TORONTO - As refugees come streaming down the ramp at Pearson International Airport, there are screams, sighs, tears and laughter. Mothers, aunts, fathers, brothers extend their arms to touch, to encircle their daughters, nieces, sons and friends. It’s a mad, mysterious, inspiring breakdown of order and decorum.
Ignoring spiritual dimension education’s ‘biggest crisis’
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - To be truly formative, Catholic higher education has to continue to entrench students with human values, particularly the value of transcendence, said Pope Francis.
New Brescia principal finds right fit
By Evan Boudreau, The Catholic RegisterWhen Brescia University College contacted Susan Mumm, they made her an offer she couldn’t refuse.
Saint Mary’s enlists peers in mental health counselling
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterGoing crazy isn’t what it used to be on campus. Mental illness is no longer a problem of weak or immature students to be sniggered at or ignored.
When it comes to theology, Newman bookstore is the place to get it all
By Lasha Morningstar, Canadian Catholic NewsEDMONTON - The hectic times at Newman Theological Bookstore, as at any college or university bookstore, are the start of each semester.
Catholic universities take next step in Truth and Reconciliation
By Jean Ko Din, The Catholic RegisterThe Truth and Reconciliation process examining past wrongs done to Canada’s First Nations people may be complete, but for Catholic universities the time to respond to the TRC’s “Call to Action” has just begun.
Internet changing face of theology schools
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterJournalists, taxi drivers, musicians and motels have all had their economic apple carts upset by the Internet. Theology professors are discovering they too are not immune from the game-changing, democratizing effect of the world wide web.
Finding mercy in the city
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterTORONTO - Ever since Sodom and Gomorrah got their just desserts, no city has enjoyed a reputation for kindness, compassion, tranquility or Christian morality. At best the city is indifferent. More often urban anonymity bleeds into the darkness of sin. There are more sin cities than any other kind of city.
L’Arche art takes us beyond the disability
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterTORONTO - Conversations with Andrea Frizon can take a while. Words don’t come easily. The best way is to sit across from her and hold out both hands. She will lightly lay her hands on yours then withdraw them. Ask her questions that call for a choice and indicate the choice with your hands. “Does painting make you happy (indicate your right hand) or unhappy (indicate your left).” Andrea chooses the right hand with a light touch.
Pope Francis to honour legacy of Bishop Ruiz
By David Agren, Catholic News ServiceSAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS, MEXICO - Long before Pope Francis spoke of a poor Church for the poor and taking the Church to the peripheries, Bishop Samuel Ruiz Garcia of San Cristobal de Las Casas built the Church in southern Chiapas state.
Seven years later, refugees are at home
By Jean Ko Din, The Catholic RegisterBRAMPTON, ONT. - Almost seven years ago the Shakar family fled to Canada as war refugees from Iraq with little beyond the clothes on their backs.