Kairux

What is National Identity?

2008-12-16T14:21:00.003-05:00

This column below made me question and think about national identity. I think national identity is based on a people's history, their language and means of expression, their culture and customs, their beliefs and values, their shared memories and traditions. It is shaped by their land, their surroundings, the people's contributions over generations. As a friend said in a discussion, decisions we make today will shape our national identity and culture as it will be generations from now.

In relation to Canada, I believe our national identity is very real because we do have hundreds of years of history, common expression, shared values, customs and traditions. But the problem here is that in recent decades many of our elites (political, media, education) have chosen to reject our living heritage and to place limits on what they would even consider as being part of our national identity, rejecting anything linked to our colonial and early dominion history. And that's the root of our crisis of identity. If you reject the very source of our shared identity, no wonder you cannot find it. If you reject all the shared memories, the songs, the heroes, the expressions, you then have to re-create out of thin air a "new identity". But a new artificial heritage of this sort will not work precisely because it is not "heritage", it has no roots, it is not shared by people in their own memories and hearts. For a country like Canada, we need to re-discover our actual living heritage in order to know our actual national identity. Without doing this, we will continue to feel like something is missing and continue to experience our collective amnesia. We should not be afraid of our heritage simply because it is connected to another.

Some of the online comments from people around the world about the column linked below also add to my reflection, because some suggest that Lapland cannot really have a national identity because it is not a state. That is nonsense. The Sami people (the Lapps) are a nation, an ethnic group with a clear identity, language and culture. But they do not have a state and are citizens of several countries (Norway, Swedan, Finland and Russia).

Somehow people have confused "nation" and "state" because of the late modern notion of nation-states. But a nation-state is a state based on a specific nation, it does not mean that "nation = state", as if only states are nations. A nation is an ethnic group of people, connected by history, culture, language, blood ties and more. A state is a legal group of people, connected by common loyalty, usually history, citizenship commitments, daily interaction and more. If the state is a nation-state, then there is an overlap.

But in a situation like Canada, our national identity is more complex. We do have one, but it is more an "adopted" one that citizens need to choose to adopt and commit themselves toward building up in this Confederation. Not only are we not a traditional nation-state, we are also a Confederation which changes the dynamic even more because there are two layers of identity formally. And Canada could be described as a nation of nations, having within the greater whole sub-groups which can rightly be called nations as well. But we are knitted together and our national is truly rich and strong when we acknowledge how these all fit together into something greater than its constituent parts.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7780108.stm

World famous. Within your own borders
A POINT OF VIEW [from BBC.co.uk]

Forget proud traditions and cultural exports - a nation's identity is bolstered if Americans know about it. Just ask the Canadians, says Clive James.

In my homeland, Australia, the question of national identity is once again in the news as the assembled brains of the entire country wonder whether the new film about Australia, called Australia, will finally establish the national identity of our neglected island in the eyes of the world.
Let me start out by saying that I have always found this supposedly nagging question of Australia's national identity to be a mare's nest. Everyone in the world knows that Nicole Kidman, the leading lady of the film Australia, comes from Australia, so how much more national identity does one nation need? But I'll get to that later because I want to start out with another question: the national identity of Lapland.
Lapland's national identity in the eyes of the world has taken a hammering when a Lapland theme park in the New Forest closed down in response to universal lack of enthusiasm.
Ticket buyers were promised snow, cabins, elves and appropriate animals. The snow was sparse, the cabins closely resembled the kind of bolt-together huts you get on a building site, some of the elves behaved in a non-elf-like manner, and at least one of the appropriate animals was made of plastic.
I won't go into further detail because the newspapers were full of it, but let's just say that, except from people who had been optimistic enough to actually buy tickets, a great laugh went up.
The great laugh told you two things. The first thing is that the British enjoy a bungle. They have come to see a bungle as part of their national identity: a tilting train that tilts too much or doesn't tilt at all, a Millennium Dome with not much in it, a Heathrow terminal that separates passengers from their luggage on a long-term basis, a Lapland theme park with snow-deficiency syndrome. How very British. One might even say that the nicest aspect of the British national identity is that the British can laugh at themselves.
But the other thing that the great laugh told you was that Lapland really does have an identity problem, because apart from its status as the official domicile of Santa Claus, it would have had very few things notably Laplandish to offer for a 30 quid ticket even if the theme park had been a big budget number.
Cabins and reindeer, is that it? The expectations of Lapp culture are low. Not even a British stand-up comedian would expect to get away with the suggestion that Lapland is where the Lapp dancers come from, because everyone knows that almost nothing comes from Lapland.

Spot the Canadian
On the international scale of celebrity, Lapland scores low unless you are deeply interested in hearing the one and only real Santa perform in a Lapp accent, hoeh hoeh hoeh.
And very few Americans even know where Lapland is. Right there we get to the heart of this supposedly vital question about national identity. Small countries want the United States to have heard of them.
Britain counts as a big small country because it has a lot of people in it, but even the British are apt to waste time caring about whether the Americans have heard of them.
Not all their time, however, for which I bless their sanity. For smaller small countries - and I mean smaller by population - it can be a continuing obsession. The clearest case is Canada, which is large in area even by comparison with the US but is short of people.
Crucially, Canada is right next to the US, and speaks the same language. Everyone knows that Mexicans are Mexicans but few of us can tell a Canadian from an American unless the Canadian is speaking French. The Canadians are forever bothered by a sense of being dominated by their famous neighbour to the south.
The Canadians try to laugh, however. There was a Canadian best-selling book recently called Coping with Back Pain. It did so well that the Americans printed their own edition. But the Americans called it Conquering Back Pain because the US is a can-do nation that conquers, it doesn't cope.
A friend of mine who told me about this had already worked out her own jokes, which I gladly borrow. The Canadian version of Julius Caesar's memoirs? I came, I saw, I coped. Get ready for She Stoops to Cope and Hail the Coping Hero Comes. But the nice thing about the Canadians is that they can come up with jokes like that at the drop of a Mountie's hat. They know they're stuck and they've learned to enjoy it.
Long-time commander of the Starship Enterprise, the Canadian-born William Shatner, one of the funniest men I ever met, is full of jokes about Canadian star-fleet admirals. Canada has been supplying stars to Hollywood for a century but everyone thinks they're American.
The best the Canadians can do is laugh about it and they always have. Finally the national sense of humour is a vital factor. National identity and a sense of humour: there are two themes trying to get together here.
I should say at this point that for all I know the Lapps are as funny as a circus on the subject of their minimal international standing. Perhaps they are even now rolling around in the snow, yelling with laughter at the reports of how the lavishly appointed Lapland New Forest theme park project went belly-up. But we don't know, because we never hear from them on the subject. This seems to me a wise attitude, for reasons I will discuss.

Land Down Under
But not, alas, until I have discussed the national identity of Australia. It's a duty that there's no getting out of. As an Australian who lives in Britain, I spend a lot of time fielding calls from the media in my homeland wanting to know what Britain is thinking. These calls have been coming in every few hours in recent weeks, because the film Australia will soon open here and perhaps I might have seen it at a press screening.
As it happens, I have seen it at a press screening, so I'm in a position to say that although I have no idea what the British will think when it goes on general release, I have an exact idea of what I think.
About the film's merits I prefer to be silent at this stage, except to say that it seemed quite long, in the same sense that the Thirty Years War probably seemed quite long to anyone who had been expecting it to be over sooner. But I have a definite opinion about what the film Australia will do for Australia's national identity. It will do nothing, because nothing needs to be done.
Unlike Lapland, Australia is world famous. Australian actors and film-makers and writers and arts people have been colonising the planet for years and all the jokes about Australia's deficiency of culture are old hat, like all the jokes about Australians knowing nothing about wine.
Australia killed the wine jokes by producing super-tankers full of wine that the whole world wanted to drink, and it killed the culture jokes by flooding the world with an outburst of quality remarkable for a country that looks big on the map but has fewer people in it than Mexico City.
Most important, Australia has even more great stuff at home than it sends abroad. Unfortunately it also has a whole army of commentators who are permanently anxious that the world hasn't heard of them. Well, there's a reason for that. It's because they are talking nonsense. There is no Australian national identity crisis and never has been.
Indeed Australia after World War II was a desirable destination for people from countries that really did have an identity crisis. Poland, for example. When Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union have ruined your country from two different directions, that's an identity crisis.
Australia's only problem was that it felt itself to be a bit of a backwater, and that is obviously no longer true. But it isn't obvious to the people who draw a salary for saying Australia must do something to put itself on the map of the world.
Just such anxious minds are behind the notion that the film Australia will make all the world's tourists aware of Australia. They hope the film will work like the Paul Hogan commercial in which he threw another shrimp on the barbie. They think an epic film like Australia can act like an advertisement.
If these tireless promoters think that people will come to visit Australia after they have seen the film Australia, I can only say that those people will be very old when they arrive. But I also have to say, with reluctance, that the movie has plainly also been made in order to impress the Yanks. Australia, says the film Australia, is even bigger than Texas.
Any Americans who make the trans-Pacific trip on the strength of this movie are going to be disappointed not to find Hugh Jackman, who plays the drover, droving a herd of cattle down one of the main streets of Sydney.
They stand a better chance of bumping into Nicole Kidman, who is now once again living in her home town, and probably for two main reasons. One reason could be that she finds the relative obscurity a nice change after all the Hollywood hoo-hah: rarely, in Sydney, is she trailed by more than two car-loads of paparazzi at once.
Another reason could be that Australia has got its own sense of humour, which not even the Americans can take away, re-package, and sell back. Finally, it doesn't have to care about national identity. All that a nation needs is national pride, and it only needs that if it's a nation.
At which point it might be time to reveal that there is no such nation as Lapland. It's just an area, some of which is in Finland. But judging from the advertisements it puts on the web, Lapland is probably the best place to meet Santa in his grotto, with proper elves. Better, anyway, than in the New Forest, where the remains of the Lapland theme park are even now being loaded on to a skip. Hoeh hoeh hoeh.

Reading Books this month

2008-12-16T00:43:00.002-05:00

This month I have decided that my neglect of this blog needs to end. Facebook took over most of my attention online, with blog-like postings and some notes written there. But though I truly enjoy and appreciate FB as a social networking site, I realize that it does not replace the simplicity and purpose of a blog.

As I begin writing here more regularly once again, I thought a post could overview some of what I'm reading these days. This is a selection of the books on my reading shelf and does not include any of the Journals, Magazines or other periodicals which I receive.

Science:

Chaos, by James Gleick,
This is considered a modern classic and I've just begun reading it. One point from it that caught my attention is expressed in this quote: "It turns out that an eerie type of chaos can lurk just behind a facade of order [that's obvious human experience] - and yet, deep inside the chaos lurks an even eerier type of order." My first thought reading that is "Exactly".

International Relations/Law:

The Shield of Achilles: War, Peace, and the Course of History, Philip Bobbitt
This 900 page work (and to be honest, I'm not sure I will read all of those 900 pages) is an interesting look at the history of the State and the society of states as they've developed and changed over the past few hundred years, as well as an examination of the 20th century and possible current developments. It is interesting to consider that the 2oth century was really dominated by one "Long War" from 1914 to 1990. And I appreciate the sense of how important history is to understanding our present reality as well as where we may be headed.

Politics:

Brian Mulroney Memoirs
In addition to reading or glancing through other works related to politics and civics, right now I'm skimming through these Memoirs trying to better understand our Canada of recent decades and better appreciate this leader, who I think has been unfairly tarnished by some Canadians. One thing that struck me already was to be reminded how connected our recent Prime Ministers have been. And truly, when I consider Mulroney's legacy, I think there is much for which he will be remembered as a great PM.

History:

The Great Arab Conquests: How the Spread of Islam Changed the World We Live In, by Hugh Kennedy
I happened to notice this book at the bookstore awhile ago and decided almost on the spot that it would be a good addition to my early medieval history shelf. I love history overall, but one of my particular interests is early medieval. I have read much related to the Byzantine Empire as well as other parts of Europe during this time. But this book is giving me a slightly different perspective of the Mediterranean region, though it is confirming my overall sense of the time period. It is important to be reminded of the dynamic of civilization and that the mostly nomadic Arabs of the 600s conquered mostly Christian lands, at first allowing the native populations to continue the work of State and the tasks of civilization in their own languages. Only later did they start insisting on Arabic and began assimilating the Greco-Roman/Christian civilization and people into their own culture and into their own new Community.

How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization, by Thomas E. Woods, Jr., Ph.D.
This book is a great overview of both the history of Western Civilization, from the decline of the classical Roman Empire up to today, as well as some of the many facets of our civilization, including basic literacy and education, the University, science, art, architecture, International Law, economics, Western law and human rights, social service and more. In all these it highlights the forgotten and important role which the Church and its members fulfilled. This book brings together some of the best and newer historical research. It is easy to read but also covers much good information as well as providing food for thought and questions to ponder.

Literature:

In Flanders Fields and Other Poems of the First World War, edited by Brian Busby
I thought it would be an appropriate read, considering we have just commemorated the 90th anniversary of the end of the Great War. This book collects not only the poems that soldiers and others wrote during the war but also paintings made of various scenes and themes. It is a beautiful book. Looking through this book somehow reminded me of how much our society has changed in these 90 years.

The Children of Hurin, by J.R.R. Tolkien
In beginning this book, I'm reminded of my admiration for Tolkien as one of the truly creative giants of our civilization and one of the great literary masters of the 20th century. Few writers can claim to have started a whole new genre of writing. Few people can understand how one man created in his mind not just a complex story but a whole world, with thousands of years of history, interwoven tales, various distinct peoples with complete languages and alphabets, systems of belief and much more.

Theology/Religion:

Jesus, the Apostles and the Early Church, by Pope Benedict XVI
I'm coming back to this book and want to finish reading it. It is a collection of the Pope's Wednesday talks in which His Holiness examines the nature of the Church as Jesus established it in the Gospels, what the Apostles and their witness tell us about it, and what we can gather about the earliest experience of Church. It is simple but profound. Provides food for spiritual reflection.

Saving the Huron Church

2008-12-06T22:11:00.002-05:00

This is the draft of my column that was published this past August in the Windsor Star.

Saving the Huron Church

Windsor and Essex County have hundreds of years of heritage. Yet those of us who live here seem to not know about it and allow it to get torn down, wiped away. Driving around parts of our downtown or city, you’d think we were any old lunch bucket town that sprung up around some factories, with little planning and no identity. But we still have some treasures which we can cherish and we have layers of history unlike others.

It is here that a French community has existed for almost 300 years and from here that traders went further for trade contacts with Natives. And it is here that some Natives found refuge and a new Huron Church was established for them. This Parish soon served both the Native and the French communities, bringing them together.

And our story, just like Canada’s, continues with the Loyalists. It is here that new beginnings were started for those loyal and willing to sacrifice over 200 years ago. And the Huron Church now also became the Parish Church for the “new” town of Sandwich. Our county now had many more immigrants of many different backgrounds.

Over the years a lot more has happened, and the Huron Church has witnessed it all, its parishioners changing and being part of it all. It is here that Canada was defended in the War of 1812. It was here that the Underground railroad ended and Queen Victoria officially welcomed refugees from the United States. One can only imagine the feeling that a fugitive slave would have coming across the river to see that steeple, escaping the Land of the Free to find true freedom.

Even in the 20th century, the Huron Church has been part of our city, a landmark at the foot of the busiest international crossing across the longest undefended border. The Huron Church and its sister parish on the US side keeping watch at each end of the bridge, a fitting symbol of our now close relationship. And the Parish has continued to change, its parishioners coming from many different countries and backgrounds today.

Of course, the Huron Church is Assumption. We so often call the street by the same name “Huron Church”, that we forget the landmark that gave it that name. And we so often pass Assumption that we forgot how long a Church has stood on that location, how much history it has witnessed and even been a part of.

And Assumption has been much more than just a landmark. It gave birth to a high school and a university, shaping the school system in this whole area. Most of the land that the University of Windsor stands on was originally purchased directly from Natives for the Church, hundreds of years ago. And the Church has been central to many more community, charitable and social endeavors over the years, [I would love for all the stories to be collected in a book.] For a time it was even the Cathedral Church for southwestern Ontario.

And the current church is an artistic and cultural landmark, one that has breathtaking beauty that reflects a French Canadian style in a unique way. When I take out of town visitors there, sometimes they are speechless to find such beauty and history in Windsor, sometimes they can’t stop talking about the many things to see inside and outside. Especially while attending a service with traditional music, your spirit is transported within those historic walls. [You can just soak in the centuries of prayer and the deep beauty in peace.]

Unfortunately, the Huron Church now stands threatened. After years of wear, damage has begun to show and has been proclaimed severe. If the parish community does not find millions of dollars in a short time, the Huron Church may close after over 250 years. Imagine Windsor with no Assumption.

But I believe that we can all help them save it. All of us can choose to contribute to their building fund, whether or not we’re parishioners. We can spread the word and bring people to see and support this gem. We can write letters and urge our City to assist, the Bridge and other companies to contribute. [Hopefully Windsor Alumni will assist this effort and the University assist in getting the word out.]

We can ask the Province of Ontario to declare the Huron Church the first Provincially designated Heritage Site, after all it is the centre of the oldest continuous European community in the Province. Catholics and others can urge the Bishop to have the Pope recognize this historic church as a Basilica finally, [for few in Canada meet the requirements like the Huron Church does.]

And here W.E. are now. Windsor & Essex County have hundreds of years of history which we can choose to cherish, that give us an identity and shape our culture. And the one location in this whole county that symbolizes these hundreds of years and has witnessed the most is Assumption Church. W.E. can save this Huron Church, as landmark to our pioneers and to our ongoing heritage.

Cyril Bagin is a member of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars and will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption August 15th at the Huron Church, bringing a special gift for the Parish. He hopes to see many of you there and that many more will send in their gifts this week.

Tea at Trianon: Marie-Antoinette: A Reputation in Shreds

2007-11-15T21:16:00.000-05:00

This is an amazing article to read...

Tea at Trianon: Marie-Antoinette: A Reputation in Shreds

There is so much good to Marie-Antoinette and Louis that is ignored while vile propaganda is repeated.

I know that some Catholics consider Louis and Marie-Antoinette martyrs to the godless, violent, anti-Catholic revolution.
There is even a Facebook group to honour Louis.

I would love to hear what others think, after reading this article.
cpb

Lest we forget

2007-11-12T03:25:00.000-05:00

Canadian casualties in the five wars that the country has fought in since 1899 include:
- 244 in the Boer War (1899-1902).
- 66,655 in the First World War (1914-1918).
- 44,893 in the Second World War (1939-1945).
- 516 in the Korean War (1950-1953).
- 71 soldiers and a diplomat in Afghanistan (since the mission began in early 2002).

Pope should come to Quebec in 2008

2007-11-07T14:40:00.001-05:00

Much of my recent online activity has now focused on Facebook, but from time to time I will still blog on here... Actually, I want to do much more writing, so I should blog more properly.

Right now, I am supporting efforts to encourage Pope Benedict XVI to come to Canada as part of the International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City in 2008, also the 400th anniversary of Quebec City, which is therefore also the 400th anniversary for Canada's GG and state.

You can help by signing an online petition and by spreading the word. You can also write or email the Pope and/or his representative. I have personally contacted the Nuncio in Ottawa to strongly encourage his passing on our sincere hope that the Pope will come.

Details here now, from Big Blue Wave:

"So please, sign this petition.
www.ipetitions.com/petition/petitionpape2008

"The text of the petition is this:
JE SOUHAITE LA VENUE DU PAPE BENOÎT XVI À QUÉBEC EN JUIN 2008, À L'OCCASION DU 49e CONGRÈS EUCHARISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL.
Translated it says: I wish for the coming of Pope Benedict XVI to Quebec in June 2008 during the 49th International Eucharistic Congress.
And for the form:
Prenom: First name
Nom: Last name
Courriel (optional): Email

"If you all sign it, he will come!
You can also download the paper version of the petition. The contact information at the bottom.
And notice: there is no space for addresses. No one is going to harvest personal information. So you can bring this to your local church and encourage as many people as possible to sign this petition.

"The other thing you can do is: if you have a blog, please blog this. I've already asked a few people to do so. Please blog about the petition especially, so we can get as many names on there as possible.

"And you don't have to be Catholic (or anything else) to help with this campaign. All that is needed is for you to want the pope to come to Quebec City.
I hope you all join in, because your help is very much needed."

Your money, their friends, their power

2007-08-08T10:48:00.000-04:00

It's time for some outrage in Ontario and for the election campaign to heat up.

As if the long list of broken promises was not bad enough, as if the higher taxes and lower services was not bad enough, now we find out that Dalton's Liberals at Queen's Park gave millions of our tax dollars to Liberal-friendly groups to buy votes. This scandal shows they didn't even try to follow any form of due process and just did whatever they wanted to do.

When they take your money and give it to their friends to buy votes so that they simply stay in power, people we have huge issues that we need to address...
And Ontario can address these problems on election day this upcoming October when we vote to fire our Fiberal premier.

So go check out www.leadershipmatters.ca and help build a better Ontario, a province where we want real leadership that will make a difference and govern fairly for all of us.

The column below is from today's Windsor Star:
***

Grit handouts not cricket
Claire Hoy
Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Former Ontario immigration and citizenship minister Mike Colle isn't the first loyal lap dog to take a fall for his leader. And he won't be the last. But before you think the provincial Liberal government scandal over its $32-million political slush fund was resolved by Colle's resignation recently, think again.
For as much as Colle was directly involved in dispensing these grants to a host of Liberal-favoured groups without due process or anything resembling it, so too were Premier Dalton McGuinty and Finance Minister Greg Sorbara.
For starters, Sorbara had to review every expenditure, so he obviously either wasn't paying attention or he -- like Colle and McGuinty -- figured the normal rules of giving value for the taxpayers' money doesn't apply to Liberals. (A director of the Iranian-Canadian Community Centre, which got $200,000, is a longtime friend of Sorbara. A former director is the Liberal candidate in Richmond Hill.)
As for McGuinty, look at the newspaper pictures following the release of provincial auditor general Jim McCarter's report -- McCarter called the Liberal program "one of the worst I have ever seen with virtually no controls" -- and you'll see the smiling faces of Colle and McGuinty, both wielding cricket bats, at an August 2006 dinner presenting a $1-million cheque to the Ontario Cricket Association.

The Ontario Liberals, of course, aren't the first governing party to be caught doling out money for partisan purposes while ignoring any public checks and balances -- we only have to think back to the last federal Liberal adscam scandal for that.
But what sets McGuinty and his gang apart from the usual political slush-funders is that in the cricket association case, they only asked the government for $150,000 but got a million.
It is not uncommon for groups to ask for more than they really need, figuring they won't get everything they ask for. But it must be unprecedented in the annals of Canadian political handouts for a group to get more than six times what it ask for and -- even better (or worse for the taxpayers) -- with no strings attached.
It was so much money, in fact, that the association hasn't been able to spend it. Instead, it invested a good chunk of your tax dollars and is continuing to profit from it.

And McGuinty, as the newspaper photos show, was at the dinner when the grant was doled out. If it's worth Colle's head, what about McGuinty too? Most of the money, of course, was aimed at various ethnic groups hoping that their gratitude would lead them to vote Liberal on Oct. 10.
It's bad enough the premier was directly active on this file, but even worse that, when the opposition parties began asking question about these grants last April following publication of details in the media, rather than own up to what he'd done, McGuinty's first response was to accuse critics of racism.
Now that's classy, eh? He later backed off the racism charge, but only under pressure. But the fact that he would stoop to such a disgusting tactic surely should make voters ask if this is the sort of man really fit to govern them.

The opposition parties, as you'd expect, had accused McGuinty of playing partisan politics with public money. In his report, the auditor general found "no evidence" that organization received grants because of its political ties, a finding which McGuinty chose to highlight (as opposed to being contrite over handing out millions of dollars with no questions asked.)
But that finding of no direct political ties actually misses the point. For one thing, many who got the grants were active Liberals, and all they had to do was ask the minister or one of his staff members and, presto, money appeared. For another thing, even if they weren't active Liberals, the specific aim of the program was to enhance Liberal election chances among the various ethnic groups receiving the grants. So in that sense, these grants were nothing but partisan politics. Had McGuinty been honourable enough to admit his wrongdoing last April, the issue would have been forgotten.
But since he stonewalled -- even trying to delay the auditor's report until after the election -- it's his fault, and his alone, that it comes so close to the fall election.
Both Conservative Leader John Tory and NDP Leader Howard Hampton have promised to remind voters of what Tory called this Liberal "misconduct," and no doubt they will.

Why not hand out mini cricket bats to remind voters of the admonition from the auditor general that the Liberal program just wasn't cricket? Even by shabby political standards, it was pretty disgusting.

Claire Hoy is a Toronto-based political commentator.
cpb

Dalton's Fiberals

2007-07-25T21:20:00.000-04:00

A leader cannot break this many promises and get away with it.

Ontario's premier has broken so many in so many files, that we simply cannot trust anything he tells us and we cannot look to him as a reliable leader. Dalton's not a leader, he seems to be a liar.

Dalton McGuinty in order to get elected made a lot of promises to the people of Ontario - promises he didn't keep. Empty words from a man grasping for power. Here's a "short" list of some of his broken promises.

