The Synod’s curious biblical commentary
VATICAN CITY - One of the most repeated themes during the Synod on the Family was the need for a more biblically based approach. The original working document for the Synod — the Instrumentum Laboris — came in for repeated and severe criticism for taking as its starting point sociological data rather than the Word of God.
Which Canadian way will alter the Tiber?
VATICAN CITY - Canadians had a rather prominent role in the first week of the Synod on the Family. Two of the language- based discussion groups elected Canadians as their moderators — Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto for one of the English groups, and Cardinal Gerald Lacroix for one of the French.
Pope set-up says plenty about rifts in Church
Francis caught up in smear job by social ideologues
- By Robert Brehl
African bishops fired up in defense of marriage
The Synod on the Family begins Oct. 4 and promises to be a rather unpleasant few weeks in the life of the Church.
Jim’s death diminishes me, but also gives me strength
Some weeks ago, I mentioned an inevitable goodbye that would take place with a dear friend whom I met on the first day of Grade 9 at Neil McNeil High School in Toronto’s east end 40 years ago next week.
- By Robert Brehl
Philip Neri’s heritage of joy
WOLFE ISLAND, Ont. - One of the highlights of my summer is “Seminarian Week” on Wolfe Island.
Politicians trump people
Green Party leader Elizabeth May made the perceptive point recently that democracy is too important to be left only to politicians. A nuance that might be added is that as a keystone of democracy, free, fair and above all vigorous elections should never become the exclusive preserve of the political actors seeking to benefit from them.
Condemned for the holy truth
When Pope Paul VI was beatified last October, his feast day was set for Sept. 26, the date of his birth in 1897, rather than the customary date of death, Aug. 6, 1978. Blessed Paul VI died on the feast of the Transfiguration, so another day for his feast had to be found, otherwise it would never be celebrated.
Pope rattles some American chains
The pollster Gallup reports Pope Francis’ popularity in the United States has dropped significantly over the past year, fueled by his writings and teachings surrounding the environment, capitalism, income inequality and other issues.
- By Robert Brehl
Andrey Sheptytsky and the lions of Lviv
Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) for 44 tumultuous years, has been decreed by the Vatican to be worthy of sainthood, needing only an approved miracle for him to be beatified.
Jokes so clean they can be told in church
The other day I was feeling sad. I had just heard the worst possible news about the health of a dear, old friend.
- By Robert Brehl