Speaking Out

My favourite holiday is Christmas and because I'm Ukrainian Catholic I celebrate it on Jan. 7 instead of Dec. 25.

One event that I always look forward to during the Advent season is the blessing of the Nativity scene at my parish, St. Justin Martyr in Unionville, Ont. Every year, before the lighting, parishioners gather outside, in front of the manger, to sing Christmas carols. The nativity scene is blessed with holy water and then lit. This is the true meaning of Christmas for me, as I get to congregate and celebrate the season with my fellow parishioners and my family and reflect on the Nativity. But other people might argue against that.

Sometimes I think of myself as the candy man, or my place of work, the local pharmacy, as a candy store. Pills come in all colours, shapes and sizes and the druggist mixes them with love to make the world feel good. However sweet the job is I have developed a few cavities. 
 The thing that’s shocked me most is the amount of birth control and emergency contraception (morning after pill) that is literally handed out like candy to girls not even 15 years old.

I love being Catholic. To say so reminds me that I have received the best gift ever given.

Often when I tell people about my pro-life position I am accused of being anti-women. So just what is it about the pro-life position that makes its supporters anti-women? After all, the pro-life movement is founded upon women. What would detractors say to that? Could it be possible to reconcile both regard for fetal rights and women’s rights? Is it necessary for women’s rights to supersede that of the unborn child in order to be sympathetic and compassionate to women?

For almost a year officially now, I’ve been in a long-distance relationship and I thank God everyday for this blessing.

{mosimage}CALGARY - The first memory I have of Bishop Frederick Henry was my Confirmation in Grade 6.  He cupped each child’s face in his hands and said, “You are special.”

Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in India and worldwide will celebrate Deepavali or Diwali on Nov. 9. This auspicious day known as “the festival of light” has a different significance for each faith tradition and geographical area in which it is celebrated, but the commonality that binds all Diwali celebrations is the theme of light.

{mosimage}With Halloween just around the corner, selecting the perfect costume, pumpkin and treats has become the ultimate focus of this predominately secular event. It seems that this once religious occasion has become little more than a light-hearted event filled with trick-or-treaters and costume parties. In essence, Halloween has become hollow, not hallow.

Pain. Loss. Injustice. In these situations some common questions we ask are: What is the cause of my misery? Why do corrupt people seem to gain the greatest rewards like success and wealth, while practising Christians appear to suffer?