In Health Care he promised to:
1 - Fund medically-necessary health care services (then he de-listed eye exams, chiropractic care and physiotherapy)
2 - Unclog Emergency Rooms
3 - Provide autism treatment beyond age 6
4 - Provide better mental health care
5 - Hire 8,000 nurses
6 - Cancel P3 hospitals in Brampton
7 - Spend "every penny" of the new health tax on health care
8 - Close "private" MRI and CT clinics

For the Environment he promised to:
9 - Meet 3/4 of Ontario's share of the Kyoto commitments
10 - Divert 60% of municipal garbage to recycling by 2005
11 - Ban organics waste in our landfills
12 - Give the Ministry of Natural Resources the resources to protect fish and wildlife
13 - Close coal-fired electricity plants by 2007
14 - Eliminate mercury emissions from coal-fired electric power generation plants by 2010

In Education he promised to:
15 - Establish a standing committee on Education to hold yearly hearings
16 - Ensure 75% of students meet or exceed the provincial standard on province-wide tests within the first mandate
17 - Set a hard cap of 20 students for early grades
18 - Provide a new funding formula for rural and northern schools
19 - Stop school closings

In Community Infrastructure he promised to:
20 - Provide a Seamless Transportation Network across the GTA
21 - Stop 6,600 houses from being built on the Oak Ridges Moraine
22 - Build 20,000 new affordable housing units

In terms of Managing Your Taxpayer Dollars he promised to:
23 - End Federal Child Tax Credit clawbacks
24 - Not raise taxes
25 - Stop the waste of taxpayers' dollars
26 - Balance the budget every year of their mandate
27 - Not add to the province's debt
28 - "Give you the power over the role of money in politics, by asking you to set strict limits on the amounts political parties can raise and spend."
29 - Give taxpayers better value for money while keeping taxes down
30 - Abide by the balanced budget law

Regarding Responsible Government he promised to:
31 - Allow all non-cabinet MPPs to criticize and vote against government legislation
32 - Govern with honesty and integrity
33 - Operate an open and transparent government
34 - Reduce the use of private consultants

And in many other areas he promised to:
35 - Create tens of thousands of new child care spaces
36 - Make the Ministry of Agriculture a lead ministry
37 - Implement all of Justice O'Connor's Recommendations
38 - Provide 35,000 Housing Allowances
39 - Repeal the Tenant Protection Act within one year
40 - Provide legal rights to victims of crime
41 - Cap hydro rates at 4.3 cents per kilowatt hour until 2006
42 - Require trades and professions to accept qualified immigrants within one year
43 - Eliminate barriers to foreign-trained professionals within one year
44 - Establish a public inquiry into meat inspections

And more... now do you see why I've become a Conservative? I'm tired of Liberals acting like Fiberals, whether it was iin Ottawa or is still in Queens' Park.
I'm tired of the lies, I'm tired of the scandals, I'm tired of the waste...

My favourite broken promise is to "not raise taxes". Dalton's Liberals said that and then turned around and raised provincial income tax by about 12%... A huge tax increase disguised as a "health premium". What's your "favourite" broken promise?

Enough of this... Tell everyone you know in Ontario, remember the broken promises. But on October 10th, remember that Leadership Matters and that we can build a better Ontario with a real leader and with change at Queen's Park.
www.leadershipmatters.ca
cpb

Easter reflections

2007-04-11T19:45:00.000-04:00

I love the Paschal Triduum, the three days that are at the heart of the Church's year because they celebrate what is at the heart of the Church's faith. The Death and Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is celebrated because this death is actually Jesus' self-offering out of love for us and the subsequent freeing and raising up of humanity.

I love the flow of the Roman Catholic services during this time. The Triduum (three days in Latin) begins Thursday night with the Mass of the Lord's Supper. But this Mass is different because it does not end with a dismissal; instead it just flows into silent prayer. Then on Good Friday, the afternoon Service (not a Mass) begins without an opening, it just flows from continued silent prayer as the priest prostrates himself before the bare altar. The second day is very silent, remembering the time when Jesus' Body was in the tomb and his Soul went to the Dead.

The centre of the Triduum is the Easter Vigil, which combines a few liturgies in one and begins the third day. Below is the Pope's homily (sermon) from this year's Vigil. At this special Vigil, after a service of Light, and several scripture Readings and psalms, and the Liturgy of the Word, those adults who are joining the Church this year are baptised and/or confirmed, which is why the Pope speaks to the "candidates for Baptism" at one point.

Either way, this is still Easter Week for us and the Easter season continues until Pentecost, so allow my say Happy Easter. I pray you will know the joy of the Risen Lord and I hope you find these reflections helpful.

Pope's Easter Vigil Homily
"We Are Free"
VATICAN CITY, APRIL 8, 2007 (Zenit.org) - Here is a Vatican translation of the homily Benedict XVI delivered Holy Saturday at the Mass of the Easter Vigil, celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica.
* * *
Dear brothers and sisters,
From ancient times the liturgy of Easter day has begun with the words: "Resurrexi et adhuc tecum sum" -- I arose, and am still with you; you have set your hand upon me. The liturgy sees these as the first words spoken by the Son to the Father after his resurrection, after his return from the night of death into the world of the living. The hand of the Father upheld him even on that night, and thus he could rise again.
These words are taken from Psalm 138, where originally they had a different meaning. That Psalm is a song of wonder at God's omnipotence and omnipresence, a hymn of trust in the God who never allows us to fall from his hands. And his hands are good hands. The Psalmist imagines himself journeying to the farthest reaches of the cosmos -- and what happens to him? "If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, 'Let only darkness cover me,' even the darkness is not dark to you; for darkness is as light with you" (Psalm 138[139]:8-12).
On Easter day the Church tells us that Jesus Christ made that journey to the ends of the universe for our sake. In the Letter to the Ephesians we read that he descended to the depths of the earth, and that the one who descended is also the one who has risen far above the heavens, that he might fill all things (cf. 4:9ff.). The vision of the Psalm thus became reality. In the impenetrable gloom of death Christ came like light -- the night became as bright as day and the darkness became as light. And so the Church can rightly consider these words of thanksgiving and trust as words spoken by the Risen Lord to his Father: "Yes, I have journeyed to the uttermost depths of the earth, to the abyss of death, and brought them light; now I have risen and I am upheld for ever by your hands." But these words of the Risen Christ to the Father have also become words which the Lord speaks to us: "I arose and now I am still with you," he says to each of us. My hand upholds you. Wherever you may fall, you will always fall into my hands. I am present even at the door of death. Where no one can accompany you further, and where you can bring nothing, even there I am waiting for you, and for you I will change darkness into light.
These words of the Psalm, read as a dialogue between the Risen Christ and ourselves, also explain what takes place at Baptism. Baptism is more than a bath, a purification. It is more than becoming part of a community. It is a new birth. A new beginning in life. The passage of the Letter to the Romans which we have just read says, in words filled with mystery, that in Baptism we have been "grafted" onto Christ by likeness to his death. In Baptism we give ourselves over to Christ -- he takes us unto himself, so that we no longer live for ourselves, but through him, with him and in him; so that we live with him and thus for others. In Baptism we surrender ourselves, we place our lives in his hands, and so we can say with Saint Paul, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." If we offer ourselves in this way, if we accept, as it were, the death of our very selves, this means that the frontier between death and life is no longer absolute. On either side of death we are with Christ and so, from that moment forward, death is no longer a real boundary. Paul tells us this very clearly in his Letter to the Philippians: "For me to live is Christ. To be with him (by dying) is gain. Yet if I remain in this life, I can still labor fruitfully. And so I am hard pressed between these two things. To depart -- by being executed -- and to be with Christ; that is far better. But to remain in this life is more necessary on your account" (cf. 1:21ff.). On both sides of the frontier of death, Paul is with Christ -- there is no longer a real difference. Yes, it is true: "Behind and before you besiege me, your hand ever laid upon me" (Psalm 138[139]: 5). To the Romans Paul wrote: "No one lives to himself and no one dies to himself. Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's" (Romans 14:7ff.).
Dear candidates for Baptism, this is what is new about Baptism: our life now belongs to Christ, and no longer to ourselves. As a result we are never alone, even in death, but are always with the One who lives forever. In Baptism, in the company of Christ, we have already made that cosmic journey to the very abyss of death. At his side and, indeed, drawn up in his love, we are freed from fear. He enfolds us and carries us wherever we may go -- he who is Life itself.
Let us return once more to the night of Holy Saturday. In the Creed we say about Christ's journey that he "descended into hell." What happened then? Since we have no knowledge of the world of death, we can only imagine his triumph over death with the help of images which remain very inadequate. Yet, inadequate as they are, they can help us to understand something of the mystery. The liturgy applies to Jesus' descent into the night of death the words of Psalm 23[24]: "Lift up your heads, O gates; be lifted up, O ancient doors!" The gates of death are closed, no one can return from there. There is no key for those iron doors. But Christ has the key. His Cross opens wide the gates of death, the stern doors. They are barred no longer. His Cross, his radical love, is the key that opens them. The love of the One who, though God, became man in order to die -- this love has the power to open those doors. This love is stronger than death. The Easter icons of the Oriental Church show how Christ enters the world of the dead. He is clothed with light, for God is light. "The night is bright as the day, the darkness is as light" (cf. Psalm 138[139]12). Entering the world of the dead, Jesus bears the stigmata, the signs of his passion: his wounds, his suffering, have become power: they are love that conquers death. He meets Adam and all the men and women waiting in the night of death. As we look at them, we can hear an echo of the prayer of Jonah: "Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice" (John 2:2). In the incarnation, the Son of God became one with human beings -- with Adam. But only at this moment, when he accomplishes the supreme act of love by descending into the night of death, does he bring the journey of the incarnation to its completion. By his death he now clasps the hand of Adam, of every man and woman who awaits him, and brings them to the light.
But we may ask: what is the meaning of all this imagery? What was truly new in what happened on account of Christ? The human soul was created immortal -- what exactly did Christ bring that was new? The soul is indeed immortal, because man in a unique way remains in God's memory and love, even after his fall. But his own powers are insufficient to lift him up to God. We lack the wings needed to carry us to those heights. And yet, nothing else can satisfy man eternally, except being with God. An eternity without this union with God would be a punishment. Man cannot attain those heights on his own, yet he yearns for them. "Out of the depths I cry to you." Only the Risen Christ can bring us to complete union with God, to the place where our own powers are unable to bring us. Truly Christ puts the lost sheep upon his shoulders and carries it home. Clinging to his Body we have life, and in communion with his Body we reach the very heart of God. Only thus is death conquered, we are set free and our life is hope.
This is the joy of the Easter Vigil: we are free. In the resurrection of Jesus, love has been shown to be stronger than death, stronger than evil. Love made Christ descend, and love is also the power by which he ascends. The power by which he brings us with him. In union with his love, borne aloft on the wings of love, as persons of love, let us descend with him into the world's darkness, knowing that in this way we will also rise up with him. On this night, then, let us pray: Lord, show us that love is stronger than hatred, that love is stronger than death. Descend into the darkness and the abyss of our modern age, and take by the hand those who await you. Bring them to the light! In my own dark nights, be with me to bring me forth! Help me, help all of us, to descend with you into the darkness of all those people who are still waiting for you, who out of the depths cry unto you! Help us to bring them your light! Help us to say the "yes" of love, the love that makes us descend with you and, in so doing, also to rise with you. Amen.

© Copyright 2007 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana
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Rediscover Our Constitution at 140

2007-04-11T19:43:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday, I had a guest column in the Windsor Star, which you can read below. The editor put a new headline on it:

Last week was the 140th anniversary of our Canadian Constitution. Unfortunately most Canadians are unaware of this historic document and of its enduring importance. After 140 years, the “Constitution Act, 1867” continues to structure our confederation and define our levels of government.

After years of debate among our Canadian politicians, on March 29 in 1867 the Imperial Parliament at Westminster passed into law the constitutional document which united four provinces and created the Dominion of Canada. Though this document was known originally as the “British North America Act, 1867”, its name was changed in 1982 to the “Constitution Act, 1867”. However, the text remained essentially unchanged and it remains the base document for our Canadian Constitution.

This Act created and shaped Canada as we know it by establishing our federal Parliament and its legislative authority, recognizing the continued executive authority of the Crown and how it unites us, and constituting the government of the four founding provinces as well.

Since 1867 there have been only minor changes as well as significant additions. These additional documents include the Terms of Union of provinces joining Confederation and the statutes creating new provinces within Canada , such as the “Manitoba Act, 1870”.

A significant document that is also part of the Constitution now is the “Statute of Westminster, 1931” which recognized the independence of Canada within the Commonwealth. Another addition came in 1947, new Letters Patent from King George VI which constituted the current office of the Governor General of Canada . Finally, the most well-known addition came 25 years ago, also legislated at Westminster on March 29. This “Canada Act” gave us the “Constitution Act, 1982” which included a new amendment formula and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

However, none of these additions replaced the foundational text nor limited its importance. Somehow many have picked up the mistaken notion that our constitution was created in 1982 or that the Charter alone is the constitution. We have been misled and this affects our life as a country.

The “Constitution Act, 1867” was the successful result of cooperation between anglophone and francophone leaders, that balanced provincial autonomy with creating a new national government while respecting minority rights. While other countries have changed their constitutions entirely or in part, sometimes more than once, after 140 years our constitution still works. It is a monumental achievement that has proven to actually be one of the most successful constitutions in the world. This is due in part to the fact that our written constitution was based on the unwritten constitution of the United Kingdom , which some would argue is the oldest in the world.

When one reads the debates that led to 1867, one can appreciate the wisdom and prudence that shaped our constitution, as well as discover the founding principles of Canada . In these founding debates, the members of our legislatures argued for or against confederation and expressed the values that gave birth to Canada . From diverse perspectives, they articulated their respect for parliamentary government and authentic liberty as safeguarded by the Crown, desiring “peace, order and good government.”

Remembering these constitutional debates can even defuse current misconceptions. Sir John A. MacDonald, Sir George-Etienne Cartier, Thomas D’Arcy McGee and many others influenced these debates, thus shaping Canadian identity. Cartier expressed how British North America - what we now call Canada - was defended by French-Canadians, who understood that “their adherence to the British Crown” had preserved their language, religion and institutions. This coming together of French and British into something new is foundational to our Canadian identity.

In remembering this anniversary, we remember both our constitutional foundation and the leaders who shaped it. We should seek to re-discover the balance that led to confederation and the values it expresses. And by understanding our constitution, more citizens can actively participate in our political process today.

Canadians can be proud of our constitution. While we celebrate confederation and our country as a whole on July 1st, every March 29th we can remember the process which made it possible and the constitution which still structures our Dominion, celebrating a “Constitution Day”.
cpb

Go see this Movie!

2007-03-26T17:02:00.000-04:00

I saw this movie this past weekend and I highly recommend seeing it at the cinemas.

This movie is a great true story as well as an inspirational movie... but it is also amazing to see that Hollywood made it. More people should know about this great man in our history and we need more people like that in our own time too.

Send a message to Hollywood and be inspired, go see this movie!

Amazing Grace.
www.amazinggracemovie.com

cpb

Commonwealth Day this week

2007-03-14T10:18:00.000-04:00

This past Monday was Commonwealth Day, an annual international commemoration that Canada initiated and now does little about. The Royal Union and the Commonwealth flags flew on Parliament Hill and some other locations, our Foreign Affairs Minister hosted a diplomatic reception for all of the High Commissioners from Commonwealth countries (they are not referred to as Ambassadors because they are not foreign), and the Governor General issued a Message (which unfortunately did not mention much).

This day gives a chance to remember our living heritage as a founding Commonwealth country and re-evaluate our appreciation of this reality. Since the Trudeau days of the 70s, Canada has purposefully watered down this identity in many ways, though other member countries still value it publicly. Other countries still recognize us as "Commonwealth citizens".

Text of The Queen's message to the Commonwealth, 12 March 2007:

Today's Commonwealth is home to nearly a third of the world's population. Its almost two billion citizens come from so many faiths, races, cultures and traditions.
I think that one of the reasons for the success of this organisation is that it draws not only on certain shared values, but also from the principles and practices of everyday life, which can be observed day after day in the cities, towns and villages of our 53 member countries.

Over thousands of years, the very basis of community life has been the pooling together by individuals of their resources and skills. Rather than having to be good at everything, people were able to practise their own skill or craft. The lesson of community life is that to flourish we must help each other. To do this, there has to be a sense of fairness, a real understanding of others' needs and aspirations, and a willingness to contribute.

Despite its size and scale, the Commonwealth to me is still at heart a collection of villages. In close-knit communities like these, there are beliefs and values we share and cherish. We know that helping others will lead to greater security and prosperity for ourselves.
Because we feel this way, our governments and peoples aim to work even more closely together. And as individuals, we find that taking part in Commonwealth activities can be inspirational and personally rewarding.

In today's difficult and sometimes divided world, I believe that it is more important than ever to keep trying to respect and understand each other better. Each and every one of us has hopes, needs, and priorities. Each of us is an individual, with ties of emotion and bonds of obligation - to culture, religion, community, country and beyond. In short, each of us is special.The more we see others in this way, the more we can understand them and their points of view. In what we think and say and do, let us as individuals actively seek out the views of others; let us make the best use of what our beliefs and history teach us; let us have open minds and hearts; and let us, like the Commonwealth, find our diversity a cause for celebration and a source of strength and unity.

This is a thought worth bearing in mind as we gather on Commonwealth Day: we are a thriving community; we value our past; we make the most of our present; and we are working together to build our future. By respecting difference and promoting understanding, that future will be a better one for us all.

Listen to The Queen's broadcast

40th anniversary of Vanier's death

2007-03-09T19:38:00.000-05:00

It was wonderful to read Father de Souza's great column about Georges Vanier in the National Post, to have highlighted that this past week was the 40th anniversary of his death. As a young adult, I am inspired by his loyal service and prayerful faith.

Truly Vanier is a great Canadian that we need to remember, not only for the lessons of life fully lived, but to rediscover who we are as a Dominion, as Canadians. His example demonstrates how in Canada, after centuries of organic growth, a unique identity developed which unfortunately is little appreciated today. This Canadian heritage includes our monarchy, a combination of French and British contributions, and a resolve to build a better country together for all of us.

May his example encourage us to nurture piety, loyalty and service in a new generation. As a young Catholic, I hope to see him and his wife Pauline beatified soon. And as Vanier might say, "may God's will be done" (his personal motto) and may God save the Queen of Canada.

Official biography on GG's website:
www.gg.ca/gg/fgg/bios/01/vanier_e.asp

Change continues in Ottawa

2007-02-15T13:32:00.000-05:00

Not only has Canada's New Government been getting things done on numerous fronts and moving forward with concrete action on clear priorities, but finally we can hear better reports from the Auditor General, that progress is being made.

Check the Government's website for more too.
www.canada.gc.ca

Government Has Made Satisfactory Progress in Five Areas

A Message from the Auditor General of Canada, 2007 Status Report of the Auditor General
Ottawa, 13 February 2007—Government departments and agencies have made satisfactory progress in addressing recommendations from previous reports in five areas audited, says the Auditor General of Canada, Sheila Fraser, in her Status Report tabled today in the House of Commons.
"Status Reports are particularly important because they show what has been done to address recommendations from a selection of our past audits," said Ms. Fraser. "I am very pleased to see that our work made a difference. Credit is due to the many public servants who have worked hard on resolving these matters."
The 2007 Status Report shows that departments and agencies have made satisfactory progress in the areas of managing advertising and public opinion research, federal built heritage, leading-edge research, passport services, and international taxation.
However, progress in implementing recommendations from previous reports has been unsatisfactory in two areas: the management of the Coast Guard's fleet and marine navigational services, and the management of the social Insurance Number. In those two areas, problems are long-standing.
The names of the chapters in the Status Report and the titles of the news releases are as follows:
Chapter 1. Advertising and Public Opinion Research, "Government made significant progress in managing its advertising activities"
Chapter 2. The Conservation of Federal Built Heritage, "Parks Canada has improved its management of heritage sites and buildings"
Chapter 3. Management of Leading-Edge Research—National Research Council Canada, "National Research Council is making progress on Auditor General's recommendations"
Chapter 4. Managing the Coast Guard Fleet and Marine Navigational Services—Fisheries and Oceans Canada, "Coast Guard has been slow to resolve longstanding issues"
Chapter 5. Passport Services—Passport Canada, "Satisfactory progress made through focused efforts that need to be sustained"
Chapter 6. The Management of the Social Insurance Number—Human Resources and Social Development Canada, "Important and long-standing weaknesses remain"
Chapter 7. International Taxation—Canada Revenue Agency, "Canada Revenue Agency has taken important steps to improve international taxation activities"
The Auditor General's Status Report, first released in 2002, is one of the reports from the Office of the Auditor General tabled each year in the House of Commons. It follows up on the government's progress in addressing recommendations from previous reports. The Auditor General concludes that progress is either satisfactory or unsatisfactory, taking into account the complexity of the issue and the amount of time that has passed since the original audit.
- 30 -
The Auditor General's 2007 Status Report and news releases that summarize the findings of each chapter are available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada Web site.

The Holy See and the State of the World

2007-01-09T10:01:00.000-05:00

The Holy See, commonly referred to as the Vatican, maintains active diplomatic relations with most states in the world and seeks to promote the common good. This is meant to be a service to humanity and complements the Church's enormous world-wide charitable efforts.

Below, after the brief report on diplomatic relations, you will find the Pope's "State of the World" address. This annual speech has become known informally by this name, though it is actually just the Pope's annual speech to the diplomatic corps (the ambassadors) accredited to the Holy See. It has become known with this name because the Pope is the only Head of State who is primarily concerned with the world as a whole and who uses this opportunity to review humanity's concerns in a broad sense. This year's speech really gives a big picture view of the many areas that require continued attention.

Holy See Has Diplomatic Relations With 175 States
VATICAN CITY, JAN. 8, 2007 (Zenit.org).
- The Holy See maintains full diplomatic relations with 175 states, reports the Vatican.
The Vatican press office reported this today on the occasion of the Pope's address to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See.
The communiquÃ© states: "To these 175 states are added the European communities and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, as well as two missions of a special character: the mission of the Russian Federation, governed by an ambassador, and the office of the Organization for the Liberation of Palestine (OLP), governed by a director."
On Dec. 16, the Holy See established diplomatic relations with Montenegro, which formed part of the former Yugoslavia.
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Pope's 2007 Address on State of the World
"An Opportunity to Strengthen Our Hope and Deepen Our Commitment"
VATICAN CITY, JAN. 8, 2007 (Zenit.org).
- Here is the Vatican translation of the address Benedict XVI delivered in the Vatican Apostolic Palace to members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See.
* * *
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to welcome you here today, for this traditional ceremony in which we exchange greetings. Although it is an annual event, it is by no means a mere formality; rather, it is an opportunity to strengthen our hope and to deepen our commitment to serve the cause of peace and the development of individuals and peoples.

Firstly, I should like to thank the Dean, Ambassador Giovanni Galassi, for the kind words that he has addressed to me on your behalf. I also extend a particular greeting to the Ambassadors who are present at this meeting for the first time. To all of you I offer my most cordial good wishes and I assure you of my prayers that the year 2007 will bring happiness and peace to you and your families, to your staff and to all peoples and their leaders.

At the start of the year, we are invited to turn our attention to the international situation, so as to focus upon the challenges that we are called to address together.

Among the key issues, how can we not think of the millions of people, especially women and children, who lack water, food, or shelter? The worsening scandal of hunger is unacceptable in a world which has the resources, the knowledge, and the means available to bring it to an end. It impels us to change our way of life, it reminds us of the urgent need to eliminate the structural causes of global economic dysfunction and to correct models of growth that seem incapable of guaranteeing respect for the environment and for integral human development, both now and in the future. Once again I invite the leaders of the wealthiest nations to take the necessary steps to ensure that poor countries, which often have a wealth of natural resources, are able to benefit from the fruits of goods that are rightfully theirs. From this point of view, the delay in implementing the commitments undertaken by the international community during the last few years is another cause of concern. So it is to be hoped that the trade negotiations of the "Doha Development Round" of the World Trade Organization will be resumed, and that the process of debt cancellation and reduction for the poorest countries will be continued and accelerated. At the same time, these processes must not be made conditional upon structural adjustments that are detrimental to the most vulnerable populations.

Equally, in the area of disarmament, symptoms of a developing crisis are multiplying, linked to difficulties in negotiations over conventional weapons and weapons of mass destruction and also to the rise in global military expenditure. Security issues -- aggravated by terrorism, which is to be utterly condemned -- must be approached from a global and far-sighted perspective.

As far as humanitarian crises are concerned, we should note that the organizations dealing with them need greater support, so that they can be equipped to provide protection and assistance to the victims. Another concern which looms ever larger is that of the movement of persons: millions of men and women are forced to leave their homes or their native lands because of violence or in order to seek more dignified living conditions. It is an illusion to think that migration can be blocked or checked simply by force. Migration and the problems to which it gives rise must be addressed humanely, with justice and compassion.

How can we not be alarmed, moreover, by the continuous attacks on life, from conception to natural death? Such attacks do not even spare regions with a traditional culture of respecting life, such as Africa, where there is an attempt to trivialize abortion surreptitiously, both through the Maputo Protocol and through the Plan of Action adopted by the Health Ministers of the African Union -- shortly to be submitted to the Summit of Heads of State and Heads of Government. Equally, there are mounting threats to the natural composition of the family based on the marriage of a man and a woman, and attempts to relativize it by giving it the same status as other radically different forms of union. All this offends and helps to destabilize the family by concealing its specific nature and its unique social role. Other forms of attack on life are sometimes committed in the name of scientific research. There is a growing conviction that research is subject only to the laws that it chooses for itself and that it is limited only by its own possibilities. This is the case, for example, in attempts to legitimize human cloning for supposedly therapeutic ends.

This overview of matters of concern must not distract our attention from the positive elements characteristic of the modern age. I should like to mention first of all the growing awareness of the importance of dialogue between cultures and between religions. This is a vital necessity, particularly in view of the challenges we all face regarding the family and society. I want to draw attention, moreover, to numerous initiatives in this area aimed at building common foundations for harmonious co-existence.

It is also timely to note the growing awareness shown by the international community of the enormous challenges of our time, and the efforts made to transform this awareness into concrete action. Within the United Nations Organization, the Council for Human Rights was established last year, and it is to be hoped that this will focus its activity on defense and promotion of the fundamental rights of the person, especially the right to life and the right to religious freedom. Speaking of the United Nations, I feel I must mention with gratitude His Excellency Mr Kofi Annan for the work accomplished during his time in office as Secretary-General. I also express my best wishes for his successor, Mr Ban Ki-moon, who has recently assumed his new responsibilities.

