As Canadians from coast-to-coast prepare to commemorate the unflinching heroism and sacrifices made by the country’s military veterans on Remembrance Day, there remains an acute focus towards the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. 

Give until it hurts. That famous phrase was uttered by Mother Teresa of Calcutta at a national prayer breakfast in Washington 50 years ago.

There may be glory in what was accomplished on the battlefields that preserved the way of life we hold so dear today, and for those who made it happen, but make no mistake — there is no glory in war.

Remembrance Day is a time to remember all of Canada’s veterans, but it is also carries a very personal message for Cooper Pickering.

Just when one thinks the current president of the United States can’t do anything more brazen, he trumps that belief and goes one further.

VATICAN – The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out in unison with thousands of other church bells around the world Sunday as Pope Francis commemorated the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War I.

QUEBEC CITY – Churches of the Archdiocese of Sherbrooke will join those of other churches across Canada and ring their bells 100 times Nov. 11 to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

A hundred years on, the numbers remain chilling — more than 15 million dead, including 61,000 Canadians.

Churches of all denominations across Canada are being asked to participate in the Royal Canadian Legion’s Bells of Peace at sunset on Remembrance Day, Nov. 11.

This Remembrance Day will almost certainly be unforgettable for an 11-year-old Thornhill, Ont., student — in more ways than one. 

Following is from The Catholic Register, May 31, 1917, making reference to the Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 9-12, 1917), where more than 10,000 Canadians were killed or wounded.

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Chaplain’s Letter to Bereaved Wife

The following letter was sent to Mrs. Gorrell, lately of Toronto, at Preston, England, where she went to be nearer her husband when he left for overseas. She was received into the Church at Holy Rosary Church, Toronto, previous to her marriage to Corporal Gorrell nearly four years ago. A little boy is proving a real consolation to the mother in her bereavement:

Dear Mrs. Gorrell, 

You must have received official notification of the death in action of your dear devoted husband, Cpl. R. Gorrell, 14th Canadian Battalion. He was instantly killed on the morning of the 9th inst. during the battle of Vimy Ridge. It is sad news for you, and I can assure you that our sympathy is real and deep. I knew Cpl. Gorrell quite well as he was a member of my congregation. He was a good soldier, devoted to duty and enjoying the full confidence of his officers and the affection of his comrades. His loss is keenly felt my us all. I especially feel his loss quite deeply, as he was one of my best parishioners and his example was of great help to me in my work among the soldiers.

It will afford you some consolation to know that he was a good Christian man, always ready to give to God what belonged to Him. He kept his soul readiness for any sacrifice that God might demand of him. He prepared himself for this great battle by a pious and worthy Holy Communion, and I feel sure that Our Saviour has accepted his sacrifice and rewarded him for that greatest of all acts of Charity, to give one's life for others. 

He was reverently laid to rest beneath the arms of a beautiful Cross erected by the Battalion. I blessed his grave and offered up the Holy Sacrifice for the eternal repose of his soul.

We have prayed for you also, that God may grant you His consoling grace in this your hour of trial.. May He give you the strength and courage to bravely accept His Divine Will and to patiently bear the heavy cross which He has allotted to you.

With deepest sympathy, 

A. J. LABOULE,

Capt. C.F.

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TORONTO - Taking the time to remind ourselves of the sacrifices made by others for our freedom is what makes Remembrance Day ceremonies so special, St. Michael's College School vice-principal David Lee told his students.

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