Fr. Bob's Corner

Twenty-three new Cardinals were named this month. Eighteen are able to vote for the next pope because they are under 80 years of age. Twelve of the Eighteen came from the North (10 Europeans and 2 Americans).

Church membership has been dramatically growing in the south and declining in the north, but this does not seem to be a consideration. Today, 63 percent of cardinals under age 80 (two thirds) come from the global north. Succinctly put, two-third of those who elect the pope come from the north, and two thirds of the catholic people come from the south. I know that the church is not a democracy, but the math still makes me uneasy.

Originally posted Oct 5th, and updated on October 19th, 2007

I just read an article in the New York Times about secret documents that allow and condone abhorrent interrogation practices which can only be described as torture.

First we hear from President Bush about Iraq’s weapons of Mass Destruction. Then we find out that we were really being manipulated and lied too by this government.

For years I have heard the President vehemently deny any manner of torture. But if the New York Times has got it right, this was one big lie too.

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I usually try to promote and relay information on the Canadian Church. Since I have been very busy these last few weeks, I missed a number of important events, especially, the Canadian Bishop’s Conference in our own Diocese, and the naming of two Bishops for the Docese of Halifax, and the Diocese of St. John’s. The New Archbishop of Halifax is a classmate of mine (Tony Mancini), and is a very down to earth and compassionate person. I’ll certainly be praying for him in his new Diocese.

Archbishop Mancini

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It has been a very busy time here at the Parish and in the Diocese. Last week I was on retreat at the beautiful Marian Shrine in Cap-de-la-Madeleine with the priests of our Diocese. If you haven’t been to Cap-de-la-Madeleine, it is a must visit. Here are a few pictures from the retreat. Click