Within the framework of development, various initiatives have been undertaken to which the Holy See has not failed to pledge its support, at the same time reiterating that these projects must not supplant the commitment of developed countries to devote 0.7% of their gross domestic product to international aid. Another important element in the collective struggle to eliminate poverty, in addition to aid -- which one can only hope will expand -- is a greater awareness of the need to combat corruption and to promote good governance. We must also encourage and continue the efforts that have been made to guarantee human rights to individuals and peoples, for the sake of more effective protection of civilian populations.

In considering the political situation in the various continents, we find even more reasons for concern and reasons for hope. At the outset, we note that peace is often fragile and even mocked. We cannot forget the African Continent. The drama of Darfur continues and is being extended to the border regions of Chad and the Central African Republic. The international community has seemed powerless for almost four years, despite initiatives intended to bring relief to the populations in distress and to arrive at a political solution. Only by active cooperation between the United Nations, the African Union, the governments and other interested parties will these methods achieve results. I invite all those concerned to act with determination: we cannot accept that so many innocent people continue to suffer and die in this way.

The situation in the Horn of Africa has recently become more serious, with the resumption of hostilities and the internationalization of the conflict. While calling upon all parties to lay down their arms and to enter negotiations, I should like to invoke the memory of Sister Leonella Sgorbati, who gave her life in the service of the least fortunate, and prayed that her murderers be forgiven. May her example and her witness inspire all those who truly seek the good of Somalia. With regard to Uganda, we must pray for the progress of negotiations between the parties, in order to hasten the end of that cruel conflict which has even seen numerous children enlisted and forced to become soldiers. This would allow the many displaced persons to return home and to resume a dignified way of life. The contribution of religious leaders and the recent appointment of a Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations augur well. I repeat: we must not forget Africa with its numerous situations of war and tension. We must remember that only negotiations between the various protagonists can open the way to a just settlement of the conflicts and offer a glimpse of progress towards the establishment of lasting peace.

The Great Lakes Region has seen much bloodshed over the years through merciless wars. Recent positive developments are to be welcomed with interest and hope, especially the conclusion of the period of political transition in Burundi and, more recently, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Yet it is urgent that these countries commit themselves to restoring the proper functioning of the rule of law, in order to disarm the warlords and allow society to develop. In Rwanda, I pray that the long process of national reconciliation after the genocide may finally result in justice, but also in truth and forgiveness. The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, with the participation of a delegation from the Holy See and representatives of numerous national and regional Episcopal conferences of Central and Eastern Africa, affords a glimpse of new hopes. Finally, I should like to mention the Ivory Coast, urging the embattled parties to create a climate of mutual trust that can lead to disarmament and peace. And I should like to speak of Southern Africa: in the countries of this region, millions of people are reduced to a situation of great vulnerability that clamors for the attention and the support of the international community.

Among the positive signs for Africa is the wish expressed by the international community to keep its attention focused on this continent. Likewise, the strengthening of Africa's continental and regional institutions bears witness to the desire of the countries concerned to take increasing charge of their own destiny. Moreover, we must pay tribute to the laudable attitude of the people who commit themselves with determination every day, on the ground, to promote projects which contribute to the development and the organization of economic and social life.

The apostolic journey that I shall undertake next May to Brazil gives me the opportunity to turn my attention towards that great country, which awaits me with joy, and towards the whole of Latin America and the Caribbean. The improvement in certain economic indicators, the commitment to combat drug-trafficking and corruption, the various processes of integration, the efforts to improve access to education, to fight unemployment and to reduce inequalities in the distribution of revenues -- these are all signs to be viewed with satisfaction. If these developments are consolidated, they will be able to make a decisive contribution to overcoming the poverty that afflicts vast sectors of the population and to increasing the stability of institutions. In the light of the elections that took place last year in several countries, it should be emphasized that democracy is called to take into account the aspirations of the citizens as a whole, and to promote increasing respect for all the components of society, according to the principles of solidarity, subsidiarity and justice. Yet the practice of democracy must not be allowed to turn into the dictatorship of relativism, by proposing anthropological models incompatible with the nature and dignity of the human person.

My attention is focused in a special way on certain individual countries -- notably Colombia, where the long internal conflict has provoked a humanitarian crisis, especially as far as displaced persons are concerned. Every effort must be made to bring peace to the country, to return to families their loved ones who have been kidnapped, to restore security and normal life for millions of people. Such signs will give confidence to everyone, including those who have been implicated in the armed struggle. Our attention is also turned towards Cuba. In voicing the hope that all of its inhabitants may realize their legitimate aspirations, amid concern for the common good, I should like to renew the appeal made by my venerable Predecessor: "Let Cuba open itself to the world, and let the world open itself to Cuba." Mutual openness to other countries can only bring benefits to all concerned. Not far away, the people of Haiti continue to live in great poverty surrounded by violence. I pray that the interest of the international community -- manifested among other things by the conferences of donors that took place in 2006 -- will lead to the consolidation of institutions and will allow the people to become the architects of their own development, amid a climate of reconciliation and harmony.

The Asian continent includes countries characterized by very large populations and significant economic development. I am thinking of China and India, countries that are in rapid expansion, and I hope that their growing presence on the international stage will bring with it benefits for their own populations and for other nations. Likewise, I pray for Vietnam, recalling its recent entry into the World Trade Organization. My thoughts go out to the Christian communities. In most Asian countries, they tend to be small but lively communities, with a legitimate desire to be able to live and act in a climate of religious liberty. This is not only a primordial right but it is a condition that will enable them to contribute to the material and spiritual progress of society, and to be sources of cohesion and harmony.

In East Timor, the Catholic Church intends to continue making her contribution, notably in the fields of education, healthcare and national reconciliation. The political crisis experienced by this young State, and by other countries in the region, highlights a certain fragility in the processes of democratization. Dangerous sources of tension are lurking in the Korean Peninsula. The goal of reconciling the Korean people and maintaining the Peninsula as a nuclear-free zone -- which will bring benefits to the entire region -- must be pursued within the context of negotiations. It is important to avoid gestures that could compromise the talks, and likewise to avoid making their results a condition for the humanitarian aid destined for the most vulnerable sectors of the North Korean population.

I would like to draw your attention to two other Asian countries that give cause for concern. In Afghanistan, in recent months, we can only deplore the notable increase in violence and terrorist attacks. This has rendered the way out of the crisis more difficult, and it weighs heavily on the local population. In Sri Lanka, the failure of the Geneva negotiations between the Government and the Tamil Movement has brought with it an intensification of the conflict, causing great suffering among the civilian population. Only the path of dialogue can ensure a better and safer future for all.

The Middle East is also a source of great anxiety. For this reason I decided to write a Christmas letter to the Catholics of the region, expressing my solidarity and spiritual closeness to them all, and encouraging them to remain in the region, as I am sure that their witness will be of assistance and support for a future of peace and fraternity. I renew my urgent appeal to all parties involved in the complex political chessboard of the region, hoping for a consolidation of the positive signs noted in recent weeks between Israelis and Palestinians. The Holy See will never tire of reiterating that armed solutions achieve nothing, as we saw in Lebanon last summer. In fact, the future of that country depends upon the unity of all its components, and upon fraternal relations between its different religious and social groupings. This would constitute a message of hope for all. It is no longer possible to be satisfied with partial or unilateral solutions. In order to put an end to the crisis and to the sufferings it causes among the population, a global approach is needed, which excludes no one from the search for a negotiated settlement, taking into account the legitimate interests and aspirations of the different peoples involved. In particular, the Lebanese have a right to see the integrity and sovereignty of their country respected; the Israelis have a right to live in peace in their State; the Palestinians have a right to a free and sovereign homeland. When each of the peoples in the region sees that its expectations are taken into consideration and thus feels less threatened, then mutual trust will be strengthened. This trust will grow if a country like Iran, especially in relation to its nuclear program, agrees to give a satisfactory response to the legitimate concerns of the international community. Steps taken in this direction surely help to stabilize the whole region, especially Iraq, putting an end to the appalling violence which disfigures that country with bloodshed, and offering an opportunity to work for reconstruction and reconciliation between all its inhabitants.

Closer to us, in Europe, two new countries, Bulgaria and Romania, nations with a long Christian tradition, have joined the European Union. As the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Treaty of Rome approaches, some reflection on the Constitutional Treaty would seem appropriate. I hope that the fundamental values that are at the basis of human dignity will be fully protected, particularly religious freedom in all its dimensions and the institutional rights of Churches. Likewise, one cannot ignore the undeniable Christian heritage of the continent, which has greatly contributed to the formation of European nations and European peoples. The fiftieth anniversary of the rising of Budapest, celebrated last October, calls to mind the dramatic events of the twentieth century, and it prompts all Europeans to build a future free from oppression and from ideological conditioning, to establish bonds of friendship and fraternity, and to show concern and solidarity towards the poor and the weak. Likewise, the tensions of the past must be purified by promoting reconciliation at all levels, since this alone opens the way to the future and gives hope. I also appeal to all those on European soil who are tempted by terrorism, to cease from all such activity: actions of this kind only lead to more violence and create fear among populations -- they are simply a dead end. And I must also mention the various "frozen conflicts" and today's recurring tensions linked to energy resources, in the hope that they will find a rapid and definitive solution.

I pray that the Balkan region will arrive at the stability so ardently desired, particularly through the integration of the nations concerned into continental structures with the support of the international community. The establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Montenegro, which has recently entered peacefully into the family of nations, and the Fundamental Accord signed with Bosnia-Hercegovina are signs of the Holy See's constant concern for the Balkan region. As the moment approaches in which the statute of Kosovo will be defined, the Holy See asks all concerned to strive with far-sighted wisdom, flexibility and moderation, so that a solution may be found which respects the rights and legitimate expectations of all.

The situations I have mentioned constitute a challenge that touches us all -- a challenge to promote and consolidate all the positive elements in the world, and to overcome, with good will, wisdom and tenacity, all that causes injury, degradation and death. It is by respecting the human person that peace can be promoted, and it is by building peace that the foundations of an authentic integral humanism are laid. This is where I find the answer to the concern for the future voiced by so many of our contemporaries. Yes, the future can be serene if we work together for humanity. Man, created in the image of God, has an incomparable dignity; man, who is so worthy of love in the eyes of his Creator that God did not hesitate to give his own Son for him. That is the great mystery of Christmas, which we have just celebrated, and which continues to spread its joyful atmosphere over our meeting today. In her commitment to serve humanity and to build peace, the Church stands alongside all people of good will and she offers impartial cooperation. Together, each in his place and with his respective gifts, let us work to build an integral humanism which alone can guarantee a world of peace, justice and solidarity. In expressing this hope, I also pray to the Lord for all of you, for your families, for your staff, and for the peoples that you represent.

[Translation of French original issued by the Holy See]
Â© Copyright 2007 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana
ZE07010804

12 Days of Christmas and More

2007-01-08T11:30:00.000-05:00

(Once again, computers drive me crazy. I had a nice longer post about Christmastime which just disappeared... Anyway:)

Today in Canada, according to our modified Roman Catholic calendar, is the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, the official last day of the Christmas season. So allow me to say one last time this season: "Merry Christmas" and "Christ is Born. Glorify Him!"

I always enjoy all 12 Days of Christmas from December 25th to January 5th. Traditionally, 12th Night was a particularly special celebration. And following those 12 Days is the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th (which we in Canada move to the Sunday). And of course there's also Orthodox Christmas, for those who follow the old Julian calendar. So either way you look at it, this weekend was Little Christmas and still very much Christmastime.

It is sad to think that many in our society allow commercialism to shape their culture now, forgetting our traditional customs. I'm always sad to see some bare trees thrown out by the curb on Boxing Day (Dec 26), when the Christmas season has just begun. Traditionally in Europe all of January was considered Christmastime finally ending on Candlemas, February 2nd. Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation, is one of my favourite days and I look forward to celebrating it, celebrating the Light that has come into our world.

And I hope that you will have a blessed 2007.
cpb

Reading periodicals today

2006-12-21T20:55:00.000-05:00

In the midst of work, volunteering, studying and more, I try to keep up with reading a variety of newspapers, magazines, journals and newsletters. Some I subscribe to and read regularly (if only to flip through and highlight important items). Some I occasionally glance at and read at the bookstore or elsewhere, sometimes purchasing them. A couple I check online. Tonight, I had dinner alone in a great restaurant, in the wonderful small town I work in, and I read through a few of my periodicals which awaited reading, while enjoying good food and needed coffee.

I decided to blog about this reading before returning to actual studying. In this post, I'll mention the periodical I subscribe to and then note something that stood out in the reading today or recently. This does not include any of the newsletters and such, that I went through this past week or two. Nor does it include the Windsor Star, the National Post, Zenit.org (which had the Christmas Message of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who referred to conversion/change being needed for peace) and HelloMagazine.com, all of which I read today as well.

Fellowship of Catholic Scholars Quarterly (Journal)
- Democracy and the Thin Veneer of Civilisation, by MA Casey.
Which reminded me of the reality that political ideologies can take on "the attributes and functions of religion", exemplified in various ways by nazism, communism and current liberalism. But it made me realize that these are in a sense created by human need and secularisation.

The Beaver (Canada's History Magazine)
- Viking Farewell, by Birgitta Wallace
Which reminded me of the European presence in North America almost a 1000 years ago. However it also made me realize that the Vikings went much further then I thought (the 'base' at the tip of Newfoundland was actually just a mid-point between Vinland and Greenland), that Vinland was probably in the area of current New Brunswick. It also highlighted that it was demographic limitations which ended Viking presence in Canada, which really should make one wonder about our weak demographics today. [I was also reminded of the fact that Greenland is part of North America and how easily we forget that Europe directly border Canada.]

The Interim (Canada's Life and Family Newspaper)
An article reminded me of the futility of embryonic stem cell research, highlighting that a research team has reported about the risks of tumours from embryonic stem cell use. Why can't people understand the simple but drastic difference between adult or somatic stem cell use (which is successful and widespread) and embryonic stem cell use (which is still unproven and problematic on many levels). I was also encouraged to read of two sisters of my generation both getting involved in their local politics in the Sault, one on city council, the other on the school board.

Canadian Geographic
One article highlighted the distress that Lake Winnipeg is facing, which seemed alarming. Another reminded me of the wonder of film-making, how Canadian cities "sub" for American ones in many movies.

Catholic Insight (A Catholic Magazine for Canada in the Universal Church)
An article by Ian Hunter highlighted both C.S. Lewis influence and his remaining Anglican though his writings have led so many into the Catholic Church. A review by Fr. D. Gallagher of the book Literary Giants, Literary Catholics (Joseph Pearce) reminded me of the great contribution by Catholic authors (both those raised Catholic and those who converted) to literature in the 20th century, including Chesterton, Waugh, Belloc and Tolkien. Sadly most of these examples of "Catholic" culture are generally ignored or downplayed by the mainstream and little known even by most Catholics.

First Things
While there are several interesting features, including an article about the "Global South" and the strength and freshness of Christianity there, simply reading (Fr.) Richard John Neuhaus' comments would provide enough reflection for a post on its own. Just to highlight a few of the things that struck me:
- a new book Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth about Compassionate Conservatism (Basic Books) provides fascinating facts which make sense if one makes the connections; some of these facts are that those who are "religious" give much more than those who are not, those who are "liberal" and believe in big government give and volunteer far less than those who do not believe this, and charitable giving is "learned, reinforced and practiced" within traditional families.
- the Jerusalem Post in 1944 published a story about and quotes from Pope Pius XII that demonstrate that he was definitely not "anti-Semitic" and everyone knew it. The Pope publicly said the following to a Jewish author in the presence of German soldiers "My son, whether you are worthier than others only the Lord knows, but believe me, you are at least as worthy as every other human being that lives on our earth! And now, my Jewish friend, go with the protection of the Lord, and never forget, you must always be proud to be a Jew!" - A man who said these words is now vilified by our enlightened progressives today as anti-Semitic! On another occasion Pope Pius XII said "It is not possible for Christians to take part in anti-Semitism. Spiritually, we are all Semites." I love this quote and often repeat the second half.
- many prominent Protestant theologians and leaders are becoming Catholic, and one Lutheran theologian who has not yet crossed the Tiber notes that this is so because "they intend to inhabit the one, historically real church confessed by the creeds, and could no longer recognize this in their Protestant denominations. And indeed, if the church professed by the creeds does not, as the Second Vatican Council put it, 'subsist in' the Roman Catholic Church, it is hard to think where it could." A Lutheran theologian said this, highlighting the enduring reality of the Catholic Church.
- Peter Kreeft from Boston College refers to a Muslim student of his, who pointed out that those who want to remove Crucifixes from a Catholic classroom in order not to offend non-Catholics are actually guilty of bigotry. This Muslim said clearly that he is offended by such political correctness, because it implies he is a bigot and can't respect the religion of others. Funny how so many Christians in the West don't see what a Muslim clearly perceived immediately.

So much good stuff.
To conclude, I'll quote a verse that Neuhaus also used, praying that we will have a blessed holiday:
No love that in a family dwells,
No carolling in frosty air,
Nor all the steeple-shaking bells
Can with this single Truth compare -
That God was Man in Palestine
And lives today in Bread and Wine.

cpb

Our Lady of Guadelupe

2006-12-12T10:51:00.000-05:00

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadelupe, who is honoured by Catholics as the patroness of the Americas.

Recently, I posted regarding the Shroud of Turin. The image of Guadelupe is similarly a mysterious one, beyond simple explanation, that has undergone investigation. Many believe that this is a miraculous image, that was given when Mary appeared to a native Mexican in 1531. Though made of cactus fibre that does not last long, the cloth that this image is on has endured centuries. Even a bomb placed by anti-catholics was not successful in destroying it.

Tonight in Windsor, the large annual multicultural celebration of this Feast will take place again at the historic Assumption Church. It is amazing because several ethnic communities participate, for example the Hispanic choir, African volunteers, Lebanese children, Filipino volunteers, and so on. The many languages and cultures participating really portrays the universality of the Catholic Church. After all, Catholic means universal.

It is a fascinating story and an inspirational time.

www.catholic-forum.com/saints/mary0003.htm
cpb

The Forgotten Milestone: The Day Canada Become Fully Independent

2006-12-11T11:21:00.000-05:00

I have a Guest Column in today's Windsor Star to mark the 75th anniversary of the Statute of Westminster.
Below is the text as its published. The one major change the editor made was to change the title; I had a title with subtitle, as with this post.

Independence 75 years old

Today is the 75th anniversary of the Statute of Westminster, a milestone that is significant and yet forgotten. This law was passed by the imperial parliament at Westminster in 1931, forever changing the empire into the Commonwealth. This is the day that Canada and the other dominions became fully independent countries.

Most of us are aware of the national importance of the battle at Vimy Ridge and the maturing of Canada's self-identity during the First World War.
But few are aware of the developments that occurred following the Great War, including both Canada's welcome at the diplomatic table and the imperial discussions which took place in the 1920s. These Imperial Conferences led to an organic development in the British Empire that was legally enacted by the Statute of Westminster.

CONSENSUS
Although it was necessarily an act of the parliament in the United Kingdom, it was actually a consensus agreed upon by the governments of the United Kingdom and the British dominions existing at that time.
These dominions within the empire included the Dominion of Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, the Dominion of New Zealand, the Union of South Africa, the Irish Free State and Newfoundland. Each of these, beginning with Canada, achieved internal self-government within the empire.
However, until 1931, the key word was "within." Each dominion was more than a mere colony and yet was still connected to the mother country. After 1931, each dominion legally became an equal to the United Kingdom and fully independent in every way.
The best example of the meaning of this change is with the declaration of war. At the start of the First World War, when the United Kingdom declared war the whole Empire was automatically engaged. But at the beginning of the Second World War, Canada independently declared war a week later.

This organic change within the empire effectively created the Commonwealth that Canada still remains a key member of. These seven countries are the founding members of this international organization, which at that time was known as The British Commonwealth of Nations.
Though each country was now fully independent, each state chose to remain a constitutional monarchy and to keep the unifying role of the Crown. Political power no longer united these realms; now only common allegiance united these free peoples.
When she became our queen, Elizabeth II also became head of the Commonwealth and recognized that "The Commonwealth bears no resemblance to the empires of the past. It is an entirely new conception built on the highest qualities of the spirit of man: friendship, loyalty and the desire for freedom and peace."

While recognizing the Crown, this statute significantly changed the role of the monarch. Until 1931, King George V was Canada's king because he was the king of the United Kingdom and he would take official advice in regard to Canada from both the Canadian and British governments.
But, with this legislation, The king became our king independently and also became the first Canadian in international law. In other words, sixteen years before Canadian citizenship was created in 1947, the monarch was legally a Canadian and exercised a Canadian role independent of any other. At the next coronation in 1937, the coronation oath was changed and George VI swore to govern each realm according to its own laws and customs. He became king of Canada. This is why Canada would remain a monarchy now even if the United Kingdom ceased to be one.

The Statute of Westminster is one of Canada's constitutional documents. It affected our parliamentary, governmental and foreign affairs dealings. The Parliament of Canada's powers were extended so that it had full power to make all laws necessary for state, including those that are extra-territorial.
POWERS LIMITED
The powers of the British parliament were limited, so that it could no longer affect the laws of a dominion unless that dominion requested and consented to that action. Therefore, because Canadian leaders could not agree on a new constitutional amendment formula, the British parliament continued to pass amendments to Canada's constitution until 1982,-- although only at the request of the Canadian government. This remained a formality, the real decision now being in Canadian hands.

As we prepare for the 140th anniversary of our confederation, all Canadians can pause to remember this 75th anniversary of the day we became fully independent.
Hopefully this will also encourage us to further discover the history and identity of our country.
cpb

New Liberal Leader Weak and Confused

2006-12-06T17:25:00.000-05:00

It is amazing to see Liberal "leadership" in action.

When you read the two articles I copied below, notice in the first that the new Liberal leader contradicts himself (ie flip flops) while speaking to media on the very same day this week. Not to mention, notice that 7 years ago he himself was against same sex "marriage" and voted against it in the House of Commons.

So, whatever your view on legal marriage is, think about those facts. He voted against something that he now claims is a fundamental human right. Yet he also says on the same day that its just "a matter of tactic".

Then in the next article, notice that though he is now attacking Canada's New Government over sending troops to Kandahar, Dion was a member of the Cabinet that sent the troops there and as recently as two months ago he was publicly defending this mission. Did I miss something or is he just trying to score cheap political points while being a complete hypocrite?

So, whatever your view on our troops in Afghanistan, ponder these facts. The new Liberal leader was part of the decision that he now condemns someone else for. And though he repeatedly and publicly and recently defended the mission, he now misuses this UN-mandated NATO mission to advance his political agenda. How low can he go?

These are from www.conservative.ca, but quotes and facts are from public sources.

***************

Dion Flip flops on Same Sex Marriage Motion
06 December 2006

Just four days into his new job, Stephane Dion is demonstrating he is a weak and indecisive leader.
Faced with his first tough issue -- same sex marriage -- Dion promptly contradicted himself.

First he told reporters that same sex marriage is a matter of fundamental rights: "You don't pick and choose rights." (Toronto Star, December 5, 2006)
Then, yesterday he told CTV that "it's a matter of tactic. It's not so fundamental." (Mike Duffy Live, December 5, 2006)

Which is it?

If it's about fundamental rights, how can Stephane Dion compromise for mere strategic advantage?
How does Stephane Dion reconcile these two positions?

Of course, Dion's confusion on this issue is not surprising. In 1999, he voted against same sex marriage. In 2005, he changed his mind and voted in favour of same sex marriage.

Canada's New Government will honour an election promise to hold a free vote for all Conservative MPs when the motion comes up in the House of Commons this week.

**************************

JUST THE FACTS/ ALLONS DROIT AUX FAITS
Date: December 6, 2006

Today new Liberal leader Stephane Dion (Saint-Laurent-Cartierville) continues his hypocritical attacks on the Conservative government over Canada's mission in Afghanistan (Globe and Mail, December 6, 2006). Yet despite Dion's spin, Canadians remember that it was his Liberal government that sent Canadian troops to Afghanistan in the first place and that Dion was sitting in cabinet when the decision was made to undertake the current mission:

The facts:
- Dion was a member of the Liberal cabinet under Jean Chretien when Canadian troops were first sent to Afghanistan.
- Dion was in the Liberal cabinet under Paul Martin when they decided to move Canadian troops from Kabul to Kandahar. How can he now criticize a mission that he endorsed as part of the Liberal cabinet?
- Dion himself previously insisted that he supports the mission: Stephane Dion said his support for the mission would remain strong until there was a clear indication the troops were no longer required by the Afghan people. "There is no way that Canada will be an occupying force. I'm supporting the mission because I'm still convinced that most of the people of Afghanistan want our protection." he said. (www.theglobeandmail.com), October 10, 2006)
- Dion said he still supports the mission because he believes the majority of Afghans want the protection of Canadian troops. (Globe and Mail, October 11, 2006)
- Just nine months ago, as his party's foreign affairs critic, Dion was a staunch backer of the decision to send Canadian troops head-to-head against Taliban fighters in Kandahar. "It's a very important mission and we want to be there," he told a Canadian Press reporter in early March. "We will succeed in Afghanistan if we show a lot of determination," he said on CTV a few days later. "We need to be resolute and to succeed." (Toronto Star, December 6, 2006)
- "We need to be there. Canada is a good citizen of the world. We are very courageous. We have been in Yugoslavia. We are ready to be in tough situations." (quoted in Toronto Star, December 6, 2006)

- Despite the hypocrisy of Dion, [in this year's vote] 24 Liberal MPs kept to their principles and supported the continuation of the Afghanistan mission, including Bill Graham, Michael Ignatieff and Scott Brison
- As Scott Brison said: "I don't think Liberals ought to be seeking to differentiate themselves on a mission that we actually started. We initiated the Afghan mission. We did it for the right reasons. Those reasons have not changed. (Globe and Mail, June 27, 2006)
- As Michael Ignatieff said: "Liberals need to remember this is a Liberal mission," he said. "We're in Afghanistan because of the leadership of the two previous Liberal governments ... We, as a party, cannot abandon what is right or what we believe for political convenience." (National Post, June 17, 2006)

cpb

The Cathedral of St. George in Constantinople

2006-11-29T13:11:00.000-05:00

With great joy, I just watched the live broadcast online of the welcoming Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. George in the Phanar (Istanbul, Turkey). The Patriarch of Constantinople, together with his Holy Synod, welcomed the Pope, together with his entourage of Cardinals and Bishops. I am happy that I could participate in this historic moment at least in a virtual manner, having visited the Church here in Essex just prior to the liturgy.

