Heading into church last month for the noon-hour service on Ash Wednesday, I walked along the sidewalk behind two middle-aged couples decked out in office-type apparel. I overheard that one of the couples was heading out for a bite of lunch and the other was skipping lunch to attend the service that marks the beginning of Lenten fasting, penance and prayer that is now entering its final days before we reach the glory of Easter Sunday.
Comment: Liberal ‘decency’ is thinly veiled imperialism
By Glen ArganAt the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church wiped its hands of its “long century” of defensive reaction to the modern world and climbed into what it hoped would be a new era of dialogue. However, it takes (at least) two to dialogue and over the last 50 years the ChurchƵapp willingness to talk about important issues has not often been reciprocated by the secular world.
Opinion: Welcome to '1984' and the real world of alternative facts
By Ian HunterOne unanticipated consequence of the election of Donald Trump as 45th President of the United States has been the rediscovery of a seminal novel first published in 1949. According to The New York Times, George OrwellƵapp 1984 is being reprinted around the world and is at the top of bestseller lists.
Opinion: Turning the other cheek is still good advice
By Francis CampbellA stately old Nova Scotia landmark was home to its fair share of contemporary drama over the past couple of weeks. The landmark is Province House in downtown Halifax, the place where the Nova Scotia legislature has met since 1819. The three-storey Province House edifice is the longest serving legislative building in Canada.
Opinion: No room for walls in Gospel's Golden Rule
By Francis CampbellThereƵapp a lot of talk these days about building walls.
Comment: debate over assisted dying isn’t over yet
By John MilloyAre there circumstances where assisted suicide should be among the range of options available to someone dealing with serious mental health issues? Should we routinely euthanize people with diseases like AlzheimerƵapp based upon their advance wishes? Are there times when mature kids and teenagers should be able to get a doctorƵapp help to die?
Opinion: Jesus’ teaching is a real-life challenge amid labour strike resentment
By Francis CampbellAnother year over, a new one just begun. For 55 newsroom employees at the Halifax-based Chronicle Herald, almost the entire year was spent on the picket line. A year is a long time to be on strike.
Hope for future in ReformationƵapp past
By Fr. Damian MacPherson S.A.Oct. 31, 2017 will mark the 500th anniversary of the date Martin Luther posted his 95 proposals on the door of a Catholic church in Germany to launch the Protestant Reformation. Indeed, LutherƵapp imprint on Christianity has never faded over the centuries.
Cardinal Robert Sarah made out of the right stuff
By Ian HunterBefore a colleague mentioned the name of Cardinal Robert Sarah I had not heard of him. At the age of 34, the Guinea-born Sarah was made Archbishop of Conakry by Pope John Paul II. He was still a bambino (according to Pope Benedict XVI) when he was elevated to cardinal in 2010.
A year of living 'Laudato Si'
By Luke Stocking“Is it unusual for the Pope to make a comment on the environment?”
Confusion with suicide
By Peter KavanaghIt is possible I am simply dense and if so, allow me to apologize from the very beginning.