Feature Series

The day Halifax exploded

fcampbell@catholicregister.org (Francis Campbell) — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 10:29:11 -0500

HALIFAX, N.S. – The tall, grey and weathered headstone in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery is carved with 11 names, all from the same family and with the simple statement at the bottom: “They died Dec. 6, 1917 at 66 Veith St.”

MET museum embraces art of Catholic fashion

mhoegler@catholicregister.org (Meggie Hoegler, The Catholic Register) — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 09:00:30 -0500

Catholicism and its fashion have fascinated the secular media for decades.

Catholics and the reel world

mhoegler@catholicregister.org (Meggie Hoegler, The Catholic Register) — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 11:31:52 -0500

“Sorry lady, but I am not going to call you mother.”

The theatre audience snickered during the sole moment of comedy in the film Novitiate. In the scene, a concerned mother of a young novice was confronting the Mother Superior about the wellbeing of her daughter, newly arrived at the convent.

The film, which opened in theatres Nov. 3, follows a 17-year-old novice as she becomes a nun during the mid-1960s. The film has received mixed reviews from critics, both Catholic and secular, for its content and its portrayal of the Church. To some it is historically inaccurate and unworthy of support; to others the story and the message is compelling enough to overlook whatever artistic license the director may have taken.

What��Ƶapp a Catholic movie-goer to think?

Chaplain's letter to bereaved wife of soldier killed in Vimy Ridge

crstaff@catholicregister.org (Catholic Register Staff) — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 10:18:10 -0500

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.

Chaplain��Ƶapp 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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Nuclear meeting is a 'cry to humanity'

michael_swan@rogers.com (Michael Swan) — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 15:55:47 -0500

As the Vatican gathered 11 Nobel peace laureates, plus NATO officials, ambassadors and peace activists to discuss nuclear disarmament at a Nov. 10-11 summit, there was no doubt about the Church��Ƶapp position.

Villagers extol India's first female martyr on the road to sainthood

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 12:30:36 -0500

UDAINAGAR, India – When Clarist Sister Rani Maria Vattalil was first posted to this destitute central Indian region 25 years ago, she urged men loitering in the village to quit wasting their time drinking. They pretended to agree, until she left. But one day, the sister circled back -- and caught them in the act.

Former computer professional finds joy serving Vancouver's homeless

cns@catholicregister.org (Catholic News Service) — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 08:16:34 -0500

VANCOUVER – Mildred Moy at one time was apprehensive about speaking to homeless people on the street.

Story of Great War chaplain lives on in Newfoundland

mhoegler@catholicregister.org (Meggie Hoegler, The Catholic Register) — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 08:19:54 -0500

In the years following World War I, it would not be unusual for a Catholic family in Newfoundland to have three portraits hanging in their home: Pope Benedict XV, Newfoundland Archbishop E.P. Roche … and Fr. Thomas Nangle.

Canadian sponsors reach out to Jerusalem school

jean.kodin@catholicregister.org (Jean Ko Din, The Catholic Register) — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 08:58:22 -0400

The Greek Catholic Patriarchate School in Jerusalem has been operating on a deficit for a long time. But thanks to a small charity run by Knights of Columbus, the school has a lifeline in Canada.

St. Paul��Ƶapp has a tall order in Goliath ancient dig project

mhoegler@catholicregister.org (Meggie Hoegler, The Catholic Register) — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 11:30:00 -0400

For nine years, students from St. Paul��Ƶapp College have been helping to uncover the life of Goliath, one piece of ancient pottery at a time.