Since 1601, this Church has functioned as the Patriarch's Cathedral and the Phanar has been his headquarters, his home monastery. It is appropriate that I could now post these pictures, complementing the pictures of the Pope's Cathedral posted earlier this month.

It was a beautiful liturgy with the Greek Orthodox chant that I love to hear. The Pope and Patriarch together blessed the congregration and then venerated the relics of St. John Chrysostom. They are now having a private meeting and will celebrate the Divine Liturgy, the Mass, tomorrow on the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle.

St. Andrew and all the Holy Apostles, pray for us.

Further information and pictures are on the website in the previous post.

Pope visits the Orthodox Patriarch

2006-11-23T17:34:00.000-05:00

The Pope is soon visiting the Patriarch of Constantinople in what is now Turkey. He will also visit historic Christian sites and the Catholics who live there. It is a highly significant visit, which you can follow at this helpful website, presented as a virtual welcome by the Patriachate.

www.patriarchate.org

The Face on the Shroud of Turin

2006-11-23T16:49:00.000-05:00

A travelling exhibit came to Windsor about the Shroud of Turin, which I found very interesting. It highlighted much research and many facts about the Shroud, which is a mysterious cloth that many Christians believe wrapped the body of Jesus when he was laid in the tomb. It is now held at the Cathedral of Turn, thus its name.

At left is a picture of the Face on the Shroud. Whats fascinating is that the Image on the cloth acts as a negative, so that one when takes a photograph of it and looks at the "negative" (which is what you see at left), that's when the positive Image is seen. This was discovered only with modern photography just over a century ago. Further, about 25 years ago, they discovered that the Image continues depth information and that it is only on the very surface of the cloth. In other words, the more it is studied, the more mysterious it becomes. It is beyond scientific explanation currently. Pollen samples prove that it was in the Middle East originally, travelled through what is now Turkey, and into Europe over the centuries. Further, there are details that are historically accurate, such the image of an ancient coin and the width of the spear wound matching Roman spear width. Much research has been done.

Its fascinating because if it is authentic - and there are many reasons to believe it is - then this cloth is a "witness" of the Resurrection so to speak. The one main hypothesis, that actually seems likely, is that the Image on the Shroud was formed by scorching in a very short burst of energy, which could be the Resurrection itself.

And this is why the Shroud is amazing. One way or another, it is a Sign of our Faith, a symbol of the historical center of what we believe as Christians: this man Jesus, who died horribly, rose from the dead. The resurrection is a new creation that gives us Hope and it is a real historical event. Truly, Jesus is victorious and came to make all things new.

This official website contains digital pictures of the Shroud and much more:
http://sindone.torino.chiesacattolica.it/

This website outlines some similar information that I saw in the exhibit:
www.shroudofturin.com/Science1.html

Hollywood movie to have world premiere at the Vatican

2006-11-20T12:08:00.000-05:00

I highly recommend checking out this new film's website. The trailer and photos look great and the music sounds phenomenal. I am looking forward to seeing this movie in the cinemas.
www.thenativitystory.com

It is interesting to see that this Hollywood movie has chosen the Vatican as the site for the world premiere and that the Vatican has chosen to cooperate so closely with it as well. The article below highlights further details, including the charitable nature of the premiere.

Two other movies to highlight right now are Apocalypto and Into Great Silence.

The first is Mel Gibson's new movie, which looks fascinating and unique, set in the last years of the Mayan civilization:
http://apocalypto.movies.go.com/

The second is a bold movie documenting life within the legendary monastary "The Grand Chartreuse":
www.diegrossestille.de/english/index.html

*******************

"The Nativity Story" to Open at Vatican
Depicts a Year in the Life of Our Lady

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 19, 2006 (Zenit.org).-
The world premiere of the film "The Nativity Story" is scheduled to take place Nov. 26 in the Vatican.

Among the 7,000 people who will attend the screening in Paul VI Hall are the director, Catherine Hardwicke; actors Shoreh Aghdashloo and Oscar Isaac; producers Mary Bowen and Wyck Godfrey; and screenwriter Mike Rich.

The screening of the film, produced by New Line Cinema, will be preceded by the reading of a Gospel passage and a prayer written by Archbishop Angelo Comastri, the Pope's vicar general for Vatican City State and archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica.
Archbishop John Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, will give the presentation address.

The event will serve to collect funds for the construction of a school in the town of Mughar in Israel, whose population comprises Christians, Muslims and Druze. The town is 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Nazareth.

"The Nativity Story" presents the year in Mary's life that culminates with the birth of Jesus, the visit of the shepherds and Wise Men to the stable, Herod's brutal response with the massacre of the Innocents, and the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt.

According to Peter Malone, film critic at Signis, the World Catholic Association for Communication, the movie is interesting both for Christians as well as non-Christians.
"The screenplay is well grounded in the biblical texts, both the heritage of the Old Testament as well as the text and spirit of the Gospel infancy narratives," Malone stated. "This gives the film an advantage over narratives which limit the perspective to a literal reading of texts and rely on piety traditions for visual presentation."
It has also been noted that the screenplay offers substantial historical background to understand Palestine in these times and how the characters were influenced by their environment as well as by the harshness of authorities."

The film will be released in most countries on Dec. 1.
ZE06111922

The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

2006-11-08T22:03:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, tomorrow is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. This Church in Rome is actually dedicated to the Most Holy Saviour and its sanctuary has the Pope's "Cathedra" or Chair in it (picture below), making this building the Pope's Cathedral Church. Therefore, this historic building is significant for the whole worldwide fellowship of all those in communion with the Pope.

This feast day really is a time to pray for the universal Church and the liturgical texts sing about the wonder of what membership in the Church is actually about. Remembering the dedication of a Church building is special because we are setting aside this space for the worship of God and asking that it be holy. But more than that, it is a symbol for the invisible structure of the Church and a sign of the heavenly Jerusalem we are called too.

Here are two sites I quickly found that give more information about this feast day and this actual building and its history:
http://magnificat.ca/cal/engl/11-09.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._John_Lateran

cpb

Communion of Saints - Novena for the Church

2006-11-03T10:02:00.000-05:00

The beginning of November is a time when our western society traditionally remembers the dead. This is primarily due to the Catholic liturgical days of All Saints (Nov 1) and All Souls (Nov 2), which have influenced the cultural practice of even non-Catholic Europeans. Also, in Canada, November 11 is Remembrance Day, when as a civil society, we remember are fallen soldiers and veterans. Overall, this is a season when contemplating death and remembering the dead seems appropriate.

For me, these days are a time to meditate on the reality of the Church and to pray for the whole Church. About a decade ago, I was reflecting on these days and it struck me: on November the 1st, we honour the Church in heaven; on November the 2nd, we remember the Church in purgatory; and on November 9th, the Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran, we celebrate and pray for the Church on earth. (Also, the Catholic Church encourages prayerful visits to our cemetaries until November 8th.) I realized that this formed a novena in the liturgical calender, nine days of special prayer with and for the whole Church - militant, suffering and triumphant.

The Church of Christ includes all of the baptized: those who are still struggling forward upon the Earth, those who are saved but are being purified in Purgatory, and those who are glorified in the victory of Heaven. The Communion of Saints includes all three levels and death does not divide us. Death does not have victory over us, for our Saviour has triumphed. We remember death with the new perspective of the Resurrection, with hope and peace and grace. On Earth, we know we will die and, especially in the West, we need that gentle reminder. But, as Catholic Christians, we know that we will still live and that our unity in Christ is stronger than even death. Our goal in life is beyond death. We are a pilgrim people, living fully and fighting a spiritual battle in this life, aiming for the victory of the Resurrection. Those who have gone before us in the Faith encourage us with their example and now form that "Cloud of Witnesses" which Scripture speaks of as encouraging us forward.

So, as we honour the Saints in Heaven, I ask them to pray for us, the Church on Earth still. And as we prayerfully remember the Holy Souls in Purgatory, I also ask God to save those they have left behind (for these Holy Souls are saved already, those they've left are in greater jeopardy). And as we approach a forgotten feast, I pray for the whole Church daily.

Each of these days, I am trying to make it to church and I am visiting a Catholic cemetary each day. I offer prayers for the Holy Souls and for the pilgrim Church on Earth, especially our clergy and our youth. I pray the liturgy and the Litany of Saints and prayer for the dead. Please consider joining me in praying for the whole Church together, in these ways or however you can.

Here below, for your reflection, I post the Pope's Angelus message regarding All Saints and All Souls. At either www.vatican.va or www.zenit.org you can read the Pope's full homilies (sermons) for either.

On All Saints' Day
"Everything Passes, Only God Does Not Change"
VATICAN CITY, NOV. 1, 2006 (Zenit.org).-

Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI delivered today from the window of his study, to the crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square to recite the midday Angelus on the solemnity of All Saints.
* * *

Dear Brothers and Sisters,Today we celebrate the solemnity of All Saints, and tomorrow we commemorate the faithful departed.
These two deeply felt liturgical observances offer us a singular opportunity to meditate on eternal life. Does modern man still look for this eternal life or does he think that it belongs to a mythology that we have moved beyond?

In this our time, more so than in the past, we are so absorbed by earthly things that it is hard for us to think of God as a protagonist in history and in our own lives. Human existence, however, by its very nature, is directed toward something greater, which transcends it. The yearning in human beings for the fullness of justice, truth and happiness is irrepressible.
Faced with the enigma of death, there is alive in many the desire and the hope to find their loved ones again up above. Just as powerful is the belief in a final judgment which will re-establish justice, the expectation of a definitive confrontation in which each will be allotted what he deserves.

"Eternal life," however, does not mean for us Christians simply a life that lasts forever, but rather a new quality of existence fully immersed in the God's love, which frees us from evil and death and which puts us in everlasting communion with all the brothers and sisters who share in the same love.
Consequently, eternal life can already be present in the center of earthly and temporal life when, through grace, the soul is joined to God, its ultimate foundation. Everything passes, only God does not change. A Psalm says: "My flesh and my heart diminish; but the rock of my heart is God, God is my lot forever" (Psalm 72[73]:26).

All Christians, called to sanctity, are men and women who live anchored solidly in this "rock"; they have their feet on the earth but their heart is already in heaven, definitively dwelling with the friends of God.
Dear brothers and sisters, we meditate on this reality with our soul turned toward our final and definitive destiny, which gives meaning to the circumstances of our daily lives. Let us revive the joyous sentiment of the communion of saints and allow ourselves to be drawn by them to the goal of our existence: the face-to-face encounter with God.

Let us pray that this be the inheritance of all the faithful departed, not only of our own loved ones but also of all souls, especially those most forgotten and most in need of divine mercy. May the Virgin Mary, queen of all saints, guide us to choose eternal life in every moment -- the "life of the world to come," as we say in the Creed; a world already inaugurated by the resurrection of Christ and whose coming we can hasten with our sincere conversion and works of charity.
[Translation by ZENIT]

[At the end of the Angelus the Pope greeted pilgrims in several languages. In English, he said:]
I offer a warm welcome to all the English-speaking visitors gathered for this Angelus prayer.
Today's solemnity of All Saints invites us to rejoice in the fellowship of the saints, to imitate their example and to strive to share in their eternal reward. Through their prayers, may all of us be strengthened in our fidelity to the Gospel and its promises.
God bless you all!
cpb

Our Lady of Victory - Lepanto, Oct 7, 1571

2006-10-07T14:52:00.000-04:00

Below I link and copy an article about today's anniversary of the naval Battle of Lepanto (depicted artistically in this picture), which is commemorated yearly by Catholics as the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, also known as Our Lady of Victory. The Christians who then gathered in Rome and elsewhere in Europe to pray, prayed the rosary as well as other prayers together. And so this feast day was instituted to commemorate the victory that seemed acheived by prayer, for the Christian force was outnumbered and weaker.

It is important to remember that not all Muslims are militant. However, it is important to be aware of the worldview and goals of radical Islam. Jihad for radical Muslims is holy war intent on conquering the world. These radicals pose a danger to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, for more Muslims die at the hands of other Muslims than at the hands of anyone else.

This danger has been with us, more or else, for 1300 years, though at times it has been more of a problem than at other times. Syria, Palestine, Egypt and Turkey are all formerly Christian countries that were conquered in the first and most successful wave of Muslim attack. The Crusades were launched in a defensive matter, a couple hundred years late, because Christian natives and pilgrims were oppressed and killed in these countries. Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Spain, Portugal and other parts of Europe were conquered by Muslims but these countries were gradually re-conquered and liberated, allowing the native Christian population to thrive. Lepanto was an important victory in this defense of Christian Europe. But the threat now is global, affecting all western countries in one way or another.

We need to pray. And we need to act. Remembering to love our enemies, even those who want to destroy our civilization and threaten innocents. Defending our society and innocents while also restraining hate is difficult. Confronting terrorist cells is even more difficult. So we need to pray even more. May the Son of Mary, whom both Muslims and Christians honour, grant us victory over terrorism and grant true peace to all. Maranatha.

***********
www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52338

Saturday, October 7, 2006
GLOBAL JIHAD
Clash of civilizations: Battle of Lepanto revisited
Today marks anniversary of crucial war between Islam and West

Posted: October 7, 2006 1:00 a.m. Eastern
By Mary Jo Anderson © 2006 WorldNetDaily.com

Today, Christians quietly recall the anniversary of the Battle of Lepanto, Oct. 7, 1571. On that date the forces of Islam battled the Holy League in a crucial engagement at Lepanto, the modern day Gulf of Corinth. The date assumes larger significance in light of recent struggles between the West and Islamic jihad.

Sparked by the events like the Danish Cartoon Wars, Pope Benedict XVI's speech at Regensburg and the fifth anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, a firestorm of renewed debate about the nature of Islamic jihad fills Western magazines and newspapers. Some maintain that the "war on terror" is the result of the Bush administration's mishandling of the attack on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. Others have revised their thinking after five years.

Jonathan Last, writing in the Philadelphia Inquirer Oct. 1 states, "It's the West vs. the Islamic world, a clash that has never abated. … It predates America itself. It is a clash between Western civilization and the Islamic world."

Last quotes Samuel Huntington, author of the 1993 article "Clash of Civilizations" and subsequent book of the same title. Huntington, a Harvard professor, wrote, "Conflict along the fault line between Western and Islamic civilizations has been going on for 1,300 years." Islam advanced under the sword conquering North Africa, Sicily, Spain, Portugal and parts of France. Twice "the forces of Islam laid siege to Vienna. For 1,000 years, Islam advanced and Christendom retreated," observed Last.

But at Lepanto, Christendom did not retreat.

The Ottoman Turks had attacked and captured Christian strongholds throughout the Mediterranean. Their strategy was to control the sea, the trade routes, and thus crush European navies and commerce. In 1522, the Knights of St. John were driven from Rhodes by the Moslems. The year 1529 saw an attack on Vienna. By 1570 Cyprus was under siege.
According to historian H.W. Crocker III, the Turks skinned the commander of Cyprus while the officer was still alive. More than 12,000 Christians were enslaved on Moslem galleys, lashed to the oars of Turkish ships that then threatened Europe. Feared as "invincible," the Moslem fleet terrorized cities along the coasts of Italy and Greece.

The Turkish fleet, under the command of Ali Pasha, gathered at Lepanto (Gulf of Corinth). They were reinforced with lawless Corsairs under the command of the ferocious Moslem pirate, Uluch Ali.

Europe's Holy League was an allied fleet of the Knights of Malta, Spanish, Venetian and Papal ships assembled by Pope Pius the V. The famous Don Juan of Austria, assisted by equally famous Andrea Dorian, led the Holy League. Maritime historians note that the Battle of Lepanto was the last of the great sea battles between oared vessels, and the largest battle since the Battle of Actium in 30 B.C.

An estimated 50,000 seamen and another 30,000 fighting men fought for Europe against a stronger, better armed Ottoman force of 330 ships. Ottoman ships flew flags emblazoned with verses from the Quran. Christian galleys were named "Resurrected Christ," "Christ of Venice," "Angel of Venice," "St. Euphemia" and "Our Lady of Venice."

As the day dawned over Lepanto, in Rome Pius V called the faithful to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. There he led the people to pray, asking God for a Christian victory. Throughout the morning the prayers of the people continued until, it is said, the pope had a vision of the victory and shouted, "Our great task at present is to thank God for the victory which He has just given us."

The Battle of Lepanto sacrificed nearly 8,000 European soldiers who had fought under Don Juan. Yet, the Moslem forces suffered catastrophic losses; more than 25,000 perished. Don Juan rescued the 12,000 Catholic galley slaves. All Christendom rejoiced.

Within a decade, the Moslem fleet was rebuilt and the Islamic assaults again threatened Europe. For this reason few historians credit the Battle of Lepanto as a decisive military victory against Islamic forces. However, few deny the great psychological victory that Oct. 7, 1571, marks for Europeans who refused to retreat before the "invincible" flag of the crescent.

Jonathan Last of the Philadelphia Inquirer noted, "As Pope Benedict XVI explains in his book 'Without Roots,' the very concept of 'Europe' emerged as a reaction to the surge of Islam. Not until the failure of the second Turkish siege of Vienna in 1683 did the Islamic tide recede definitively. For the next 300 years, Western civilization was ascendant and the Islamic world stagnated."

Crocker, author of "Don't Tread On Me," wrote in the Oct. 6 issue of The American Spectator, "As we (or the better informed among us at least) celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Lepanto this Saturday, marking the date in 1571 when the navy of Pope Pius V's Holy League turned back the Ottoman Turks from one of their recurrent jihads, it might be opportune to consider how the Islamic world has advanced politically over the last half century."

Meanwhile, despite Islamic furor over his remarks at Regensburg, Benedict XVI has not canceled his plans to visit Turkey in November.

Mary Jo Anderson is a contributing reporter to WorldNetDaily and co-author of "Male and Female He Made Them: Questions and Answers on Marriage and Same-Sex Unions."
cpb

Feast of the Archangels today begins Novena for me

2006-09-29T16:46:00.000-04:00

For Latin-rite Catholics, today is the Feast of the Holy Archangels, Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. All three are named in Scripture and are respected in Tradition. I have had a devotion to the Holy Angels, especially St. Michael for many years. St. Michael the Archangel is one of my patrons, I chose his name at Confirmation.

For me, today begins a type of novena, especially important in today's world. A novena is nine days of special and focused prayer. It just so happens that if one begins counting today and counts out 9 days, one lands on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (Oct 7), traditionally also known as Our Lady of Victory. Also, October 2 is the memorial of the Gaurdian Angels and some significant saints have memorials as well in this time, specifically St. Francis of Assisi and Ste. Therese. And when considering the universal Church, in the Slovanic Byzantine Catholic Churches, October 1 is the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God. It is appropriate because Mary is also known as the Queen of the Angels.

So I see this as a time to focus our prayers toward areas of struggle in our lives and world, and to recognize that we are in a spiritual battle. But we are not alone. We have the help of God's holy angels and mighty archangels. And there are brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before us and encourage us still with their prayers and example. And we know that within this communion of saints there is victory acheived through prayer.

So please join me in praying each of these days. Maybe a whole rosary, maybe just a decade. Or maybe just a short time of prayer each day, asking our Lord and victorious King for the help of His angels, the prayers of His Saints, and the loving protection of His Mother. Truly, knowing we are united in prayer this way can encourage us all. Know that my prayers are with you too, for we are all called to be part of this communion of saints within the Church.

Governor General marks First Anniversary by launching new initiative

2006-09-25T16:36:00.000-04:00

The Governor General of Canada is about to mark her first anniversary as our Queen's representative in Ottawa. She is doing so by launching a new website that is meant to foster dialogue, echoing the motto she chose for her personal Coat of Arms (Breaking down solitudes). It should be interesting to see how this initiative develops, which seems to be primarily aimed at Canadian youth. (The full media release is below)
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca

This is another example of how our recent GGs take their role seriously, one of the most historic in Canada, and try to make it open and relevant to Canadians. Now if only the media and others actually cooperated in this worthy effort, inside of just throwing about their own negative agendas or simply ignoring the GG, who represents our Head of State.
www.gg.ca

On this anniversary, here is my summary about the GG.
The GG has several important roles to fulfill, which I would summarize as being sevenfold (most of which are usually exercised on the official "advice" of the Government or a Minister):
1) Constitutional - the Crown is the cornerstone of our current Constitution, ensuring we have a Government and our laws are followed, so the GG can exercise reserve powers of the Crown in extraordinary cases (this is why the role of the Crown is entrenched in our Constitution and one of the hardest things to change);
2) Parliamentary - the Crown is one of the three parts of Parliament, so the GG opens sessions, makes laws by signing bills, calls elections, etc. (this is why there is a throne in the Senate Chamber, which either The Queen or her GG occupy as full members of Parliament);
3) Governmental - the GG signs Cabinet decisions and State documents, communicates regularly with the PM and Ministers, presides over the swearing in of Supreme Court Justices, etc. (I know most people don't realize the amount of Governmental business that goes to the GG or that The Queen is given monthly reports);
4) Diplomatic - the GG receives foreign ambassadors in Ottawa, sends our ambassadors elsewhere, promotes Canada and represents us to the world in a non-partisan manner (the GGs have went on State Visits on behalf of Canada since the 20s and are part of our overall Foreign Affairs);
5) Military - the GG is Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces, commissions officers, visits bases, meets the Chief of Defense Staff, honours our soldiers, etc. (the previous GG was especially good at boosting troop morale by spending part of her Christmas holidays with troops overseas annually);
6) Honours - the GG recognizes excellence with Canadian Honours such as the Order of Canada, recognizes bravery by soldiers and civilians, highlights volunteers contribution, presides over Canadian heraldry, etc. (the GG presides at such ceremonies in Ottawa at Rideau Hall, in Quebec at the Citadelle, and around the country, also issuing special messages);
7) National - the GG promotes Canadian identity and culture, visits communities and groups, celebrates our heritage and anniversaries, etc. (this role should not be underestimated, for it allows a national figure to more actively travel our country and highlight important aspects of our society in a non-partison manner).

Chat on-line with the Governor General!
Launch of a new place for dialogue:
the Citizen Voices micro-site www.citizenvoices.gg.ca

September 25, 2006 OTTAWA—
On September 27, 2006, on the first anniversary of the Governor General of Canada’s installation, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond will be launching a new online place for dialogue: Citizen Voices. Forums, blogs and live chats will enable Internet users to respond to, and interact with, Their Excellencies and other citizens across the country on issues that concern them and ideas and initiatives that are important to them. An innovative and dynamic tool, this site will allow people to communicate easily, expand their networks, and connect with Rideau Hall. This site came about as Mr. Lafond and a team of young and enthusiastic collaborators started thinking about renewing tools for fostering debate and dialogue.

“It has already been a year that we have been meeting with the citizens of this country, and in that time, we have seen initiatives that bring hope to others that should be shared with everyone,” the Governor General stated. “We hope to continue the dialogue with other socially engaged women, men and youths who are actively involved in their neighbourhoods, cities and communities. And we hope that this site will be a useful tool to allow Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life to talk to one another and break down solitudes.”
Site users will be able to navigate through four themed sections: belonging, youth, women, and culture. Users will be regularly invited to participate in a forum, comment on a blog or chat live with the Governor General or Mr. Lafond. The site content will be continuously evolving as more and more Canadians take part.

On September 27, 2006, the public launch of the site will be followed by a live chat session with the Governor General :
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Launch of the site
Pavillon E (Amphitheatre), La Cité Collégiale, 801, Aviation Parkway
Their Excellencies will deliver remarks, lead a discussion and present the www.citizenvoices.gg.ca site to youth from across the country. Project collaborators will be on hand to answer any questions. OPEN TO MEDIA

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Live chat with the Governor General
The Governor General invites everyone to join her for a chat about issues facing youth at www.citizenvoices.gg.ca. Don’t forget to register for it!

Beginning September 27, the www.citizenvoices.gg.ca micro-site will also be accessible via www.gg.ca.
cpb

Getting things done - for all of us.

2006-09-25T15:06:00.000-04:00

Its good to see the change continuing in Ottawa.... clear leadership demonstrated and moving us forward. Things finally getting done, with clear focus and words backed up by clear actions. As I've mentioned before, there is a long and growing list of things done, promises kept by our new Government and actions taken after inaction for years.
www.pm.gc.ca

Getting things done - for all of us

The House of Commons resumed sitting last week and Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Canada’s New Government will continue to get things done for families and taxpayers.

The Government’s fall agenda will deliver results for Canadians based on four pillars:
1. Accountability and Democratic Reform
2. Environment and Personal Health
3. Crime and National Security
4. Economic Management and Value for Money
[more]

The softwood vote

Last week, the House of Commons passed an important ways and means motion on the Canada-U.S. Softwood Lumber Agreement, effectively passing the softwood lumber deal.
The Canada-U.S. Softwood Lumber Agreement ends years of uncertainty and allows us to build a stronger, more prosperous Canada. The Liberals and NDP owe all Canadians an explanation for their opposition to this deal. [more]

Afghan president thanks Canada

Last Friday, Afghan President Hamid Karsai addressed the House of Commons thanking Canada for its commitment to his country.

“If the greatness of a life is measured in deeds done for others, then Canada’s sons and daughters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan stand among the greatest of their generation,” said President Karzai.

President Karsai’s speech came a day after Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the case for the mission at the U.N. General Assembly. [more]

Subscriptions - To subscribe to our newsletter, click here.
www.conservative.ca
cpb

Guest Column on the Church published today

2006-09-15T16:46:00.000-04:00

This was published today in the Windsor Star, on the opinion page:

Gervais didn't reveal richness of Catholic church

Swimming against the current is a difficult thing.

Doing so is never easy, but it is harder when negative perceptions discourage you. And yet there is a hope that moves me and many others locally.

