Pro-life people are used to euphemisms in the abortion debate. The term “pro-life” itself is often denigrated because some believe pro-lifers are only concerned about life in the womb, and not the fullness of life afterwards. In reality, “pro-life” is about as clear as any term used to discuss abortion. It’s those on the other side who mostly prefer to speak in euphemism and/or double speak. 

Two days are designated World Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians. There are many of them that just one World Day is not enough. Last Sunday, Nov. 3, and again this Sunday, Nov. 10, people have been asked to pray for the persecuted, many of whom are in prison for Christ’s sake.

Over the summer, I wrestled my way through a nasty case of pneumonia. As a life-long asthmatic, I have lots of experience with lung infections and trouble. Into the fall, my lungs were still struggling. The acute crisis had passed, I rested, and now it was time to do the work: eat, move and sleep for my lungs. It is hard, and I am breathing easier. Spiritual health follows the same processes as physical health. Eventually, the time for spiritual work shows up for all of us.

On December 31, 2022, Pope Benedict XVI went to his reward. Despite his age and poor health, the reality of his death left many of us heartbroken. 

On that December morning, I looked at the website of the National Post, a paper where I worked for 15 years. Part my time there was covering religion and ethics and it was through my reporting that I was finally convinced to become a Catholic.

From the beginning of these columns, I have steered clear of publicly battling in the ecclesial or political realms, and I have been careful in my ministry to focus on being a friend to those who through misfortune or bad judgment have found themselves on the streets of the city. But I cannot stay silent any longer. 

One question I regularly ask the young adults I minister to as a deacon at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine is Ottawa is: “What are you reading?” Many do not read a great deal beyond obligatory work for their courses in university, and almost all of it is non-fiction. Thankfully, many read devotional works and the Holy Scriptures, which is certainly laudable, but I press them: “When was the last time you read a novel or a collection of poetry?” Most reply “I cannot remember,” or, “I don’t like fiction or poetry.” 

International migration has become one of our most pressing issues with about 3.5 per cent of the world’s population (280 million people) currently considered to be migrants. The majority are people on the move seeking gainful employment, while a large minority are fleeing war, violence, persecution, climate change, food insecurity and increased global inequality. 

“The game is over. Everyone repeat after me now, the game is over.” I speak with authority in a commanding voice. 40 high school students at the Catholic Leadership Camp in Huntsville repeat after me, “the game is over.” They calm down and we begin to debrief together the chaos of the last hour.

The duty to engage in politics is not negotiable in John McKay’s view. “You have the absolute right not to vote”, the Scarborough-Guildwood MP asserts with this warning to those politically asleep at the wheel, “and I have the absolute right to impose a $100 fine on your tax return.”

Infants born alive after abortion has come up recently. But why discuss this most electric of third rail issues? Babies born alive after an abortion in the second trimester is “common.”