table for them. Their isolation can be anguishing; their spirit diminished. Every person has a need to belong.” This is a quote from The Downtown Chapel Web Site by one of the priests (Fr. Bob Loughery) who serves this community in Portland Oregon. This Site and ministry certainly deserve a visit, and I especially recommend the Christmas Portrait Slide Show for those of you who are visual. Please visit the site (Downtown Chapel) for more videos, the priest’s blogs, and this very special ministry in the downtown core of Portland, Oregon by the Holy Cross Fathers. It is a very special gift to help one begin the New Year with the blessing of hope.
The Power of Hope
As I was preparing my homily for the New Year – Feast of Mary Mother of God, I came across Deacon Greg Kandra’s web site: The Deacon’s Bench. In his homily for the New Year he refers to a Martha Mason, of Lattimore, North Carolina. Martha was a survivor of Polio but lived in an iron lung for 61 years. The New York Times reported on her death this May 2009: Martha Mason, Who Wrote Book About Her Decades in an Iron Lung, Dies at 71. The story is truly inspirational, but also scary, when you think about it. Here is a quote that reflects both: "I live in a stable of nightmares," she once wrote, "but hope keeps them in harness."
The Good News Always Inspires Love and Generosity
A Toronto Man of Muslim faith is inspired by the generosity that Jesus call us all to live. In a recent article in the Canadian Catholic Register he talks of this inspiration and how Mother Teresa more or less transformed his life:
Christmas Trees, The Vatican, and Two Popes
Christmas Trees have been a part of my Christmas for 65 years. I can’t imagine Christmas without one. Yet, it was only in 1982 that John Paul II recognized the tradition. In that year John Paul II requested that a Christmas tree adorn St
Peter’s Square during the Christmas Season, and one has enhanced the square every Christmas since. On December the 4th, 2009 a 100ft tree was put in place in the square. The official lighting ceremony took place on December 18th. Pope Benedict admired the tree and made the following comments:
Advent – Isaiah’s Message of Hope – Looms Large but Slowly
I receive a monthly email from Sister Patricia Bruno, a Dominican Sister in California. Each email explores biblical stories that are seldom heard in the liturgical lectionary. This month she focuses on Advent and the the prophet Isaiah. She concludes her recent email with these words: “I hope this article will encourage you to spend some time using the daily Mass readings for your own personal reflections and prayer. Perhaps by doing so we will become like the bird who feels the light and sings while the dawn is still dark - true Advent people!” Here is the full email for this month. Maybe you would like to get on her mailing list:
The Need for Real Hope
Episcopal Priest and Theologian speaks of wishful thinking and the human need for real hope.
More details on the meeting between Pope and Archbishop of Canterbury
I guess there is a little bit more to this story than the video captures. Here is an article in the British Telegraph that provides more insight and details about the meeting between the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Sister Pauline Doherty – Rest in Peace
Sister Pauline Doherty of Our Lady’s Missionaries died yesterday (Nov.20, 2009) evening at Providence Health Care. She had been ill for a few years but in hospital only for a short time. Sister Pauline celebrated her 50th Anniversary in 2003. Sister, also a nurse, lived a life devoted to helping the sick, and rejoiced that God had gifted her with the health to do so for so many years. She served in Brazil, Nigeria, and Canada. On her profile page of Our Lady’s Missionaries web site she states that her motivation was to “help in foreign missions.” When asked what made her grateful, she stated: I am grateful to my family, Our Lady’s Missionaries and for my good health. Sister’s generosity of spirit will be remembered and mourned by her friends, family, and all that she reached out to in Christian love.
Global Take Over By The Internet
I remember when the Fax Machine was the big new controversial event in business, and the parish. No need to mail out documents, just fax them. I think we got our first fax machine in our Diocese in the mid 80’s. Well twenty-five year’s later there is a new kid on the block – the global block – and it is taking over in ways the fax generation couldn’t even imagine. John Allen, the Catholic columnist, puts it this way: “The Internet is both the leading symbol of the globalized world as well as one of its primary drivers. In 1995, according to the Web site “Internet World Stats,” there were 16 million Internet users in the world, representing .04 percent of the global population; as of June 2007, there were 1.13 billion users, or 17.2 percent of the world, remarkable growth in little more than a decade. According to the Worldwide Online Population Forecast, by 2011 roughly 1.8 billion people will be logging on, representing 22 percent of the global population – almost one-quarter of all people on earth.”