As a young adult, I and other local Catholics were discouraged to see our church given the only seemingly negative profile in Marty Gervais' interesting recent series in The Star. It concerned us that it began with no less than five former Catholics' mistaken views. And while I admire Gervais' writing, and am sure he has no ill will, it would seem more appropriate to focus on those who understand and live what the church is about when writing regarding that same church's experience.

It may look bad when you say that 70 per cent of Catholics sleep in on a Sunday morning, but -- when you consider the total number of Catholics and that percentage -- it actually means that almost 50,000 Catholics locally still make it to church just in Windsor and Essex County. And some of the others may have a legitimate reason, like shift work, not to make it to Sunday morning mass. We may not have a mega-church with one single location, and we may not set up cafes with cappuccino machines, but we are far from dead. And many of our parishes are actually thriving. I'm glad Gervais recognized the comparison problem, but I am sad that he did not take a closer look at the positive.

Take a look at my neighbourhood parish, Most Precious Blood Church. It is a growing and vibrant community, with numerous ministries available to serve all ages. Whether a traditional prayer group or a charismatic one, whether an active youth group or a seniors' social, this parish has much to offer. And ministries are aimed not only at churchgoers. The parish's St. Vincent de Paul branch serves many who are in need in the neighbourhood. And this Sunday, the parish is hosting its first annual Gospelfest, an all-day celebration of music and community open to all. At a parish like this, the future hope is already a lived reality.

And there is a diversity within the church that most don't realize exists. On any Sunday in Windsor, one can actually attend a traditional Latin mass, a contemporary LifeTeen mass, a mass in Slovak or in several other languages, a Ukrainian Byzantine mass, a Lebanese Maronite mass, an Iraqi Chaldean mass, or just a "regular" Roman mass at your neighbourhood church. And all of these are fully and equally Catholic. All celebrating the same truth, just with different styles. We can both update while cherishing our tradition as well.

While it is sad that most don't see this vibrancy of the church today, it is more heartbreaking for me that most don't know the teaching of the church in its fullness. Out of the whole panorama of church doctrine, one or two issues take centre stage in controversy as distractions from more important concerns. It is others, not the church, who are obsessed on these matters. For example, the celibate priesthood may be a roadblock to some, but it is not even a doctrine and should not keep someone away from the community of faith, if one truly believes what the church proclaims about the Saviour.

It is tragic that more Catholics or former Catholics would not try to go deeper about the truths of their Catholic faith or the richness of their church's heritage. It is wrong for the whole church to be slandered on account of one or two points.

And this is the heart of the matter. People hunger to encounter the living God. People thirst to experience the grace of a Saviour. People want guidance regarding moral concerns. They don't have to leave the pew to find these.
The irony of Gervais' series is that the articles about a growing evangelical church highlight the reality that a Bible-believing community with clear beliefs and traditional morals is what people are hungering for and need. His Catholic article highlights that fallacy of misled Catholics, who feel modernizing will bring people in.

Modernizing beliefs and discipline has not worked for the mainline protestant churches that are shrinking, while evangelical churches are growing and Catholic churches are at least stable. There is a big difference between changing music and changing teaching.

The Catholic church teaches the Word of God, unchanging and yet relevant. Sunday mass is about worshipping and communion with God. It is not about a popular sermon or about personal preference. For a Bible-believing Catholic Christian, mass is the living and real presence of Jesus here and now, regardless of the details surrounding that one necessary reality. That's what brings me to mass -- Jesus.

I believe that Jesus is my Lord and Saviour, who actively saves and heals even today. I also believe that the Catholic church is Jesus' mystical body, who shares his truth and grace with the world still. We may be weak and sinful as members, but He is still strong and holy. And it is His grace that saves us and His light that we try to share. I would hope that people would consider the whole reality of the church, which, after 2,000 years, still swims against the current.

Cyril Bagin lives in Windsor and is an active member of the Catholic Civil Rights League and other Catholic organizations. He has studied Catholic theology at St. Peter's Seminary in London.

Remembering 9/11, praying for our troops...

2006-09-11T11:36:00.000-04:00

As we remember the fifth anniversary of the tragedy that changed our world, my prayers are with all of our allied troops and police officers around the world that are engaging our new enemy, whether in our cities in the west or in the hills of Afghanistan or elsewhere. God speed.
And may those who have died, rest in peace.

Among many speeches given today, here is a personal one given by HRH The Prince Andrew on behalf of the British Royal Family. As a citizen of The Commonwealth, I am proud to say, we stand with the United States of America.
****

The Duke of York reflects on his personal experience of the terrorist attacks on the fifth anniversary of 9/11

I was one of the many who were airborne and half way across the Atlantic to the USA that day when my aircraft was informed of the attack and the need to return to the UK or divert to Canada. The captain chose to return to the UK. We only had sketchy reports as we returned and it was not until we landed that I discovered the full extent of what had happened. It was difficult to remain calm when I had to sit in the plane unable to communicate with New York, knowing that my ex-wife Sarah had an office in the World Trade Centre and was in New York at the time. I had some small insight into the anguish many families were suffering that day.

In London, in a show of support for the American people, we organised a ceremony of respect and solidarity at the Guard Change outside Buckingham Palace. Spontaneously crowds gathered to pay their respects. With the US Ambassador, I prayed for the bereaved and gave thanks for the many who survived. It was personal and heartfelt. The chill of silence outside the Palace was immense, the intensity of feeling overpowering; everyone who was there could not have failed to have been moved by the simplicity and meaning of those few minutes.

Very soon afterwards I went to New York to pay tribute to those who had lost their lives in the tragedy. I was then one of the first British representatives to see Ground Zero in the days after the World Trade Centre was attacked. Nothing could have prepared me for the scene that I witnessed. Nothing in my experience came close to that scene of utter devastation and loss. The sheer scale of the destruction was difficult to comprehend. I met and talked with many people that morning including fire fighters who had lost colleagues trying to evacuate the scene. I saw the tributes from their families and friends and felt humbled by the fact that they had lost their lives in such a selfless and honourable way. I saw a city in shock, a country in mourning.

Five years on it is my privilege to return to New York to pay tribute in particular to the British people who lost their lives on September 11 and to visit the British Memorial Garden which will ensure that their memories live on. It is incredible to see the strength of character these families have shown in the face of such adversity. It is a great honour for me to meet these families; their courage is inspirational.

From:
www.royal.gov.uk
cpb

Patristics II: Diverse Fathers, One Church, One Word

2006-09-05T18:08:00.000-04:00

The Fathers of the Church, early Christian teachers of the Faith, are a diverse yet united group of men. They are from all over the ancient world and span several centuries, from th first century up until the early 700s. They come from as far as Ireland in West, to Persia in East, from Germany in North, to Ethiopia in South. The ancient Christian world was much larger than many realize. The languages their teachings are written in also show this diversity. Not only were Latin and Greek used - though these are the two most used - but also Syriac (Syria), Coptic (Egypt), Armenian, even Arabic, and others.

The Fathers absorbed Scripture and cherished it, often quoting it and showing how closely they knew it. This of course is interesting because there was no one volume collection of the New Testament as we know it. The Fathers, by their love and use of Scripture, also gave us the gift of the New Testament. Despite their diversity, they all knew that they needed to teach the Word of God and clearly promote the Gospel of Jesus, the Incarnate Word himself.

They had a deep reverance for Tradition and Authority, primarily Apostolic authority (which relates to what we discussed in the first segment). They believed that their role was to carefully pass on the Faith that was received from the Apostles and often, especially in regard to the teaching of the Bishop of Rome, they would refer to the direct connection to the Apostles through a succession of bishops. In this way they tried to show that they were indeed teaching the one Gospel of Jesus, the same one the Apostles taught.

They developed theology, used imagery in their writing and were often long winded, sometimes getting sidetracked into related topics that needed explanation also. They warned against innovation in theology, yet they recognized an organic development in knowing the faith more and deeper. It can be seen like connecting the dots to realize even more richness that comes to be visible. They used imagery and symbols to try to explain and teach more clearly.

Some wrote sermons, some letters, some "apologies" to defend and explain the faith (either answering pagans or heretics). For some Fathers we only have small fragments, for others we have a book length, and for a few we have volumes. All together, the many volumes that we still have fill at least a couple book shelves.

Some of the Fathers:
Apostolic Fathers (about 70 to 150 AD)
St. Clement of Rome, St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Polycarp of Smyrna...

Early Fathers (Martyrs and Apologists) about 150 to 312 AD
St. Irenaeus of Lyons, St. Justin Martyr (Rome), St. Clement of Alexandria, St. Cyprian of Carthage...

Nicene and Chalcedon (Councils and Bishops) (about 313 to 476 AD)
(300s) St. Cyril of Jerusalem, St. Ephrem (Syria), St. Ambrose of Milan, St. Athanasius of Alexandria...
(400s) St. Augustine of Hippo (North Africa), St. John Chrysostom (Constantinople), St. Jerome, St. Leo the Great (Rome)...

Later Fathers
St. Benedict (Italy), St. Gregory the Great, St. Maximus...
Last in West - St. Isidore of Seville (Spain) c. 650
Last in East - St. John Damascene (Syria) c. 750
cpb

Patristics I: Tradition in the Church

2006-08-29T18:02:00.000-04:00

Last night I gave a presentation on Patristics to a local Young Adults Group, better known as YAG. Patristics is basically the study of the Fathers of the Church, ancient Christian writers who were either bishops or teachers of the faith. Here is a summary of the first half of my notes:

Previously, I talked about Revelation, about how God reveals Himself to humanity, making His Truth and Love known to us. As Catholic Christians we believe that Jesus Christ is the fullness of God's self-revelation, for Jesus is the living Word of God himself. But how does this revelation come to us today, 2000 years later? It comes to us through Jesus' Body which is the Church through a direct transmission, a handing on from generation to generation of believers. We call this "handing on" Tradition, with a capital T, specifically Apostolic Tradition.

Apostolic Tradition is the Faith of the Apostles that has been handed on to us in the apostolic Church, for us to receive, cherish and share with others. It includes all that Jesus entrusted to His Church, what we believe, the morals we hold, the prayer we share, and the grace we need. (It is not the same as "traditions" with a small "t", human customs or values.) According to Eastern Christian theology, Scripture itself is seen as a part of this Tradition, one of the main gifts that we share. According to Western Christian theology, Tradition and Scripture are the two ways that the one Word of God comes to us. Closely connected to Apostolic Tradition is the Apostolic Succession of Bishops, knowing that the apostolic ministry has continued within the Church until today, from bishop to bishop. Our bishops today are the successors of the Apostles and their first task is to teach and safeguard the apostolic teaching in the world today, to proclaim the Faith of the Apostles here and now. This teaching authority of the Bishops is called the Magisterium.

The Fathers of the Church were mostly early bishops and their writings are important witnesses not only to the faith and life of the early centuries of the Church, but also to the early Magisterium of the Church. They are one of the important ways that we can more fully discover what the Apostolic Tradition is about, since we cannot pick up one book entitled "Tradition" the way we can with "Scripture". When reading what they taught and wrote 1600 years ago, 1800 years ago, even 1900 years ago, it is amazing to see the same faith expressed that we cherish today. Reading their writings helps us to know our Church family story, where we came from and who we are as a Church.

The Fathers of the Church are a diverse group from all over the ancient world. We can highlight about four characteristics to identify who is a "Father."
1 - Antiquity - They are from the early centuries of the Church.
2 - Holiness - They generally lived a holy life, many were even martyrs.
3 - Orthodox Teaching - Meaning that we have some of their teaching in writing and it is considered to reflect the "true faith".
4 - Church Approval - The universal Church accepts their witness.

It is interesting that the Fathers generally lived before the major divisions occurred among Christians and they are still accepted by the vast majority of Christians today. They really show us not only our Faith, but also provided Hope to see an authentic unity among Christians.
cpb

Great website on St. Peter's Basilica

2006-08-29T17:13:00.000-04:00

www.stpetersbasilica.org

This great website includes both diagrams and pictures, but also contact information and much more. It is filled with all kinds of interesting links.
This year is the Basilica's 500th anniversary.

Happy 500 Anniversary St. Peter's
On April 18th, 1506, Pope Julius II laid the cornerstone of the new St. Peter's Basilica.
Pope Benedict XVI marked the 500th anniversary of the founding of St. Peter's Basilica with an invitation to the faithful to be "like living stones, to build the Holy Church".
cpb

Honest Reporting...

2006-08-29T16:27:00.000-04:00

I was looking at this interesting website, which does not seem to be politically correct, but it may have some truth in it. Right now it is giving alot of information about the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. www.honestreporting.com

I don't want to really take sides and I feel bad for the civilians on both sides. But it is troubling that most of our coverage seems to emphasize the suffering of civilians on only one side of the border. It is even more troubling to read about outright errors in reporting, for example, altering photographs to make damage appear worse in Lebanon or the misreporting of actual statistics.

Note this, about misreporting of numbers of dead:
The media picked up on a report about an attack on the village of Hula and claimed that over 40 people died. Later even the Lebanese PM had to admit that only 1 person died. 40. 1. Thats a shocking difference. (This is like my hometown newspaper calling the death of about 7 people a "bloodbath" in Afghanistan. Tragic yes, bloodbath no. I thought journalism was supposed to be objective and not sensationalism appealing to raw emotions on behalf of an agenda.)

"This incident came on the heels of the strike against Qana where it was originally reported that 56 people had been killed. Later, it was determined that the correct number was 28. The original number had been given to the media by the Lebanese Red Cross and had included those who were missing and others that had been at the destroyed building at one time."
The corrected number was based on those who actually died.

And just note these statistics, about the damage on the other side:
- 43 Israeli civilians were killed by Hezbollah rocket fire
- 116 Israeli soldiers and officers were killed
- 3,970 rockets were fired at Israel, 901 of them hit urban areas
- 4,262 civilians were treated in hospitals for injuries
- 6,000 Israeli private homes were damaged
- 300,000 Israelis were forced to flee
- Over 1,000,000 Israelis were forced to spend a month in bomb shelters
- One third of the population of Israel was directly exposed to the missile threat
- Over $1,400,000,000 is estimated to be the direct economic loss to the Israeli economy.

And all this damage and suffering was caused by people who believe Israel should be destroyed and who actually targeted civilians and gave them no warning. The Israeli military at least tried to warn civilians before attacking Hezbollah targets that were placed in or near civilian neighbourhoods. How could Hezbollah use the Lebanese as human shields and still claim to advance their cause? There is a difference between the two sides, between the Isreali military and the Hezbollah terrorists.

This is not a conflict between Israel and Lebanon, a fact which must be emphasized. The Lebanese people and leaders need to make Hezbollah responsible for causing such an unnecessary conflict and cut off all their support.

Unfortuanately, the innocent civilians on both sides suffer, no matter who is "right" in such a chaotic and horrible crisis. My prayers and alms are offered for them and are with those who are trying to help them still.
cpb

Book and Link for Catholic catechesis

2006-08-22T15:26:00.000-04:00

I recently bought a book called the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Basically it is a shorter and simpler version of the Catechism, which presents the official teaching of the Catholic Church. It follows a clear outline of the important aspects of the teaching, so the table of contents is very helpful to highlight the pattern of what the Church teaches. Then under each section it includes simple questions with short paragraph answers, thus providing a focused catechesis or teaching on the specific section.

The Compendium includes beautiful traditional pictures which illustrate the teaching as it has been handed on (traditio) in the Tradition of the universal Church. So it includes not only Western or Roman art, but also Eastern art, such as Coptic art from Egypt and Byzantine art from several places.

This full text of both the Catechism and the Compendium, in several languages, are on the official website of The Vatican.
www.vatican.va/archive/ccc/index.htm

cpb

Week at Madonna House

2006-08-22T11:17:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I came home from a week living as a working guest with the community at Madonna House in Combermere, Ontario. It was a truly great week, a blessing.

On the one hand, it is so simple: as a guest, I worked, ate, prayed, lived with the community.
On the other hand, it is beyond words: the beauty of the natural surroundings, the vibrancy of the farm, the warmth of the people, the power of the prayer and the many deep blessings.

I strongly recommend finding out more about Madonna House and its spirituality.
www.madonnahouse.org

Note on the picture:
I took this picture during my week there. This is the main house, the original Madonna House. The truck in front I rode in that day as I helped with "lumber".
cpb

Catholic Conference coming in Windsor

2006-08-11T11:52:00.000-04:00

Please share this information with others who may be interested.
You can either email me or call the numbers for more info.
cpb

COME TO THE WATERS (John 4:10-14)
8th Annual Canadian Call to Holiness Conference
At the University of Windsor, Student Centre - Ambassador Auditorium
Saturday, September 16, 2006

Day Session for everyone:
Registration check-in and tables: between 7:45 and 8:45 AM
9:00 AM: Holy Mass in historic Assumption Church with the Episcopal Vicars
Program in Ambassador Auditorium: 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Speakers include: Deacon Steve Thomashefski (Catholic Renewal Ministries), Michael Coren (broadcaster, author, convert), and Lukasz Petrykowski (Catholic Civil Rights League).

Divine Mercy prayers will conclude the day. Table displays also.
Fee including lunch: Adults $35, Students & Young Adults $15.

Evening Session for Young Adults:
For University & College Students and all young adults: Free.
Registration check-in and table displays: 6 pm
Programme will include speakers, music and prayer
from 6:45 to 10 pm in Ambassador Auditorium.

*REGISTRATION:

Registration with payment needed ASAP due to limited seating.
Please make payment by cheque or money order to: CANADIAN CATHOLIC RADIO,
Mail to: PO BOX 7104 Windsor ON N9C 3Z1

Pre-registration is required ASAP for all attending. Please call and mail by Sept. 7.

For information and tickets, please call one in Windsor (all 519):
John 944-3168; Wyn. 253-5667; Suzie 254-4597;
Dr.Tina. 969-9453; or Laura 972-8486

cpb

I may be imperfect but...

2006-08-09T13:33:00.000-04:00

I received this today in an email (below) and thought it was both a good summary of people in the Bible and an important reminder of encouragement. Someone else told me recently too:
God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
And in a song recently I read: "God uses the weak to lead the strong."

God meets us where we are at and takes it from there, He works with us.
* * *

The next time you feel like GOD can't use you,
... just remember...

Abraham was too old
Noah was a drunk
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer ...AND
Lazarus was dead!

Now! No more excuses!
God can use even you to your full potential.
Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.

In the Circle of God's love, God's waiting to use your full potential.

Getting Things Done on the Environment

2006-08-09T13:15:00.000-04:00

Just another example about how Canada's New Government is getting things done, on a file that most people would not even realize the Conservative care about. More is getting done in months in Ottawa than has happened in years!

Real action on real priorities.

Getting Things Done on the Environment
Canada’s New Government addresses 13 years of Liberal Inaction

Environment Minister Rona Ambrose and Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn today announced the addition of 42 species to Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act. The announcement adds to an already lengthy list of practical steps taken by Canada’s New Government to protect the environment.

Our government has achieved more in our first six months in office than the Liberals did in 13 years:
• New funding for public transit and infrastructure;
• New Transit Tax Credit to encourage public transit use;
• New tax exemption for donations of ecologically sensitive land made under the Eco-Gift program;
• $2 billion over the next five years committed to our Made-in-Canada plan to clean up our air, land and water;
• Developing new legislation to combat the smog that plagues our cities;
• Increasing the average renewable fuel content in gasoline and diesel fuels to 5% by 2010; and
• A real commitment to the clean up our air, land and water for a healthier Canada.

The Liberal Record
- 13 years of inaction on the environment:
• While the Liberals talked about Kyoto, Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions increased to 35% above our Kyoto targets and Canada logged a record number of smog advisory days in cities around the country;
• The Liberals promised a plan that would have sent billions of Canadian tax dollars to third world polluters without reducing pollution in Canada; and
• Canada slid to 28th out of 29 nations in the OECD pollution regulations rankings.

Canada’s New Government has practical solutions to clean up our air, land and water -- a Made in Canada approach to protecting our environment and improving the health of all Canadians.

www.conservative.ca
cpb

Catholics helping in Lebanon

2006-07-26T10:59:00.000-04:00

The Catholic Church is very active in directly assisting tens of thousands of people suffering in this crisis, something you don't hear about in the mainstream media. The story below talks about the official Catholic charity actively helping 75 000 people. A couple of days ago, I was briefed about a Catholic monastery in Lebanon taking in and assisting many people. And there are more efforts, from other Catholic groups and communities. Also, the Maronite Catholic Church is an autonomous Catholic church based in Lebanon.

Caritas-Lebanon Assisting 75,000 People
BEIRUT, Lebanon, JULY 25, 2006 (Zenit.org).-
The newest armed conflict in the Mideast has prompted the Catholic charity Caritas-Lebanon to enlarge its emergency operations and to offer assistance to 75,000 people.
In statements today, Father Louis Samaha, director of Caritas-Lebanon, referred to the difficulties his staffers are having because of "the attacks on means of communications" and "against the communications sector."
"In southern Lebanon, some 35,000 people of the villages of Bint Jbeil and Rmeich find themselves isolated and abandoned to their fate," said the priest.
All the delegations of Caritas-Lebanon continue to mobilize and have been joined by volunteer women and youths who are helping with the distribution of aid, including food, hygiene products and medicines.
These volunteer teams also give courses on hygiene in refugee centers, which have been invaded by fleas and lice. Caritas is installing showers and distributing specific hygiene products.
"We have also organized animation workshops in 12 centers, to make the situation more bearable for hundreds of children who have been trapped in this horror," said Father Samaha.
Mobile health care units have been converted into emergency clinics, he said, and they visit refugee centers offering medical care.
ZE06072502

Leadership in Ottawa... Promises kept, leadership shown

2006-07-25T15:39:00.000-04:00

And the promises continue to be kept. Even during this time of "summer recess", the work of our new Government continues as a steady pace. Election promises continue to shape the Government's overall agenda while the PM also addresses the current crisis. As well, long overdue work is being done in Ottawa: for example, today the new Government also announced that victims of tainted blood will finally receive the compensation they have long been waiting for.

I am personally impressed that the PM made the decision to take his government plane on a detour to Cyprus to pick up Canadian being evacuated, so that more could get back to Canada a little faster. Imagine the US President detouring AirForceOne to pick up ordinary citizens; that is essential what happened. Real leadership that is concerned with real Canadians.

So long overdue work is finally being done.
Promises are actually being kept and quickly.
And true leadership is being shown.
www.pm.gc.ca

CONSERVATIVES DELIVER CHOICE IN CHILD CARE

Promise Made: “A Conservative government will provide all families a new $1,200 per year Choice in Child Care Allowance for each child under six…starting in 2006.” (Stand Up for Canada – 2006 Conservative Election Platform, page 31)

Promise Kept: This past week, millions of Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) cheques were printed and mailed to Canadian parents. The UCCB supports the child care choices of all Canadians families with small children by providing direct financial support of $1,200 per year per child, an approach that marks a stark departure from that of the previous government. Under the Liberals’ plan, politicians, researchers, and academics would have received money, while the real child care experts - Canadian moms and dads – would have been ignored. [more]

PM Demonstrates Leadership on International Stage

Prior to arriving in St. Petersburg, Russia for the G8 summit last week, Prime Minister Harper stopped in London to meet with his counterpart, British Prime Minister Tony Blair. During his stay in London, the Prime Minister also paid a visit to Buckingham Palace, where he shared an audience with Her Majesty the Queen.

At the G8 Summit, the Prime Minister noted that Canada had achieved its objectives, including a unanimous G8 commitment to core energy principles that encourage investment and increase the competitiveness of global energy markets. [more]

The Prime Minister ended his first major international tour in France, where he toured Vimy Ridge, the site of one of the most important World War I battles in which Canadians fought. During his solemn visit, Prime Minister Harper paid his respects to those men who lost their lives standing up for freedom and democracy. [more]

Leadership by Example
As opposed to flying back to Canada from Paris as originally scheduled last Wednesday, Prime Minister Harper diverted the Canadian Forces aircraft on which he was traveling to Cyprus so that he could assist personally in repatriating Canadian evacuees from Lebanon. [more]
www.conservative.ca
cpb

Rosary Meditations

2006-07-19T10:30:00.000-04:00

A little while ago, I posted a reflection on the Beatitudes that I still mean to further write about. But these days I've had some reflection about the mysteries of the Rosary, which are about the life of Jesus and Mary and are meant to be meditated on while praying the rosary.

There are 3 traditional sets of 5 mysteries: 5 joyful mysteries about the beginning of Jesus' life, 5 sorrowful about Jesus' passion and death, and 5 glorious mysteries about Jesus' risen life that he shares with us. There is also 1 new set of 5 luminous mysteries (of light) about Jesus ministry.

I have noticed and reflected upon how the 1st in each set seems to be similar, as well as the 2nd in each, etc. Since they simply follow a chronological pattern, this connection seems to be accidental.

For example, the first joyful mystery is about the Angel announcing to Mary the Good News of Jesus' coming and her acceptance in faith of Christ. The first luminous mystery is about Jesus' baptism by John in the river Jordan, marking Jesus beginning of His ministry. The first sorrowful is about Jesus' agony in the garden, accepting his suffering. The first glorious is Jesus' resurrection.
All of these first one are about faith and obedience: Mary's yes in faith that brought Jesus into the world; Jesus humbling himself in faith beginning His ministry; Jesus saying yes to the Father's will for salvation; and Jesus' resurrection is one of the most central beliefs of our faith and shows the goal of faith: eternal life in a glorified body. So, the progression for each of us is that we say yes in faith to God, we commit in faith to living and cooperating with God, we accept in faith even the struggles of life as a means to the end, and we aim in faith for the risen life of Jesus.

