Speaking Out

Addiction comes in all forms: addiction to drugs and alcohol, to chocolate, and yes, even cellphones.

I wanted to think that I’m not addicted to my cellphone, so I took a quick look at my trusty Oxford dictionary hoping that my frequent use somehow fell short of the qualifications. No such luck.

A few weeks ago, I hopped on a Greyhound bus, heading to a friend’s wedding, and as luck had it, landed a seat beside a Jamaican reggae and gospel artist.

As he learned that my knowledge of both his music and culture were limited, but that we shared a common Christian faith, he excitedly began to sing excerpts from songs on his latest CD, snapping his fingers and even clapping to keep the beat — I’m sure to the discomfort of some passengers, to the amusement of others.

I have friends who often tell me I’m silly for believing that you can love someone and have a successful life-long relationship without first having lived together.

Cheers erupted from the Sydney, Australia field as each name was read. Twenty-four Catholics from across Australia and the world were announced one by one as they approached the stage to be Confirmed. Giant screens and loudspeakers broadcasted the venue to the crowd of 400,000 pilgrims at Randwick Racecourse.

I was reflecting upon the societal value of motherhood at the United Nations during the Convention for Elimination against Discrimination of Women, held in New York in July.

Credit risk. Identity theft. Debt consolidation. Credit card fraud. Think you’re too young to worry about these things? Think again.

I have just returned from the 49th International Eucharistic Congress, having travelled with about 500 other pilgrims from the archdiocese of Toronto. It was a pilgrimage of a life time, and I can simply say that my cup is overflowing.

For 2,000 years, Christians have been called to the table of the Eucharist in memory of Christ’s death and resurrection. There is no doubt that the Eucharist is central to our faith.

The ability to read is generally taken for granted among today’s youth. For many it is seen as a labourious, lengthy, unexciting task that, when rivalled with television, computers and movies, fails magnificently in terms of gratification. To some it is an archaic pastime.