Women Religious in America
The Vatican is presently researching and reviewing women religious in the U.S.. Many are threatened and even angry for many reasons – why only women religious being a common concern. Be it as it may, many religious orders are in crisis situation (men and women) with few or no new vocations. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit helps all involved to understand this present crisis, and that it will inspire a hopeful, loving response-answer-solution. One good article on this issue can be found in the Nov. 23, 2009 of America Magazine: America Magazine - A Visitor’s Guide: How the Vatican Investigation could prove beneficial by Doris Gottemoeller
Burundi – Canadian Development and Peace
Visit Development and Peace to hear, see, and learn more, and to help by sending an internet message of
support. Earlier this fall, delegates of Development and Peace and a group of Canadian Bishops visited a number of partners in Burundi and witnessed the complex challenges that continue to face the country. The situation in Burundi
• It is estimated that 400,000 lives have been lost over the last 16 years due to civil war and ethnic violence.
• Sixty percent of Burundi’s population are children, many of whom have lost their parents.
• There are 400,000 refugees trying to return to their country and rebuild their lives.
Married Priests – The Vatican’s Response Summarized
The present shortage of priests often gives rise to a discussion on married priests. With the Pope’s recent invite to Anglican laity and clergy to join the Catholic Church, some saw a potential thaw in the Vatican’s position on celibate clergy. Not so, says John Thavis of Catholic New Service, as he reviews the Vatican’s response to this issue since the Synod on Priestly Formation in 1990 to the present day: Married priests? For the Vatican, still an exception to the rule.
Question: How many people visit?
I often get the question, how many people visit frbobscorner.com. I thought I would show you this graph that is compiled by sitemeter. It’s not a lot when compared to traffic on the popular big sites, but enough to motivate me to continue posting.
What Will They Think Of Next?
“Catholic churches in Italy are installing automatic holy water dispensers to help reduce the risk of spreading swine flu,” BBC Television reports in a short video broadcast. Father Pierre Angelo Mota comments that"It has been a bit of a novelty. People initially were a bit shocked by this technological innovation but then they welcomed it with great enthusiasm and joy. The members of this parish have got used to it," he added.
Matthew Kelly – A Call to Joy – A Presentation in Cornwall
Matthew Kelly is coming to Cornwall as part of our Diocesan Speaker Series this fall. Who is Matthew Kelly, you might ask? Well the best way to tell you is to show you. In March of 2009 he gave a mission at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish – Chandler Arizona (Theme: The Genius of Catholicism). Major segments of this mission were filmed and now appear as Videos on the parish website. In The Genius of Catholicism, Matthew Kelly talks about the 7 pillars of Catholic spirituality and challenges us to discover the relevance of Catholicism for modern problems, happiness, and day-to-day living. He challenges his listeners to be the best version of themselves – and to recognize and open their hearts to all their Catholic faith has to offer. The presentation will take place at St. Joe’s – General Vanier Auditorium on December 15th, 2009. For Further details please visit our Diocesan Website.
Boxed and Labelled
I’ve never liked being boxed in - the black and white mentality that labels you, defines you, and purports to know just how you think, what you like, how you feel, and who you are. It appears that many young Catholics feel exactly as I felt when I was young, and still do today when others label me. If you’ve ever felt frustrated in this way, you should read John Allen’s article: The Next Generation of Catholic Leaders
Pope Challenges Catholics to Understand and Use New Media
New media are not just instruments for communicating, but they are having a huge impact on culture — on the way people interact and think, Pope Benedict XVI said.
40th Birthday of the Internet
Something like today’s modern day internet began forty years ago. It was Oct. 28, 1969 – the year humans landed on the moon. Want to find out more? Here’s a link with a short summary and a delightful video: Happy 40th!!!!
Montreal’s Brother André nearer to sainthood
Founder of St. Joseph’s oratory could become first Quebec man to be canonized-link to article in the Montreal Gazette on October 20, 2009
Canadian Bishops - Plenary Assembly 2009 – Cornwall, Ontario
The Bishops of Canada are meeting here in Cornwall this week (Oct.19-23, 2009). For those of you interested in this meeting, you will find that the the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ web site to be an excellent place to visit. Also, Bishop Daniel Bohan of Regina has a post on his blog of this event with numerous pictures: Archbishop’s Blog.
Bishop Paul-André Durocher Shocked by Charges Against Bishop Lahey
In the editorial section of Cornwall’s Standard Freeholder the following Letter to the editor was written by Bishop Paul-André Durocher on October 2, 2009. In the letter he expresses his shock and shame, bewilderment, and sorrow. “My heart goes out to all those who have been deeply shaken by this revelation. My prayers are offered for all of us.” Here is his full letter:
Letter of Archbishop Mancini
This weekend the following letter was written by Bishop Mancini to the Catholics in Nova Scotia. It reflects the pain and agony the situation with Bishop Lahey has caused Catholics across Canada. I think we all need to read it, and then try to be still before God – seeking God’s healing grace and the courage to face this terrible challenge once again.