Just some thoughts. Reflecting on the rosary mysteries provides a good focus for prayer. I hope to do more writing and reflecting, hopefully soon. My prayers are with you and with those who are suffering in this world.
cpb

A Slovak Saint... Blessed Gojdic

2006-07-17T12:30:00.000-04:00

Today is the feast day of Blessed Pavol Gojdic (pronounced Goydich). Here is some information about him on from www.catholic-forum.com/saints
cpb

Bl. PAVOL GOJDIC
Also known as
Pavel Peter Gojdic; Peter Gojdic
Memorial
17 July
Profile
Son of the Greek-Catholic priest Štefan Gojdic and Anna Gerberyová. Attended elementary school at Cigelka, Bardejov and Prešov, finishing in 1907. Studied theology at Prešov and then Budapest where he consecrated himself and his work to the Sacred Heart. Finishing his studies on 27 August 1911, he was ordained soon after. Worked briefly as assistant parish priest with his father. Prefect of the eparchial seminary, and taught religion in a higher secondary school. Supervised protocol and the archives in the diocesan curia. Assistant parish priest in Sabinov. Director of the episcopal office in 1919. In a surprise move, he joined the Order of Saint Basil the Great at Cernecia Hora on 20 July 1922, making his vows on 27 January 1923, and taking the name Pavol. Apostolic administrator of Prešov on 14 September 1926; during his installation he said, "With the help of God I want to be a father to orphans, a support for the poor and consoler to the afflicted." His first official act was a pastoral letter on the 1100th anniversary of the birth of Saint Cyril, apostle to his Pavol's people. Bishop on 7 March 1927; his episcopal motto: God is love, let us love Him! Promoted the spiritual life of the clergy and laity. Founded new parishes, and insured proper and valid liturgical celebrations. Built orphanages, founded the Greek-Catholic school in Prešov in 1936, and supported the publications Messenger of the Gospel and Thy Kingdom Come. Great devotion to the Real Presence and the Sacred Heart. Apostolic administrator at Mukacevo in Slovakia on 13 April 1939. Due to difficulties between Pavol and the local government, he tendered his resignation from the position. The Pope refused to accept it, and instead ordained him residential bishop of Prešov on 8 August 1940. On 15 January 1946 he was confirmed in his jurisdiction over the Greek-Catholics in the whole of Czecho-Slovakia. The Church in the region received a serious blow with the seizure of power by the Communists in 1948, and their immediate fight against the Greek-Catholic Church. Bishop Gojdic refused to submit the Greek-Catholics to Russian orthodoxy, or dismantle the Church in accord with Communist ideology. The government isolated him from the clergy and the faithful, and simultaneously tried to bribe him with offers of support and power if he would break from Rome. "I will not deny my faith," he said. "Do not even come to me." On 28 April 1950, the Communists outlawed the Greek-Catholic Church. Bishop Pavol was imprisoned, and in a show-trial in January 1951, convicted of treason. Sentenced to life without parole and stripped of civil rights, he was moved from prison to prison, constantly abused, praying in silence, and celebrating the liturgy in secret. In the amnesty of 1953, his sentence was commuted to 25 years in prison, which in practical terms was a life sentence. At one point he was advised that he could straight from prison to Prešov, on condition that he become patriarch of the Orthodox church in Czecho-Slovakia; bishop Pavol explained that this would be a sin against God, a betrayal of the Holy Father, of his conscience and of the persecuted faithful. His sentence continued, the abuse continued, and his health finally broke; he spent his remaining months in the prison hospital, and died there. Bishop Pavol was legally rehabilitated on 27 September 1990, and has posthumously received the Order of T. G. Masaryk - II class, and with the Cross of Pribina - 1st class, one of the great honours of his native land.
Born
17 July 1888 at Ruské Peklany near Prešov as Peter Gojdic
Died
17 July 1960 in the prison hospital at Leopoldov of illness and maltreatment received in prison; buried in the prison cemetery with a marker reading only "681"; relics translated to Prešov on 29 October 1968; relics relocated to the chapel of the Greek-Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Prešov on 15 May 1990
Beatified
4 November 2001 by Pope John Paul II
Canonized
pending
Additional Information
L'Osservatore Romano
Catholic-Hierarchy.Org
cpb

Steubenville

2006-07-17T12:24:00.000-04:00

Just a note for now to say I had an amazing weekend at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio as a chaperone for a youth conference.
www.franciscanyouth.com
Truly, as we experienced on the weekend, the Unchanging is part of our lives and is the one thing that we need.
cpb

Great performance coming to the GTA

2006-07-11T18:03:00.000-04:00

I just want to highlight a great opprotunity for those in the Greater Toronto Area or anywhere in Ontario for that matter, if you can make it. Lucnica is coming to perform in Mississauga this month. They present a truly fantastic show, that is entertaining and beautiful. Check out their website for more.
www.lucnica.sk

I may be biased but, as Lucnica presents it, Slovak folk culture is hard to beat. Few countries, especially the size of Slovakia, can claim such a lively, diverse and beautiful folklore.

Lucnica - Slovak National Folklore Ballet
Featuring Golden Violin Orchestra
Hammerson Hall http://livingartscentre.ca/homepage/
Tickets: $60/$45/$35
SHOWTIMES Tuesday, July 18 2006 8:00 pm
Buy now! Groups of 20+, save 10%

Lucnica, the Slovak National Folklore Ballet, represents Slovak cultural richness and diversity. Inspired by history and national traditions, Lucnica creates a dazzling folkloric show filled with spectacular artistic performances capturing the originality and diversity of each region. Lucnica Ballet has been the official representative of Slovakia representing local folklore and art for more than 58 years. The ensemble has performed in more than 60 countries on 5 continents, including performances on Broadway in New York and The Royal Opera House in London.
To find out more information about the Lucnica Ensemble, please visit www.lucnica.sk
To order tickets:
1-888-805-8888 905-306-6000

Promises Made, Promises Kept... just a sample

2006-07-10T14:39:00.000-04:00

Like I mentioned in my Canada Day post recently and alluded to in my Liberal flip flop post earlier, I am happy to see the change in Ottawa. Here is a small sample, just three examples of how our new Government translates clear words into clear actions. How refreshing to see politicians acting on their words and providing real principled leadership. And this is just the beginnning... Real action has taken place on the 5 priorities (Accountability, Opprotunity, Security, Families and Communities) almost immediately and most major promises have already been kept, in just about 3 months in Parliament.
www.pm.gc.ca

PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT
"Conservatives deliver real results"

GST Cut – Tax Relief For All of Us
Promise Made: “A Conservative Government will: Reduce the GST by one point right away” (Stand up for Canada - 2006 Conservative Election Platform, page 16)
Promise Kept: Starting on July 1st, Canadians will see one of the largest tax cuts in the country’s history when the GST goes from 7 percent down to 6 percent. Finance Canada estimates the reduction in the GST will save Canadian taxpayers $4.5 billion a year. It means more money in the pockets of every Canadian and that’s something worth celebrating. [more]

Transit Pass Tax Credit - Less Traffic, Cleaner Air
Promise Made: “A Conservative Government will: Give public transit riders a federal tax credit” (Stand up for Canada - 2006 Conservative Election Platform, page 37)
Promise Kept: Starting on July 1st, the Conservative Government will provide a transit pass credit on cost of monthly transit passes. “The transit tax credit will not only save people money, but by taking public transit Canadians will be helping to improve our environment,” said Environment Minister Rona Ambrose. [more]

Conservatives re-build the Canadian Forces
Promise Made: “A Conservative Government will: Acquire equipment needed to support a multi-role, combat-capable maritime, land and air force." (Stand up for Canada - 2006 Conservative Election Platform, page 45)
Promise Kept: The Conservative government began delivering on its commitment to the men and women of the Canadian Forces last week when it announced a series of defence procurement projects aimed at strengthening Canada’s multi-role, combat-capable defence force. [more]
www.conservative.ca
cpb

Where is The Holy Grail

2006-07-10T11:59:00.000-04:00

I recently read an interesting and good book: "The Grail Code: Quest for the Real Presence." It is written by Mike Aquilina and Christopher Bailey, published this year by Loyala Press (www.loyalabooks.org) and I recommend it.
It was a leisurely read that went through the history and literature of the Grail story, emphasizing the spiritual identity of this sacred object and the real quest meant for all of us. It was fascinating the way they rooted the story in history, then went through the literary development of the story in detail and connected it to our own lives in contemporary time. They emphasized that the Grail story is not about seeking a historical object but about coming into communion with the Living God, the desire of our hearts.

Today I came across this news story. The Pope will be visiting Spain and will stop to venerate one of the chalices that has a good claim to be the actual Holy Grail, the chalice/cup that Jesus used at the Last Supper. Of course, the mystery it symbolizes is the more important reality and in fact every chalice on every one of our holy altars is therefore a Holy Grail. Next time you are at a Catholic or Orthodox Mass think about that, you are witnessing the mystery of the Grail. You are in front of the answer to your deepest longings.
Be worthy. Esto Dignus.

(Earlier this month, the Pope spoke about the power of the Precious Blood of Christ, which was shed for us on the Cross and is made present to us in the Eucharist, for it is traditionally honoured devotionally in the month of July.)

Pope to Venerate Holy Grail
Chalice Kept in Valencia Is Sacred Icon

MADRID, Spain, JULY 7, 2006 (Zenit.org).-
When Benedict XVI is in Valencia on Saturday, he will stop to venerate the chalice that is traditionally considered the one Christ used at the Last Supper.
According to author and professor Salvador Antuñano Alea, the Last Supper's holy chalice, kept in the cathedral of Valencia, bases its probability on tradition and "very reasonable archaeological and historical evidence" but for Christians what is most important is "its condition as a sacred icon.
"The Christian people venerate it because it "represents for them and takes them back to the sublime moment in which the Son of God left us his Blood as drink before shedding it on the cross," explained Antuñano to ZENIT.
A doctor in philosophy and professor at the University of Francisco de Vitoria in Madrid, Antuñano became interested in the holy grail given the conjectures, its alleged magical powers and the confusion between history and reality. He wrote "The Mystery of the Holy Grail: Tradition and Legend of the Holy Chalice," published by EDICEP in1999.

Archaeology
From the archaeological point of view, the ensemble of the holy chalice "is composed of three parts: two stone cups and a gold mount." The latter "can be dated, according to its artistic style, between the 13th and early 14th centuries," while "the cup which serves as a setting for the chalice" "may be dated in the Azahara Medina of Almanzoor, in the 10th century, or, if it came from another workshop, between that century and the 12th.
The cup itself, however, is much older," said Antuñano, following the studies of Antonio Beltran, professor of archaeology at the University of Zaragoza.
His scientific precision, the comparison he made with similar objects and the critical analysis of the documents "point to an original workshop -- Egypt or Palestine -- and to the last moments of Hellenistic art (2nd century B.C. to 1st century A.D.). It corresponds to the type of vases used for solemnities or belonging to wealthy homes," commented Antuñano.
Following his studies, Beltran concluded that science confirms the historical probability of the holy chalice, as well as that of "the mount as an Egyptian or caliphal cup of the 10th or 11th century which was added, with rich gold work, to the cup, toward the 14th century, because it was firmly believed then that it was an exceptional piece," Antuñano explained.

History and tradition
"The oldest written historical document which speaks with great clarity of the holy chalice is the writing for the donation of the chalice, done by the monks of Saint John of the Rock for the King of Aragon, Don Martin I the Human," dated "September 26, 1399," Antuñano continued. The text describes "faithfully the stone chalice that is kept today in Valencia. Since then its trajectory is completely documented," although "before that date we have no document that speaks of it," he said.
Therefore, to "the very material reality of the chalice" is added "an ancient tradition based on vestiges and reasonable evidence," he clarified.
Thus it is that an ancient tradition, which corroborates the archaeological foundation, points out that the chalice went from Jerusalem to Rome with Saint Peter, and with it the first Popes celebrated the Eucharist. It arrived in Spain around 258, in the region of Huesca, sent by St. Lawrence after the martyrdom of Pope Sixtus and before his own, with the intention of preserving it from the pillaging of the persecution against the Church decreed by Valerian.
"It remained there until the Muslim invasion, when the faithful saved it by hiding it in different points of the mountain. In the measure that the reconquest of Spain advanced, a discreet veneration was also consolidated in different churches," and "it is very possible that in the mid 11th century it was in Jaca, kept by the bishops and that, on the establishment of the Roman rite in the Kingdom of Aragon in the year 1071, it went to the Monastery of Saint John of the Rock," in whose silence "it was kept for more than three centuries."

New Testament evidence
"Evidence that is sufficiently probable" is deduced for its part from the New Testament: "it is possible that Christ celebrated the Last Supper in St. Mark's house"; the latter was like a "secretary of St. Paul and St. Peter, with whom it seems he went to Rome," so that it "would not be strange that the Evangelist would have kept the cup -- a cup of his crockery -- in which the Master consecrated the Eucharist," nor would it be odd "that he gave it to Peter and the latter to Linus," and from one to the other to Cletus, Clement and so forth.
It cannot be forgotten that "the Roman canon of the Mass is elaborated on the rite used by the Popes of the first centuries," and "in one of its most ancient parts, the formula of the consecration, presents a slight variation with other liturgies," as it establishes the words: "'in the same way, the supper being over, he took this glorious chalice in his holy and venerable hands, giving thanks he blessed it and gave it to his disciples saying …' in such a way that it seems to insist on a particular and concrete chalice: the same one the Lord used in his Supper," noted Antuñano.
The historical itinerary, well documented since 1399, leads us to the city of Valencia, where in 1915 the cathedral chapter decided to transform the former chapter hall of the cathedral into the Chapel of the Holy Chalice, where the latter was installed on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of 1916.
It had to be taken out of there in great haste twenty years later with the outbreak of the Civil War, three hours before the cathedral was set on fire. "When the fire of the war was extinguished, the chalice was solemnly given to the chapter on Holy Thursday, April 9, 1939, and was installed in its reconstructed chapel on May 23, 1943," recalled Antuñano.Since then, worship and devotion to the holy chalice has intensified. And "the present archbishop, Agustin García-Gasco, has succeeded in spreading the veneration beyond the limits of the Valentian community," he said.
True mysticism"For the Christian, a sacred icon is not only a pious image," not even a "representation of a religious motive; it is much more: it is a means for spiritual contemplation, for meditation and for prayer," noted the scholar.
Far from harboring any "magical property," "the icon is sacred because its image evokes a salvific mystery and, in a spiritual but real way, has as its end to place the one who contemplates it in communion with that mystery, making him a participant in it," he underlined.
And as "the data of tradition and history indicate seriously the possibility that it is the same chalice that the Lord used the night he was betrayed," Christians venerate it because "it carries one to the sublime moment when the Son of God left us his Blood as drink before shedding it on the cross" for our salvation, he specified."That is why, the core and foundation of veneration of the holy chalice is in the Eucharistic Mystery," he summarized.
For Professor Antuñano, one of the most important moments of the holy chalice's history was the visit of Pope John Paul II to Valencia on November 8, 1982. "After venerating the relic in his chapel, the Pope celebrated Mass with it.
"The history of the holy chalice will continue, as does the history of the Church herself," Antuñano concluded, "but the gesture of John Paul II on consecrating in it the Blood of the Lord may be considered as the landmark that introduces the relic in the third millennium."
ZE06070701

As we celebrate Canada Day...

2006-06-30T13:02:00.000-04:00

Have you noticed the change? Are you part of the renewal?

Is it just me or have you noticed the real change in Ottawa too? I might be only 29 but for many years, since high school, I have been interested in our political process and followed it closely. I have tried to stay non-partisan and actually worked on campaigns in both of Canada’s two major national parties. Somehow I drew the line however. Like most Canadians, I refused to join a party or get too involved in the chaotic world of politics. It can be too daunting to sign on the dotted line.

Yet I like many became more concerned with both the arrogant corruption and the leftist ideological push of the federal Liberals, not to mention the broken promises and constant scandals. Unlike some, instead of giving up and getting cynical, I looked with hope to the federal Conservatives, whose young caucus and renewed vision offered a strong alternative. And early this year I made the decision to finally throw my support in a clear direction.

And now, with our new Government in office for only five months and our new Parliament sitting for only three months, I am amazed to see the level of change and feel vindicated. Notice that Conservative politicians are actually keeping their promises at an unprecedented rate. And our leaders are actually providing decisive leadership nationally and internationally. Clear actions actually backing up clear words. We are turning a new leaf and this much needed change is only beginning.

On the other hand, over the past couple months, I have often also been saddened by the new lows that the federal Liberals could sink to, who have attacked the Conservatives for implementing some of the policies that the old Government put in place. Does it make any sense that the Liberals would be against something that was actually in their own campaign platform? Or does it make sense for them to both recognize that our military needs new equipment and to slam the Defense minister for wanting to buy that equipment? This just seems to show politics at its worst and re-affirm Canadians disgust and cynicism.

To really notice the difference one should compare. Back in 1993, when Chretien’s Liberals wanted to replace Mulroney, he made many bold promises such as getting rid of the GST. His promises were discovered to be meaningless words. He never even tried to fulfill many of his promises though we gave him over a decade to do it.

Now in 2006, Harper’s Conservatives made realistic promises such as at least cutting the GST. And in just three months time, they delivered on that promise and on many others. Effective this July First, Canadian families receive a tax cut for every buyer, a Child Care allowance to support every child under 6, an Employment Credit to assist every worker and a Transit Credit to support the environment. What a way to celebrate Canada Day, a Prime Minister keeping his word and giving back to Canadians directly.

And there’s more. In their first months, our new Government has downsized the Cabinet to be more cost-effective, has introduced the accountability act to clean up Ottawa, has reached an agreement on the aboriginal school issue finally, has introduced a new process for vetting Supreme Court appointments, has begun to increase support for our farmers, has introduced new legislation to get tough on crime, and has renewed cooperation with the provinces. All in just a few months. The list is impressive and even longer when one actually examines what the new Government has been doing with clear focus and committed determination.

Whichever party you may support, there is more that citizens can do to renew our parliamentary democracy. Most citizens don’t realize that only about 1% of us are directly involved in the political process. That means that only a handful of people in your riding choose who the candidates in the election will be. If you’ve ever complained about not having a good candidate to choose on the ballot, realize that you could have done something about that. You could have signed up for a local association of a party and helped choose who gets on the ballot.

As we celebrate Canada Day, traditionally known as Dominion Day, let us do more than just celebrate our Dominion’s 139th anniversary. Let’s actually commit to get involved in our building our future together, maybe even by joining a political party. Instead of being cynical, we can celebrate what is positive and aim towards continued growth. We can all agree that we want a strong and free Canada with a better quality of life for all, though we may disagree on how to get to that goal. Whatever our political views may be, as Canadians we need to stand up for Canada.

www.conservative.ca
cpb

Canadian Literature and History

2006-06-29T16:17:00.000-04:00

While overviewing about Slovak literature, it is only right that I also present something about Canadian lit too, especially considering that Dominion Day is around the corner (aka Canada Day).

Here are some key points about early Canadian literature, information gathered mainly from The Beaver, Canada's History magazine. These are just my highlights about this aspect of the Canadian story.

The first written literary piece set in Canada was written in the Renaissance in Europe by Marguerite de Navarre, whose brother was a King of France who sent explorers to Canada. She wrote a story about Europeans living in the St. Lawrence area almost 500 years ago and included it in her Heptameron collection of stories.

1 First novel by someone living in Canada, also set in Canada:
The History of Emily Montagne, by Frances Brooke, 1769 (also the first novelist in all of North America).

2 Satire, series of fictional letters:
The Stepsure Letters, Thomas McCulloch, 1820s (I believe these were published in Nova Scotia) There was alot of publishing that occured in various forms of periodicals, often with lively debate.

3 First Canadian novel by a Canadian:
Wacousta or The Prophecy, a Tale of the Canadas, by John Richardson, 1832. I believe that he was from Essex County, my home. He wrote a sequel: The Canadian Brothers or The Prophecy Fulfilled, 1839.

4 First classic of French Canadian fiction:
Les Anciens Canadiens, by Phillippe-Joseph Aubert de Gaspe, 1863. To emphasize, this is not the first piece of Francophone lit, it is the first one recognized as a significant classic that endures. It was translated into English by Charles G D Roberts in 1890 as "The Canadians of Old".

When you look at early Canadian literature it shows us that residents in what is now Canada, both in the "Canadas" and in the Maritimes, were lively and literate...

It also shows us that there was no clear divide: Anglophones were aware of and interested in Francophone's works, and vice versa. There was constant interaction and exchange. Canada from the start was bilingual and bicultural in this shared sense. It did not take Trudeau to do it, but thats another post...

And notice, all of these four Canadian works were written before the first Dominion Day, before Confederation in 1867. There is more to our Canadian heritage than most Canadians know about.
cpb

Slovak Literature Part 2

2006-06-21T13:39:00.000-04:00

For future broadcast on the programme:

Slovak Literature Part 2
Previously I traced the development of Slovak literature from the beginnings in the 800s, with poetry and biographies written in Old Slovak in the alphabet St. Cyril created; then through the medieval storytelling by village poets in Slovak dialects and writing by Slovak monks in Latin; up to the Renaissance and Baroque periods, when educated Slovaks studied and taught at various universities, writing and collecting poetry and other works, using Latin, Slovakized Czech or an informal Slovak, simply writing as they spoke. One Slovak baroque poet who wrote books of poetry in the mid 1700s was Hugolin Gavlovic.

Bernolak - Classicism - late 1700s and early 1800s
What was missing was an agred upon set of rules/guides for the Slovak language, a grammar. This codified literary language was first compiled by Anton Bernolak (1762-1813), a Catholic priest who was also a linguist. He used the western Slovak dialect as his basis for his literary Slovak. After some work, his complete grammar was published in 1790. Thus he is known as the Codifier of Slovak.

The movement that Bernolak led reached its high point with the poet Jan Holly (1785 - 1849). He represents Slovak literary classicism. He wrote epic poems, including first "Svatopluk" in 1833 and then "The Cirillo-Metodiada" in 1835. He is therefore known as the Slovak Virgil. He also translated classical works into Bernolak's Slovak.

While Jan Holly focused on creating long epic poems, Jan Kollar (1793-1852) was an evangelical pastor and scholar who wrote more standard poetry. He wrote sonnets and other poems, including a cyclical composition called "Daughter of Glory" in 1824. He promoted a reawakening among all Slovanic people.

Next to the poets, we need to remember the first novelist in Slovak, Jozef Ignac Bajza (1755-1836). He wrote the first part of "Adventures and Experiences" in 1784. This first novel in Slovak was about a young hero's travel in the Orient. Also in the early period, Juraj Fandly (1750 -1811) wrote non-fiction practical works to assist farmers, herbalists and others in Slovak, the people's language. He also wrote some fiction.

Finally, Jan Chalupka (1791-1871) was recognized in this period of renewed activity. He was a dramatist and satirist who wrote comedies and very popular plays, many of which are still performed today. One cycle of his comedies takes place in the fictional town "Kocurkovo", a town where things are all wrong. One of these plays was called "Four Weddings at One Funeral" and came out in 1837.
cpb

Conference reflecting on our National Anthem

2006-06-21T13:22:00.000-04:00

This notice was emailed to me, which I thought would be good to share.
Interesting to consider reflecting upon our National Anthem. Especially in its French original text, it is very meaningful. Another example of the Christian heritage of Canada.
Too bad I can't go.

O CANADA - "Reflections on our National Anthem"
Salesian Co operators Association 6th Annual Conference
~St. Benedict Centre~

Saturday, June 24th 2006
8:30 am - 4 pm
in St. Benedict parish hall, 2194 Kipling Ave (north of Rexdale Blvd).
morning or afternoon sessions @ $5; join us for lunch @ $5
or come the whole day $15.

9:30 am "Bearing our Cross" <carton bras porter la croix>
Dr. Moira McQueen (Director, Bio-Ethics Institute)

11:00 am "Land of our Ancestors" < terre de nos aieux>
Fr. Michael Doyle CSSp (Spiritan)

Noon Angelus followed by Lunch buffet
1:30 pm “Salesian Address” Fr. George Harkins S.D.B. Superior

2:00 pm "Protection of our Human Rights"
<protegera nos foyers et nos droits>
Gwen Landolt (National Vice President, REAL Women Canada)

3:00 pm "Values and our Faith" <et ta valeur de foi trempee>
Blue Veil Youth Music Ministry

4:00 pm Closing ceremony
followed by 4:30 pm Reconcilation & 5:00 pm Mass in Church

Enquiries and Registration
Mary Fay 416-745-2906 Hazel Philadelphia 416-638-8119
John Lopes 905-495-0597
cpb

Peter's Pence online

2006-06-20T12:50:00.000-04:00

Every year, Catholics are able to express their unity with an ancient tradition: giving alms as "Peter's Pence."
This donation sent to the Successor of Peter (the Apostle) is meant to express both our unity with him in the Church and our charity within the Communion of Saints. This current Pope has greatly emphasized the importance of charity.

Anyone who would like to contribute can do so online now, or by phone/fax, or by regular mail. (There is an email address at the bottom for more info.)
The Pope's postal address is below for those who would like to write, even if they can't send a donation.

Donations to Peter's Pence Accepted Online
Annual Collection Helps Pope Support Charities
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 19, 2006 (Zenit.org).-
On or around June 29, a day will be observed in which every Catholic is invited to collaborate in the Pope's aid to the poorest.
On the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul -- or another close date chosen by local bishops -- the Pope's Charity Day will be observed.
Dioceses will take up the collection, called Peter's Pence, during the Masses that day. The funds will be allocated to Benedict XVI's works of charity.
Recently, the Holy See offered possibilities to make direct donations via Internet. The Vatican's Web page has set up a special "Peter's Pence" section in various languages, which offers the possibility to contact the Peter's Pence Office directly. The telephone number is: (39) 06-6988-48-51.
The same section makes it possible to send donations with a credit card. Personal details may be sent by fax.
The faithful also may send their donations directly to Benedict XVI, whose postal address is:
His Holiness
Pope Benedict XVI
00120 Vatican City

In addition to the collection taken up in dioceses worldwide, Peter's Pence receives funds from religious congregations and institutions, and from Catholic foundations.Ancient roots.
The origin of Peter's Pence dates back to the eighth century, when the Anglo-Saxons converted to Christianity and, as a sign of union with the Bishop of Rome, decided to send a regular contribution to the Holy Father.
Thus was born the "Denarius Sancti Petri" (St. Peter's alms), which soon spread throughout Europe, a custom that was regulated by Pope Pius IX in the 1871 encyclical "Saepe Venerabilis."
According to the latest available data, in 2004 Peter's Pence collected $51.7 million, which was allocated to ecclesial communities of the Third World, and to populations scourged by wars or natural disasters. The amount was 7.4% less than what was collected the previous year.
The amount was revealed Saturday in a communiqué of the Commission of Cardinals for the study of the organizational and economic problems of the Holy See.
The note stated that the fall in contributions is a break in the trend of the last few years that showed a constant increase in contributions for the Pope's charity.
The Peter's Pence funds are not included in the Holy See's budget; they are allocated directly to works of charity.
[For more information, e-mail: obolo.sp@segstat.va]
ZE06061908
cpb

Good News from Afghanistan

2006-06-20T12:47:00.000-04:00

Just spreading some good news:
Our Canadian soldiers are doing something very good in Afghanistan and are reaching out, co-operating with the local authorities. We need to support their long-term work there and encourage them.

Taliban commander defects after help from Canadians
Last Updated Fri, 16 Jun 2006 10:25:33 EDT
CBC News
A longtime Taliban commander treated by Canadian military doctors has renounced the hardline militant group and offered his support for Afghanistan's new government.
One month ago, Afghan police arrested Mullah Ibrahim, a Taliban official in the Kandahar region, where 2,300 Canadian soldiers are serving.
At the time, he was suffering from jaundice, fell into a coma and was brought to see Canadian doctors at the main military base at the Kandahar airfield.
Now recovered but in a wheelchair, Ibrahim credits God and the Canadians for saving his life.
He said he has renounced his Taliban ties and urged others to join him. Ibrahim said he wants to see peace and stability in his country.
Afghanistan's government has accepted him into a type of amnesty program which will see him monitored, but not prosecuted. Police will offer him some protection.
A spokesperson for the Canadian Forces said the program is a form of parole and participants can't set the terms of their participation.
"The objective of this program is to give an opportunity for former insurgents to reintegrate into Afghan society and live peacefully," said Capt. Julie Roberge. "It also provides an opportunity for exiles to return."
Ibrahim said he last fought for the Taliban in 2001, but Canadian Forces officials in Afghanistan said he continued to have a great influence in southern Afghanistan.
Copyright ©2006 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
cpb

Slovak Literature and History 1

2006-06-19T14:35:00.000-04:00

Since I have been putting in the work to present a series on Slovak literature on the Slovak Radio Programme here in Windsor, I thought I might as well post it as well. This segment, modified here, aired a week ago on CJAM (www.cjam.ca).

Slovak Literature - Part 1
When I overviewed the history of Slovak art recently, I could see how over the past few centuries there were many Slovak artists, who created a variety of works. They reminded me both of how Slovak culture was (and is) interconnected with the rest of European culture and of how Slovak culture itself is rich and diverse. Now as I look at Slovak literature, these same two features are visible again.

Medieval Beginnings
Slovak literature traces its roots to the 9th century. In the 860's Ss. Cyril and Methodius created an alphabet for our ancestors and began translating important documents, including the Gospels and Byzantine law. They were Slovanic speakers from the Macedonia region of the Byzantine Empire, sent on this mission by the emperor at the request of our Grand Duke of Morava and Nitra, who was the primary ruler in central Europe at the time.

However, once that there was an alphabet for Old Slovak, original Slovak works were written as well, including the oldest known piece of Slovak literature, the poem "Proglas". This poem was written about 863 probably by Cyril as a poetic introduction to the new translation of the Gospels. It speaks of the importance of words, language and education in poetic words.

Next, from the late 800's we have biographies which were written in Old Slovak, Slovanic, including the "Life Of Methodius" written by St. Gorazd, a native of the Nitra area. He was one of the students at the school which Cyril and Methodius founded in our homeland. Unfortunately this period of cultural growth did not continue due to political and military turmoil.

Throughout the Middle Ages, there is evidence of folk art, of village poets and story tellers spreading oral epics and lyric poems.
Actual writing mainly continued in Latin, including the biography (or hagiography) about Ss. Svorad and Benedict in the 11th century. They lived and died at a hermitage near Trencin, but their monastery was on Zobor near ancient Nitra, which is where the biography was probably written.

Renaissance and Baroque Contributions
University scholars... Collections of hymns... Slovak Baroque poetry...

In the Renaissance and Baroque periods, universities were founded in Bratislava (the Academia Istropolitana, 1467, whose building you can still see in the Old City) and in Trnava (1635). Slovaks studied at these two universities and traveled elsewhere in Europe as well to seek an education.
One example is Jan Sambucus (1531-84), who studied in Paris and was a professor in Vienna. He wrote Latin poems, corresponded with European humanists and was the Imperial historiographer.
Another is Vavrinec Benedikt (1555 - 1615) who was a professor of mathematics and classical languages in Prague. He is the author of the first Czech grammar (1603) and in his introduction to it he notes the differences between Czech and Slovak. He then encouraged his fellow Slovaks to cultivate their own language.

Literate Slovaks in this period thus wrote in Latin, a Slovakized Czech or in an informal Slovak, because no one had yet composed a Slovak grammar with common rules. People wrote as they spoke Slovak.

Many works were written related to religion, including the lyric poetry of hymns. Benedikt Szollosi compiled the Cantus Catholici, a collection of Slovak hymns used in Catholic churches, in 1655. In the introduction, he notes that the Cyrillo-Methodian heritage of the Slovaks and claimed that elements survived to his day in some Slovak churches.

There are many examples of Slovak baroque poetry in the 1600s and 1700s. One key example is Hugolin Gavlovic (1712-87), a Franciscan priest who was also a teacher. He wrote several books of poetry.
Also when I studied in Bratislava, a professor explained to me how some families would keep books of poetry within the family, and that the book would become layered with generations of poems. Literate Slovaks, especially in towns, wrote expressive poetry and some of them shared their poetry further.
cpb

Strife in the Holy Land

2006-06-19T14:20:00.000-04:00

With this post, I simply want to raise awareness about the growing problems in the Holy Land. And I want this to express my personal concern and prayers.

For a few years now I have been aware of praying for the Holy Land, for the peace of Jerusalem. Since my pilgrimage there last November, I have a new perspective on this. Without choosing political sides, I stand with the innocents that suffer on all sides. And I stand in solidarity and prayer with my fellow Christians who still live there, my brothers and sisters in Christ who live in His homeland.
Also, I want to still encourage Catholics and others to go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land if they are able. The strife does not affect all areas and most of the Christian sites are actually quite safe.

Vatican Alarmed by Strife in Holy Land
Holy Father Expresses Sympathy for Victims
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 14, 2006 (Zenit.org).-

Benedict XVI is prayerfully close to the peoples of the Holy Land, bloodied by a new outbreak of violence.
The "Holy See follows with great alarm and grief" the incidents of "growing, blind violence, which this region of the world is suffering at present," the director of the Vatican press office, Joaquín Navarro Valls, confirmed this morning.

In a communiqué in Italian the Vatican spokesman stated: "The Holy Father is close, in a special way with prayer, to the innocent victims, their relatives and the peoples of that land, hostages of all those who have the illusion of being able to resolve the ever more dramatic problems of the region through force or in a unilateral way."
Navarro Valls also made public the Holy See's invitation "to the international community" to "activate rapidly the necessary means for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian population."

The Holy See also urged "the leaders of both peoples to show above all due respect for human life, especially that of defenseless civilians and children, and to resume with courage the path of negotiation, the only path that can lead to the just and lasting peace to which all aspire," concluded the note.
On Tuesday, the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, warned through the Italian bishops' SIR service that "The tension is very high and the risks of a civil war are concrete."

Pleas for dialogue
The Franciscan appealed for dialogue between the various Palestinian factions of Fatah and Hamas, which are confronting one another in the territories, especially in the Gaza Strip.
Besides the present inter-Palestinian clash, Israeli aerial attacks on Gaza on Tuesday morning left 10 dead.
After infringing the unilateral truce, the armed branch of Hamas continued to launch attacks on Monday in the south of Israel.
Today, Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz denied any responsibility on the part of the Israeli army in the naval artillery, which cost the lives of seven members of a Palestinian family on a beach in Gaza.

Father Pizzaballa said: "We are living an enormous tension; we hope it won't explode. The anger caused by the death of women and children is used by extremists to foment violence.
"The Christian communities are in no greater risk than others. In this phase it is difficult for Christians to make their voice heard, but this does not mean to remain silent. Sadly, it is the hour of those who shout and trust in their weapons. And it is also for this reason that the minister of tourism, Judeh Mourqos, the only Christian in the government, has resigned."
ZE06061408

Liberal flip flops continue

2006-06-19T13:13:00.000-04:00

I find it alarming at the continuing flip-flops which the federal Liberals demonstrate in Ottawa. With this one (see below), the majority of federal Liberals even voted against their own party policy platform from the last election. It seems to demonstrate a focus on simply being AGAINST the Conservatives - taking the opposing view on whatever - rather than actually being for something and having clear principles. This is exactly the type of politics that has turned people off for far too long.

I believe Canadians want to see leaders actually holding clear principles and being faithful to the principles that they presented during the election campaign. Once again, the federal Liberals prefer gaining political points rather than holding political principles. And they again show that what they say during an election campaign means little in regard to what they do once elected.

This once again confirms for me why I finally joined a political party: we need to change the political culture in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear principled leadership that will renew the involvement of citizens in the political process. I am proud that the new Conservative government is keeping its election promises and demonstrating principled leadership.
www.canada.gc.ca

Liberals Flip Flop on Minimum Sentences
14 June 2006
Last night, the majority of the Liberal caucus stood with the Bloc and voted AGAINST mandatory minimum sentences for firearms offences, in response to Bill C-10. This sudden opposition is surprising, given that the Liberals SUPPORTED increasing mandatory minimum sentences during the recent election. While some Liberals stuck to their principles, many Liberal MPs, led by Bill Graham (Toronto Centre) and Liberal leadership contenders like Michael Ignatieff (Etobicoke-Lakeshore) and Ken Dryden (York Centre) should clearly read the Liberal Party’s own platform, which called for mandatory minimum sentences. Or perhaps these Liberals could speak with their caucus colleagues, Irwin Cotler (Mount Royal) and Paul Martin (Lasalle-Emard), who both called for expanded mandatory minimum sentences during the election – with Martin even suggesting that he agreed with the Conservative Party’s proposals:

The facts:
- Paul Martin called for expanding minimum sentences and suggested the previous Liberal bill could be strengthened: "We had a piece of legislation dealing with mandatory minimums -- and perhaps that should be toughened -- that was in front of the House of Commons that unfortunately died on the order paper when the election was called" (Globe and Mail, January 4, 2006)
- "Harper has said there should be increases in punishment -- I couldn't agree more," Paul Martin said. "There is no difference of opinion in that area." (Winnipeg Sun, January 3, 2006)
- Paul Martin said that a gun-crime bill tabled on the eve of his government's fall now might need to be toughened as shootings have become a hot-button election issue, especially in Toronto. (Globe and Mail, January 4, 2006).
- On Nov. 25, the last full day of sitting before the government was defeated in a no-confidence vote, Justice Minister Irwin Cotler put forward a bill doubling some minimum sentences for gun crimes to two years from one. Mr. Martin hinted that might need some changes after the election, when it will be reintroduced if the Liberals are re-elected. (Globe and Mail, January 4, 2006)
- “Tougher penalties – A Liberal government will re-introduce legislation to crack down on violent crimes and gang violence, and to double the mandatory minimum sentences for serious gun-related crimes. These reforms will also prevent courts from using conditional sentences in cases where there was serious personal injury, including all forms of sexual assault; terrorist activities; and organized crime-related offences.‿ (Liberal Party Platform, Securing Canada’s Success, p.62).
- Eleven former Liberal cabinet ministers, who introduced legislation to increase penalties for firearms crimes prior to the election, voted AGAINST increasing penalties last night – including Bill Graham, Ralph Goodale, Ken Dryden, John Godfrey, Belinda Stronach, Jean Lapierre, John McCallum, Joe McGuire, Stephen Owen, Geoff Regan, and Andy Scott.

www.conservative.ca
cpb

The GG and The Queen

2006-06-16T15:54:00.000-04:00

On the front page of the National Post on June 15, the question was raised: “Should the G-G have been at Queen’s 80th bash?” The answer is simply yes. But it raises broader questions, highlights broader problems.

The Queen is our Canadian Monarch and she is celebrating her 80th birthday. Surely this is a significant milestone and, well in advance, all could plan to celebrate it. That most Canadians don’t realize that Victoria Day is actually the public celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday in Canada is sad. This is the very reason why we have this public holiday and the Lt. Governor of Ontario and others did use the occasion to celebrate The Queen’s Birthday. However, the Commonwealth celebration with The Queen in London was planned for mid-June, the time of the official celebration in the United Kingdom.

Overall, Canadians were encouraged to send The Queen birthday greetings on both the GG’s and PM’s websites. Canada Post issued a birthday postage stamp. Canadians held local celebrations across the country. The G-G shared a birthday cake with students in Nunavut. But why was there nothing significant, nothing national? That Canada has done very little to officially celebrate this major birthday should make us realize how weak our national identity and life is and blame does not rest with any one person or office. Rather, we all need to do more to rediscover and celebrate our Canadian identity and nation, of which the monarchy remains the firm cornerstone constitutionally and historically.

I heard from someone who attended the Service of Thanksgiving in London and he reported that, from the steps of the Cathedral, one could see many Maple Leafs in the large crowd of well-wishers outside. If individual Canadians could plan in advance to be there in the UK, surely the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General could have planned for the G-G to be there. While it is correct that the G-G celebrated the actual birthday in April with a birthday cake, surely attending The Commonwealth celebration and congratulating The Queen in person on behalf of Canada would be even more important. Especially considering that no other high level Canadian was going to attend.

But this - I admit a relatively minor incident albeit an embarrassing one - demonstrates a broader problem. Over the past couple decades, Canada’s elite has acted like an insecure teenager, feeling that one must cut all relations with the parent in order to become an adult, recklessly trying to experiment and create a new independent identity. But as we know when we mature, our independent identity grows organically and includes various influences. The Queen, the Crown and the Commonwealth are not only part of our history; they continue to be part of our distinct Canadian identity and living heritage. And that should mean something in our national life.

Canada is often considered the first among The Queen’s 15 realms. The others came to be referred to as “dominions” because they achieved “Canada-like” status - dominion being a Canadian term that we chose to describe our new kingdom. Canada is a founding member of The Commonwealth that remains our family of nations, which we have helped to greatly shape. For example, Canada suggested the celebration of Commonwealth Day every March and yet we now barely observe it. In 1982 with the patriation of the Constitution, the role of The Queen was actually more firmly entrenched in our constitutional life. Yet we have not renewed our understanding of our independent Canadian monarchy.

So yes, the Governor General should have been at The Commonwealth celebration of The Queen’s 80th birthday. However, if due to the lack of planning that did not seem possible, there are other options available within our structure. A simple “no” should not have been given so quickly. First, the G-G is able to appoint Deputies and a respected Canadian could have been sent as such. Second, one or more of the Lieutenant Governors could have represented Canada. Third, we could have even requested a member of the Royal Family, who was there anyway, to act in their Canadian role and bring greetings on behalf of Canadians. Finally, a Cabinet minister could have attended.

With some knowledge and creativity and willingness, there are many options available. The G-G’s office should not act in isolation and they should keep all the options on the table, regarding any invitations that come in. True, the G-G can’t attend all events. But there are many ways to celebrate. And it must always be remembered, the G-G represents The Queen, who alone is our Sovereign.
cpb

Recent posting online

2006-06-15T11:00:00.000-04:00

I thought I might re-post here some of my recent postings on the Monarchist League of Canada's board. (members.boardhost.com/monarchist)
Basically, its all about Canadian history and constitutional law.

1867 Canadian Crown 1931
Posted by Cyril on June 14, 2006, 1:27 pm, in reply to
Here are my two cents:
- as far as I know, the "Crown in Right of Canada" has been a reality since 1867; the Canadian Crown legally became a fully independent reality in 1931. So The Queen's grandfather became the first Canadian in international law and was King of Canada, acting in regard to the Canadian Crown only on Canadian advice.
- Let's be clear, only one coronation occurred in 1953, there was no "separate" crowning of The Queen. What was clearly acknowledged was her seperate titles. As far as I know, the Canadian Parliament was the first to "proclaim" her Queen in 1952 and issued a new Canadian Titles Act. (That does not mean new Crown)

Re: 1867 Canadian Crown 1931
Posted by Cyril PB on June 15, 2006, 11:48 am, in reply
I never said that the King acted only on Canadian advice as far back as 1867. Please read more carefully and react less strongly.

The legal reality of "The Queen in Right of Canada", which is an expression for the Canadian Crown, has as far as I know been with us since 1867. In 1867 it was not a separate Crown and it was clearly dependent on the United Kingdom. But it did exist. Her Majesty made Canadian laws acting as one of the three parts of the Parliament of Canada. Land was owned by "The Queen in Right of Canada".
So, simply, the Canadian Crown BEGAN in 1867 BUT was dependent.

In 1931, the Canadian Crown became fully legally independent. The Statute of Westminster had everything to do with the Crown, as it also affected "His Majesty in Council" not only the UK Parliament. So "The King in Right of Canada" was legally seperated from the UK, though still the same person and still the hope to maintain a unity in the new Commonwelath. The Commonwealth started in 1931 and Canada is one of its founding members.
So simply, the Canadian Crown became an independent reality in 1931.
And as Mr. Toporoski pointed out, it was "therefore at the Coronation of King George VI, not of Queen Elizabeth II, that our Sovereign was, for the first time in history, crowned specifically as King of Canada." (1937)
cpb

Reflections on a Royal Birthday

2006-06-15T10:26:00.000-04:00

Today in the United Kingdom, Her Majesty's 80th birthday was officially celebrated. (Of course, the actual birthday was in April and the Canadian holiday was in May.)
At the Service of Thanksgiving, the Archbishop of Canterbury provided these interesting reflections, not just regarding The Queen, but regarding our monarchy and society itself. I hope that you can appreciate these deeper reasons why we can celebrate the monarchy and our Queen.

" ...monarchy as it has developed here is a way of keeping power human. At the symbolic centre of our political life is a person. There are risks to this: Your Majesty has more reason than most to know the cost of a culture fanatically eager for gossip and trivia and the exposure in public of what should be private. Yet it is also true that something of immense value has been made possible in this climate. We have seen something of a monarch who has shared the vulnerability of ordinary people, and that has been moving in itself. But more importantly we have been able to see a bit more clearly the personal depth of our monarch’s faith, more and more evident in successive broadcasts and testimonies, and her keen sense – to borrow the blunt and resonant words of the Prayer Book – of ‘whose minister she is’, who she is answerable to.

"And this means that at the hub of our political life is not only a person with whose vulnerability we can identify but a person visibly standing before God and God’s judgement in humility and hope. Monarchy has been for us as citizens a sign of the humanity at the heart of power, a sign that we can be held together not by the furious rivalries of theory or ethnic exclusion but by acknowledging the common debt of our humanity to its maker and redeemer. The logic of this kind of monarchy is the logic of the Christian recognition of Christ as King – the monarch whose credentials are to be found in his human vulnerability and in his utter dependence upon God his Father.

"Birthdays are among the most vivid reminders we can have of our common humanity, and our common call to journey through time with each other. Today, your Majesty, we give thanks with you simply for the gifts of life and experience - and for the beginning of a new year of challenge; we wish you and Prince Philip, who has so devotedly supported you and all that you have stood for, many more happy years. But we also give thanks for a human face to our systems and processes, a human symbol that helps to hold us together. May our thanksgiving strengthen our resolve to resist the great public inhumanities that still menace us all. When we try to be more than human we become less than human. – that much we should have learned in the past century. So may God keep us now in human fellowship as we learn how we may grow in grace into eternal fellowship with him."

You can find the full test of the sermon at:
www.archbishopofcanterbury.org
cpb

Remembering a Senator

2006-06-15T10:17:00.000-04:00

This article pays tribute to a recently deceased Senator. It also points out that, for the most part, our Canadian Senators contribute to the parliamentary process in a meaningful way, in a unique way. And they do so over the long-term, assisting in contributing continuity.

A toast to Mike Forrestall
By HUGH SEGAL
It was 1970, and he was a young, crusading MP from Dartmouth. Mike Forrestall was down the hall, sharing a corner of the West Block fourth floor with Heath Macquarrie, the new MP from Charlottetown.
I was a young research assistant to Rev. David MacDonald, a P.E.I. Tory MP (Egmont) and the regional development critic for Robert Stanfield. Mike Forrestall was defence critic and Heath Macquarrie was focused on foreign affairs.
It was Forrestall who had already begun the battle to arrest Liberal aspirations to shrink the navy, who had begun the battle to have the merchant marines’ war service recognized and who reflected a new generation of Atlantic MPs who, with leaders like Jim McGrath and Jack Marshall in Newfoundland, Gordon Fairweather in New Brunswick and Louis Comeau in Nova Scotia, reflected Bob Stanfield’s modernization of the party after John Diefenbaker finally moved on.
I remember one morning when Ian Green of Mr. McGrath’s office, Linda Rivington from Mr. Macquarrie’s, Maurice English of Mr. Forrestall’s office and I were all gathered, working with Les Horswill of Tory research in preparation for question period. Forrestall came in to push for a question on the DDH125 destroyers. After this, he said, "Mr. Stanfield has asked me to draft a blue paper on national defence for the policy advisory committee. Would you like to help?" Most of us were under 23 (I was 20) and this was the first invitation to play any role beyond youth politics or volunteering in our MP’s office. And the collegial way he blended expert counsel, youthful idealism and his own profound sense of the defence issues was masterful. He produced a great draft policy paper and empowered a new generation of policy idealists at the same time.
As both an MP and then as a senator, his gentlemanly demeanour masked a tough and fierce loyalty to the navy, to Halifax and to Nova Scotia. An unabashed progressive, he was an agent of both necessary change and determined stability. In the House and in caucus, he defined loyalty; in the Senate, civility. His tireless work with the Liberal majority on the defence committee of the Senate helped build the bipartisan consensus that now exists in support of investing in defence and genuine deployability.
On issues of rich and poor, Mike was always there for the disadvantaged and he was there all the time. His civility, decency and common sense were unyielding. His loyalty to the Canada that Nova Scotians always defended, one of economic pragmatism and social justice, was central to his parliamentary persona.
If, at the naval dockyards this week or aboard one of Her Majesty’s Canadian ships anywhere in the world, a small toast is offered to Michael Forrestall, his life and his achievements, I have no doubt that from that great wardroom in the sky, there will be a courteous, modest, but heartfelt toast in return from the man from Dartmouth, who might just have to interrupt a representation on high on behalf of the navy to do so.
Hugh Segal is the Ontario senator for Kingston-Frontenac-Leeds.
cpb

Victoria Day in Canada

2006-05-21T22:47:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is Victoria Day in Canada. Unfortunately, most Canadians don't realize why we have this holiday, which is a traditional time of celebrating at the beginning of the summer season. This holiday is actually the official celebration of The Queen's birthday in Canada.
As already noted on this blog, the Queen's actual birthday is in April. However, in the United Kingdom the official holiday for the Birthday of the Queen of the United Kingdom is in June. In Canada, the official holiday for the Birthday of the Queen of Canada is now in May. We chose the date for this holiday based on the birthday of the Mother of Confederation, Queen Victoria. In this way, we remember our history while celebrating our present.

So enjoy celebrating The Queen of Canada's birthday... and Cheers!

(This picture is the current official portrait of The Queen of Canada. She is wearing her Canadian insignia. It was taken in her Canadian home, Rideau Hall in Ottawa.)

100 days in Ottawa

2006-05-16T17:17:00.000-04:00

Today marks the first 100 days in office of Canada's new government.

Though many Canadians are impatient, when one actually considers the record, it is amazing to see the drastic change in Ottawa. Politicians actually keeping their promises at an unprecedented rate. Leaders actually providing leadership nationally and internationally. Clear action actually backing up clear words. We are turning a new leaf and this much needed change is only beginning. Canadians need to continue supporting this change and encourage such renewal in our capital.

Here is a partial list of the government's accomplishments within just about three months in office. Considering that it takes time to set up offices, hire staff, etc., it is impressive. I say partial, because I notice the border initiatives aren't listed... so there is more. This government seems to have kept more promises in 100 days than the previous one did in a decade. Finally we see action taken on important matters and a desire to do something, not just talk grand yet empty words.

First Hundred Days
(February 6th, 2006 - May 16th, 2006):
- Introduced landmark Federal Accountability Act
- Introduced legislation to get tough on crime
- Brought forward budget that addressed key Conservative election promises
- Focused Throne Speech passed unanimously by House of Commons
- Introduced new process for vetting of Supreme Court appointments
- Prime Ministertraveledd to Afghanistan to meet with Canadian soldiers
- Prime Ministertraveledd to Cancun to meet with Presidents of Mexico and the United States
- Immediately delivered $755 million for farmers as first act of cabinet. Additional $1.5 billion for farmers in budget
- Downsized cabinet to create a more efficient and effective government that will save taxpayers money
- Softwood lumber agreement reached with United States, supported by provinces and industry
- Residential schools agreement reached
- Led the world in dealing with new Hamas-led government
- Cut immigration landing fee in half
- Announced action on easing restrictions on foreign adoptions
- Announced plan to help new Canadians have their professional credentials recognized
- Plan introduced to reduce the GST, set for July 1st
- Plan introduced for Choice in Child Care Allowances, set for July 1st
- Delivered on promise for Quebec to have formal role at UNESCO
- Announced Air India Inquiry
- Delivered on promise to re-open Gander Weather Station
- Met with all of the Premiers in group and met with several Premiers one-on-one
- Announced plan to address water situation on Reserves
- Nominated head of Public Appointments Commission
- Funding announced for highways in New Brunswick
- Suspended claw backs under CAIS program
cpb

DaVinci and me...

2006-05-15T12:27:00.000-04:00

I think its time for me to contribute something to the DaVinci debate...