Don Luigi, Mille Grazie e Arrivederci!
Don Luigi, Mille Grazie e Arrivederci!
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Retreats for Priests
There are a few other YouTube presentations on priests’ retreats. Some of you might be interested so I am posting the links. If I find any more, I will add to the list.
A Mass You’ll Never Forget
I was reviewing the links on the parish website (bvmparish.com) when an article on John Allen’s widget caught my eye. The title read: “In Brazil, one catholic mass you will never forget.” Intrigued, I clicked for the full article which described in great detail a Mass celebrated in an old factory by a Padre Marcelo Rossi. After reading the article, I googled the the good Padre and confirmed that he was a household name across Brazil with super-star status and rock star events. And, indeed, every age group(male and female) was responding, as the article stated.
Google Sister Louise Akers
Just Google Sister Louise Akers and see the uproar. Sister is a believer in women’s ordination in the Catholic Church, as many men and women are in this time of complex, ongoing, fast paced change. I guess there is one way of dealing with these confusing and difficult times, and that is forbidding and punishing people who disagree with you. It doesn’t usually seem the responsible and compassionate way, and it is likely to result in backlash and demoralization. There are no easy answers when one is in leadership, but when one is confronted with one of the key issues in our modern church, it would appear that this method should only be used as a last resort for very serious situations. I really don’t think this situation qualifies, and if it does, I think millions of Catholics at nearly every level of leadership in the Church would need to be banned, removed, silenced. Here are the headlines in Lebanon Ohio’s Western Star:
Religion in Quebec Schools
Thomas Merton the Monk who was called by some the Conscience of the Peace and Civil Rights Movements in the 60’s, died in Asia while studying East-West relations, and the religions of the east. He was one of the great Catholic Spiritual writers of his day, and his books are still found on the shelves of many modern bookstores. I mention him in the context of what is happening in Quebec and the new compulsory religious education program. One parent commenting on the recent court decision to forbid parents opting out said, “As a parent, I have a duty and say in what my young child/grandchild learns about religion; that they be taught their own faith and not be confused by other religions. I am a Christian because I believe my faith to be true. I agree with the mother who did not see why her 7 year old son had to study Islam.” (Catholic Register)
Dancing Procession – A New Wedding tradition?
A Couple in the US (Jill and Kevin) along with a wedding party danced their way to the Altar this summer.
Chris brown is happy because they played his music. You Tube is delighted because 12 million people viewed the dance on the internet. NBC is happy because it became a big human interest story. The couple is happy because of all the publicity and they even made some money (it seems) from all the exposure. Everyone seems happy except (I suspect) Pastors who are being asked by young couples to allow similar dances to the Altar. I haven’t been asked, and I don’t think I will be, but if anyone is thinking of posing the question, please be kind and forget about it. Anyway you might as well view this spectacle – just continue reading. I’ve posted the Video.
Canadian Church Reaches Out to Africa
A Canadian delegation from Development and Peace, the Canadian Bishops, and The Catholic Women’s League Of Canada are determined to put AFRICA ON THE MAP. For too long Africa has been ignored and they are determined to do something about it. For more information visit: Here
The Significance of Each.
A few words from Sister Joan in her latest Newsletter seemed extremely pertinent to me. I thought I would relay her words:
Williamstown Fair
I should be posting more often now that my summer holiday is over. I didn’t do anything very exotic like last year’s visit to Switzerland, but I did enjoy myself with family and friends. I finished my holiday with a visit to Williamstown Fair – just roamed the grounds with camera in hand and captured a few pictures. It was a beautiful day for a fair, and the crowds were there to enjoy it. Here are a few pictures for those of you who would like a glimpse of the 198th Annual Williamstown Fair – Canada’s Oldest Town Fair. MY PICTURES
Williamstown, Ontario – A Pictorial Essay and History
Today Williamstown is a quiet country village, but in days gone by, it was far much more. One of the local villagers, Monique Major, put together a 76 page pictorial essay for the 200th Anniversary of Williamstown. I scanned this wonderful document filled with pictures and various clippings etc., and posted it on the parish website: www.bvmparish.com. It is posted as a slide show on Flickr. (The cheapest way I could make it available for viewing and reading.) Take a look, and have a little read by visiting my Flickr posting. (See if you can identify the buildings in this websites header.) Make sure to manually control the slide show, and have it fill your whole monitor. This way you will be able to proceed at your own speed, and fully read and digest the clippings. Enjoy, here is the Link: Beautiful Historic Williamstown by Monique Major