First of all, the DaVinci Code is a work of historical fiction. However, it is one that has two genre problems about it:
a) there is a claim that "it may be fiction but the facts are correct", though they are not; and
b) unlike other historical novels - where the story is fictional but the framework is factual - almost everything is fictional, thus misleading people and confusing everyone about where the line is to be drawn. Because of these two points, this "work of fiction" is actual mass misinformation, whether or not the author intended it to be. For example, though he claims to have researched art history in order to present and use artistic facts in the novel, the author gets basic facts wrong about the art he refers to (example, DaVinci's Last Supper is not a fresco like he repeatedly states).

Secondly, the novel is beyond controversial in its subject matter. Imagine the reaction if it was about the prophet Mohammad (pbuh) or about the Dalai Lama instead of about Jesus Christ. Imagine the reaction if it was about the Jewish religion or a Sikh organization instead of the Christian religion and Catholic organizations. So why the double standard? Other religions would not find acceptable what can only be considered scandalous or blasphemous within that religion. And we, who do not belong to that religion, would probably also be opposed to such disrespectful treatment of our neighbours.

I am a 29 year old Catholic Christian living in Canada. I love to read literature and to watch movies. I also believe Jesus, the son of Mary of Nazareth, is my Lord and Saviour, the Son of God who became my brother. I cannot accept as "simply fiction" a novel that attacks or belittles my deepest beliefs or that slanders my fellow believers or that demonizes the community life of religious men within my church. I cannot be silent about any of this either. And I definately cannot finance this by buying a ticket at the box office.

In conclusion, Christians in the West need to stop feeling like a minority and need to stand up for themselves. We should not be afraid to stand up for the One we believe is our Lord and Saviour. I welcome real dialogue and discussion in a spirit of openess. I do not welcome misinformation and attacks.
And we should not reward those who spread misinformation about Him or his followers. Though I won't protest, I cannot pay someone for insulting us. Instead this coming weekend, I will go see the new movie Over The Hedge as a vote with my dollars.

Following Ottawa...

2006-05-09T15:38:00.000-04:00

This article from Calgary is an interesting perspective on what's happening in Ottawa and the differences between the parties.
Anyone can follow Question Period or other parliamentary debates online or on cable TV. www.parl.gc.ca

Tories show strength
Liberals reveal no stomach for job of opposition
By Ezra Levant
OTTAWA -- Watching question period on Parliament Hill for just 15 minutes tells you everything you need to know about the federal government.
The most striking thing is the emptiness of the Opposition benches. On Friday, only 18 Liberals deigned to attend question period. Part of that truancy is because a dozen or so MPs are out campaigning to become Liberal leader. True to form, the country's business comes second to party's business.
But even those few who do attend have a sullenness to them that is palpable. Many of the Liberal MPs have known nothing other than the perks of government.
It is painful to watch prima donnas such as Bill Graham and Ralph Goodale lob impotent questions across the aisle, to be swatted aside by Conservative cabinet ministers. It almost hurts to watch Belinda Stronach sit in silent impotence. They believe the Liberal credo they are the natural governing party. It offends their sense of natural order to sit on the Opposition benches.
Some Liberals still don't get the fact they're not in charge. In Friday's exchange, a Liberal MP told Parliament a certain aboriginal program was introduced by the Liberals, and thus the Conservative couldn't take credit for the program paid for with "our money. " The soft-spoken Tory who answered reminded the Liberals it wasn't "their money " -- it was taxpayers' money.
That's one of the challenges for the Liberals: Any problems in Canada right now were inherited by the Conservatives after 13 years of Liberal government.
It's hard for the Liberals to complain about issues they themselves didn't solve. Watching them diminish the softwood lumber treaty makes one cringe with embarrassment. Goodale's heckles consist mainly of trying to take credit for any good economic news.
No wonder so few Liberals show up.
Another fascinating dynamic is watching the three Opposition parties squabble amongst each other.
Thursday, a Liberal MP criticized the Bloc Quebecois for supporting the Conservative budget. Fine, but what does that have to do with holding the government to account? The NDP criticized the Liberal party's inaction on Kyoto. Fine, but how is that a proper question to the Conservative cabinet?
There is no unity in the Opposition benches because there is no confidence there -- in the latest polls, the Conservatives are ahead of the Bloc in Quebec. That's reason enough for the Bloc to avoid any sudden election.
And the debt-ridden Liberal party, in the middle of a slow-burn leadership race, is in no position to go to the polls yet either -- especially if it's because they defeat a Conservative budget that finally cut the GST. Try selling that at the door if you're a Liberal MP.
All of this makes for a surprisingly strong government. It is proceeding with its election agenda at a good clip, ignoring the squawking from interest groups including the press.
Stephen Harper's minority government is a slender one, smaller than Paul Martin's. But with a divided Opposition scared of a quick vote, and a clear to-do list, it feels more like a majority government.
Nothing sums up the new normal better than Friday's question period. Jason Kenney, Harper's parliamentary secretary, stands in for the PM when he's not available.
There was Goodale, full of sound and fury, railing ineffectually against the government. And there was Kenney -- who, more than a decade ago, was Goodale's assistant -- swatting Goodale's questions away like Babe Ruth in a batting cage.
Out with the tired old, in with the energetic new.

Frustration with media and liberals...

2006-04-27T14:51:00.000-04:00

I wish I had more time to formulate my thoughts and respond fully...
But, I am upset at the way that the federal Liberals are misusing our war dead for their political gain, and are being unbelieveably hypocritical on a number of points, and I could go on.
I am also upset at how the media is playing an emotional game with Canadians to further the Liberal agenda, and is cooperating with the federal Liberals in pushing misinformation, and I could go on...
But here is a Reality Check, from www.conservative.ca:

Liberal Hypocrisy on Flags
25 April 2006
Sadly, today the Liberals have reached a new low, trying to score cheap political points with the deaths of four Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. Liberal after Liberal, led by Bill Graham rushed to condemn the Conservative government over the lowering of the flag on the Peace Tower. Graham and the Liberals have now shown just how shockingly hypocritical they are – as the original policy change came in November, when Bill Graham himself was Minister of National Defence. Unlike the Liberals, who only believe in empty gestures for the cameras, the Conservative government will continue to support the men and women of the Canadian Forces with real actions and actual support.

The facts:
- Traditionally, the policy of the Canadian Forces was that flags would be flown at half-mast from the time of death until sunset on the day of the funeral at the location of the deployed unit; the home unit; and the Army/Navy/Air Force HQ as necessary depending on soldiers unit.
- On Remembrance Day, the Peace Tower flag is lowered to honour all of Canada’s soldiers killed in the line of duty
- For ten years, the Liberals essentially ignored the Canadian military and gutted it of funding. The Peace Tower flag was not lowered for any soldiers killed in the line of duty.
- In 2002, the Liberals suddenly began changing Canada’s long-standing policy, but did so on an ad hoc and random basis. There was no official protocol put in place, only the Liberals deciding on a case-by-case basis to lower the Peace Tower flag, along with the flags on all federal buildings
- The Liberals’ continued this policy until the fall of 2005. In November 2005, under Liberal watch, the Peace Tower flag was not lowered.
- The new DND four-point policy came into effect in the fall of 2005 – under then Liberal Defence Minister (now interim Liberal Leader) Bill Graham.
- The new protocol clearly states that flags will be half-masted in four different locations. All flags within the operational base, the home base of the member, and the National Defence Headquarters shall be half-masted from the day of death until sunset the day of the funeral. Also, all flags within the service (Navy, Army, or Air Force) of the member shall be half-masted from sunrise to sunset on the day of the funeral.

Why are the Liberals playing games and trying to score cheap political points over the deaths of Canadian soldiers?
Why are they criticizing a policy that was put in place under their own interim Leader?
Why didn’t they lower the flags for all Canadian soldiers killed in the line of duty?
cpb

Pope's Easter Message to the World

2006-04-18T10:25:00.000-04:00

Now we are in the joy of Easter week, celebrating the victory of Christ and the new life He offers us. The Pope's message not only reflects upon this truth but goes further to connect it to the theme of the Pope's first Encyclical Letter, that God is Love. Christ is risen, for God is love. Christ is now alive, to quench our thrist, to walk with us and to give us true peace.
Further, His Holiness connects this mystery of faith to the reality we encounter in the world. He expresses his concern for the suffering of the world in light of the peace of the Risen Lord. Few seem to have such an informed global perspective like the Pope.
I pray that you will know the peace and joy of the Risen One, entrusting yourself to His Divine Mercy. For Christ is risen indeed!
Christós anésti! ~ Christus resurrexit! ~ Christ is risen! ~ Christos Voskres! ~ Kristus vstal z mrtvych!
(Greek, Latin, English, Slovanic, Slovak)

Benedict XVI's Easter Message
"Jesus Is Risen, and He Gives Us Peace"
VATICAN CITY, APRIL 16, 2006 (Zenit.org).-
Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's Easter message delivered today at midday before he imparted his blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city of Rome and the world).
* * *
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
"Christus resurrexit!" -- Christ is risen!
During last night's great vigil we relived the decisive and ever-present event of the Resurrection, the central mystery of the Christian faith. Innumerable paschal candles were lit in churches, to symbolize the light of Christ which has enlightened and continues to enlighten humanity, conquering the darkness of sin and death for ever.
And today echo powerfully the words which dumbfounded the women on the morning of the first day after the Sabbath, when they came to the tomb where Christ's body, taken down in haste from the cross, had been laid. Sad and disconsolate over the loss of their master, they found the great stone rolled away, and when they entered they saw that his body was no longer there.
As they stood there, uncertain and bewildered, two men in dazzling apparel surprised them, saying: "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, he is risen" (Luke 24:5-6). "Non est hic, sed resurrexit" (Luke 24:6). Ever since that morning, these words have not ceased to resound throughout the universe as a proclamation of joy which spans the centuries unchanged and, at the same time, charged with infinite and ever new resonances.
"He is not here ... he is risen." The heavenly messengers announce first and foremost that Jesus "is not here": The Son of God did not remain in the tomb, because it was not possible for him to be held prisoner by death (cf. Acts 2:24) and the tomb could not hold on to "the living one" (Revelation 1:18) who is the very source of life.
Like Jonah in the belly of the whale, so too Christ crucified was swallowed up into the heart of the earth (cf. Matthew 12:40) for the length of a Sabbath. Truly, "that Sabbath was a high day," as St. John tells us (John 19:31): the highest in history, because it was then that the "Lord of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:8) brought to fulfillment the work of creation (cf. Genesis 2:1-4a), raising man and the entire cosmos to the glorious liberty of the children of God (cf. Romans 8:21).
When this extraordinary work had been accomplished, the lifeless body was suffused with the living breath of God and, as the walls of the tomb were shattered, he rose in glory. That is why the angels proclaim "he is not here," he can no longer be found in the tomb. He made his pilgrim way on earth among us, he completed his journey in the tomb as all men do, but he conquered death and, in an absolutely new way, by an act of pure love, he opened the earth, threw it open toward heaven.
His resurrection becomes our resurrection, through baptism which "incorporates" us into him. The prophet Ezekiel had foretold this: "Behold, I will open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you home into the land of Israel" (Ezekial 37:12). These prophetic words take on a singular value on Easter Day, because today the creator's promise is fulfilled; today, even in this modern age marked by anxiety and uncertainty, we relive the event of the Resurrection, which changed the face of our life and changed the history of humanity. From the risen Christ, all those who are still oppressed by chains of suffering and death look for hope, sometimes even without knowing it.
May the Spirit of the Risen One, in particular, bring relief and security in Africa to the peoples of Darfur, who are living in a dramatic humanitarian situation that is no longer sustainable; to those of the Great Lakes region, where many wounds have yet to be healed; to the peoples of the Horn of Africa, of Ivory Coast, Uganda, Zimbabwe and other nations which aspire to reconciliation, justice and progress. In Iraq, may peace finally prevail over the tragic violence that continues mercilessly to claim victims.
I also pray sincerely that those caught up in the conflict in the Holy Land may find peace, and I invite all to patient and persevering dialogue, so as to remove both ancient and new obstacles. May the international community, which reaffirms Israel's just right to exist in peace, assist the Palestinian people to overcome the precarious conditions in which they live and to build their future, moving toward the constitution of a state that is truly their own.
May the Spirit of the Risen One enkindle a renewed enthusiastic commitment of the countries of Latin America, so that the living conditions of millions of citizens may be improved, the deplorable scourge of kidnapping may be eradicated and democratic institutions may be consolidated in a spirit of harmony and effective solidarity.
Concerning the international crises linked to nuclear power, may an honorable solution be found for all parties, through serious and honest negotiations, and may the leaders of nations and of international organizations be strengthened in their will to achieve peaceful coexistence among different races, cultures and religions, in order to remove the threat of terrorism.
May the risen Lord grant that the strength of his life, peace and freedom be experienced everywhere. Today the words with which the Angel reassured the frightened hearts of the women on Easter morning are addressed to all: "Do not be afraid! ... He is not here; he is risen" (Matthew 28:5-6). Jesus is risen, and he gives us peace; he himself is peace. For this reason the Church repeats insistently: "Christ is risen -- 'Christós anésti.'
"Let the people of the third millennium not be afraid to open their hearts to him. His Gospel totally quenches the thirst for peace and happiness that is found in every human heart. Christ is now alive and he walks with us. What an immense mystery of love!
"Christus resurrexit, quia Deus caritas est!" Alleluia!

© Copyright 2006 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana [adapted]
ZE06041606

God or the Girl

2006-04-13T12:22:00.000-04:00

Check out this unique reality mini series about four American young men making the decision between marriage and priesthood.
I heard a good reveiw and it should be very interesting. I heard that it does capture the passion of trying to follow Christ today and the difficulites associated with that.
This Sunday night and Monday night, 9 to 11 PM, on A & E. All details and more on the website.
www.godorthegirl.com
cpb

The Paschal Three Days

2006-04-13T11:44:00.000-04:00

We are entering into the three holiest days of the Catholic year, the Paschal Triduum. This entire week, at the conclusion of Lent, is called Holy Week and began with Passion (Palm) Sunday. But it is these three days that deserve our full attention. Following the traditional ancient method, the days are measured from evening to evening.
The first day is a day of divine Love, the charity commanded by the washing of the feet and demonstrated by the Lord's self-sacrifice. It begins tonight with the Mass of the Lord's Supper, followed by adoration, and continues tomorrow with the afternoon service commemorating the Lord's Passion.
The second day is a day of simple Hope, a day of silence and personal prayer. Traditionally, it is a time to pray "at the Lord's tomb". Generally there are no liturgies or services, though many parishes pray the Stations of the Cross Friday evening and a simple Morning Prayer could be held Saturday morning.
The third day is a day of great Faith and joy, a day of jubilant celebration and victory. It begins with the solemn Easter Vigil, the most important liturgy of the year, in which we celebrate the victorious Light of Christ triumphing over the darkness. It is at this time that new Catholics are made and that we all renew our baptismal promises. Easter Sunday morning Masses continue this celebration and renewal. The three days end with Easter Vespers, evening prayer, on this Sunday. However, Easter officially continues the entire week as a week-long solemn feast and the Easter season continues until Pentecost 50 days later.
This is my simple overview of the Three Days, the Paschal Triduum. Now below is the Pope's reflections about them.
I pray that we will all have a blessed Triduum, celebrating this great passover from death to life, from darkness to light, from bondage to true freedom.
I also want to offer my greetings to our Jewish brothers and sisters in faith who celebrate the original Passover, remembering the freedom and blessings our one Lord, the God of Abraham, gave to their people so long ago.

On the Easter Triduum
"We Will Relive the Passion, Death and Resurrection"
VATICAN CITY, APRIL 12, 2006 (Zenit.org).-
Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address at today's general audience, which he dedicated to explain the meaning of the Easter triduum.
* * *
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Tomorrow the Easter triduum begins, which is the fulcrum of the whole liturgical year. Aided by the sacred rites of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the solemn Easter Vigil, we will relive the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord.
They are propitious days to reawaken in us a more intense desire to be united to Christ and follow him generously, conscious that he has loved us to the point of giving his life for us. The events that the sacred triduum again proposes to us are the sublime manifestation of this love of God for man.Let us dispose ourselves, therefore, to celebrate the Easter triduum taking up St. Augustine's exhortation: "Consider now attentively the three holy days of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of the Lord. From these three mysteries we realize in the present life that of which the cross is symbol, while we realize through faith and hope, that of which the burial and resurrection is symbol" (Letter 55,14,24).
The Easter triduum begins tomorrow, Holy Thursday, with the evening Mass "in Cena Domini," though in the morning another significant liturgical celebration is usually held, the Chrism Mass, during which, gathered around the bishop, the whole presbyterate of every diocese renews priestly promises, and takes part in the blessing of the oils of the catechumens, of the sick and of the chrism. This is what we will also do tomorrow here, in St. Peter's.In addition to the institution of the priesthood, on this holy day will be commemorated Christ's total giving of himself to humanity in the sacrament of the Eucharist. On the very night he was betrayed, he left us, as sacred Scripture recalls, the "new commandment" -- "mandatum novum" -- of fraternal love by carrying out the striking gesture of the washing of the feet, which reminds us of the humble service of slaves. This singular day, evocative of the great mysteries, ends with Eucharistic adoration, in memory of the Lord's agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. Feeling great anguish, recounts the Gospel, Jesus asked his own to watch with him, remaining in prayer: "Remain here, and watch with me."
And we see how also today, we, the disciples of today, often remain asleep. This was, for Jesus, the hour of abandonment and solitude, which was followed, in the middle of the night, by the arrest and beginning of the painful way to Calvary.
Good Friday, centered on the Passion, is a day of fast and abstinence, oriented to the contemplation of the cross. Proclaimed in the churches is the account of the Passion, and the words of the prophet Zechariah resound: "They shall look on him whom they have pierced" (John 19:37).
And on Good Friday we also wish to direct our gaze to the pierced heart of the Redeemer in whom, as St. Paul writes, "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3), more than that, "in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" (Colossians 2,9), for this reason, the Apostle can affirm his decision "to know nothing ... except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). It is true: The cross reveals "the breadth and length and height and depth" -- the cosmic dimensions, this is the meaning of a love that surpasses all knowledge -- love goes beyond what is known and fills us with "all the fullness of God" (cf. Ephesians 3:18-19).
In the mystery of the Crucified is brought about that "turning of God against himself in order to raise man up and save him. This is love in its most radical form" ("Deus Caritas Est," No. 12). The cross of Christ, wrote Pope St. Leo the Great in the fifth century, "is source of all blessings, and the cause of all blessings" (Discourse 8 on the Passion of the Lord, 6-8; PL 54, 340-342).
On Holy Saturday the Church, united spiritually to Mary, remains in prayer before the sepulcher, where the body of the Son of God lies inert in a state of repose after the creative work of redemption, realized with his death (cf. Hebrews 4:1-13). At night the solemn Easter Vigil will begin, during which the joyous Easter "Gloria" and "Alleluia" will rise from the hearts of the newly baptized and the whole Christian community, joyful because Christ has risen and conquered death.
Dear brothers and sisters, to be able to live a profitable celebration of Easter, the Church asks the faithful to draw near these days to the sacrament of penance, which is a kind of death and resurrection for each one of us. In the early Christian community, on Holy Thursday the rite of the Reconciliation of Penitents was celebrated, over which the bishop presided.
Of course the historical conditions have changed, but to prepare for Easter with a good confession continues to be a duty which must be fully appreciated, as it offers us the possibility to begin our life again and this new beginning is realized in the joy of the Risen One and in the communion of forgiveness that it gives us. Conscious that we are sinners, but trusting in divine mercy, let us allow ourselves to be reconciled by Christ to experience more intensely the joy that he communicates to us in his resurrection.
The forgiveness that Christ gives us in the sacrament of penance is source of interior and exterior peace and makes us apostles of peace in a world in which continue, unfortunately, divisions, sufferings and the tragedies of hatred and violence, of inability to be reconciled to begin again with a sincere pardon.
We know, however, that evil does not have the last word, as he who triumphs is Christ crucified and risen, and his victory is manifested with the force of merciful love. His resurrection gives us this certainty: Despite all the darkness in the world, evil does not have the last word. Supported by this truth, we will be able to commit ourselves with greater courage and enthusiasm to make a more just world come into being.
This is what I wish all of you from my heart, dear brothers and sisters, hoping that you will prepare with faith and devotion for the imminent Easter celebrations. May you be accompanied by Mary Most Holy, who, after having followed her divine Son in the hour of the passion and cross, shared the joy of his resurrection.
© Copyright 2006 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana [translation by ZENIT]
ZE06041205

Reflecting on The Beatitudes

2006-04-12T12:25:00.000-04:00

The Beatitudes, from the Gospel according to St. Matthew, are a foundational component of Catholic Christianity. Yet I have often found it difficult to "connect" with them and they seem to be on the sidelines for many Christians.

I was reflecting on them and was realizing how Jesus was highlighting a state of being with each of them. This state of being then seems to imply natural actions and attitudes that flow from that. And finally, the reward promised seems to imply the natural yet paradoxical outcome of that state and those actions. Truly, we should emphasize being over doing.
For example, "Blessed are the poor in spirit" seems to highlight the state of being aware of our deep poverty, weakness and limitation, that should then imply our reaching out to God and seeking his assistance in prayer. When one does recognize this deep need and does turn to God in faith, then one truly will "obtain the Kingdom of Heaven". The paradox: recognizing your poor leads to inheriting a Kingdom.

I also realized that - though all followers of Christ are called to be what all the Beatitudes highlight - that the Beatitudes seem to show a path for the spiritual journey, like steps on a staircase. And the first four Beatitudes seem to be more "natural" or expected, while the next four seem to push us further beyond. I hope to be able to post more related to this soon.

Analyzing Deaths due to Armed Conflicts

2006-04-11T18:36:00.000-04:00

I found it interesting to break some numbers down and analyze the facts regarding armed conflicts. It gave me food for thought and made me wonder about our media coverage, or lack of coverage, regarding the deadliest conflicts in the world.

In the past two years, there have been armed conflicts in 23 nations around the world with a total of about 1 500 000 deaths. About 40% of the conflicts occured in Africa (9), but 87% of the deaths occured on that continent (1 320 000). Why do we hear so little about most of these extremely deadly conflicts? The African continent seems to be in a continued state of emergency, due to conflicts, disease and famine. Why is more not being done?
Though so much attention is focused on Iraq, only about 2% of the deaths occured there. More people died in Chechnya (61 000) than in Iraq and Afghanistan combined (about 52 000). "Only" about 4 400 people died in Israel.
And why do we not hear more about conflicts in south Asia where over 15 000 have died in the past two years (over 7000 in Sri Lanka alone). And we hear almost nothing about the conflicts in the Philippines where 12 500 died or Indonesia where 12 000 died. These numbers suggest very significant civil wars that receive practically no coverage here.

The top five conflicts according this count were:
1 - Congo (1 094 000), 2 - Sudan (81 000), 3 - Chechnya (61 000), 4 - Somalia (53 500), 5 - Burundi (50 400).
cpb

My Memberships...

2006-04-11T17:48:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd post a partial list of groups which I am either a member of or am involved in:
- Curtana Foundation (and Curtana Guild)
- World Youth Alliance (NAYA)
- Knights of Columbus...
- Catherine Doherty Guild (Madonna House)
- Fellowship of Catholic Scholars (Canadian Chapter)
- Slovak Canadian Youth Commission
- Monarchist League of Canada
- Catholic Civil Rights League
- Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace
- Royal Canadian Geographical Society
- Canada's National Historical Society
- Vatican Observatory Guild
cpb

80 Facts for the upcoming 80th Birthday of The Queen

2006-04-11T15:21:00.000-04:00

Here are 80 facts about The Queen released by the Palace to mark her 80th birthday. The Queen's actual birthday is April 21, but it is celebrated officially in Great Britain in June and in Canada on Victoria Day in May.
If you would like to mail or email birthday greetings, please find instructions at this Canadian website: www.gg.ca/queen_birthday_e.asp

1) Queen Elizabeth II is the fortieth monarch since William the Conqueror obtained the crown of England.
2) In 2002 at 76 years of age the Queen was the oldest monarch to celebrate a Golden Jubilee. The youngest was James I (James VI of Scotland) at 51 years.
3) Since 1952 the Queen has conferred over 387,700 honours and awards.
4) The Queen has personally held over 540 Investitures.
5) The Queen speaks fluent French and often uses the language for audiences and state visits. [especially in regard to Canada]
6) The Queen has received over 3 million items of correspondence during her reign.
7) Over the course of her reign, around 1.1 million people have attended garden parties at Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Holyroodhouse (the Queen ended presentation parties in 1958).
8) Over the reign, the Queen has given regular Tuesday evening audiences to 10 British Prime Ministers. They are: Winston Churchill 1951-55, Sir Anthony Eden 1955-57, Harold Macmillan 1957-63, Sir Alec Douglas-Home 1963-64, Harold Wilson 1964-70 and 1974-76, Edward Heath 1970-74, James Callaghan 1976-79, Margaret Thatcher 1979-90, John Major 1990-97, Tony Blair 1997-present. There have also been 10 US Presidents during the Queen's reign.
9) Tony Blair is the first Prime Minister to have been born during the Queen's reign. He was born in early May 1953 - a month before the Coronation.
10) The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh introduced small, informal luncheon parties at Buckingham Palace to meet distinguished people from all professions, trades and vocations. The first lunch was held on May 11 1956 and the tradition continues to this day. There are usually 6-8 guests and two members of the household attending.
11) The Queen is patron of more than 620 charities and organisations.
12) During her reign, the Queen has undertaken over 256 official overseas visits to 129 different countries.
13) Many of the Queen's official tours were undertaken on the Royal Yacht Britannia. It was launched by the Queen on 16 April 1953 and was commissioned for service on 7 January 1954. It was de-commissioned in December 1997. During this time, Britannia travelled more than a million miles on Royal and official duties.
14) The Royal Yacht Britannia was first used by the Queen when she embarked with the Duke of Edinburgh on May 1 1954 at Tobruk for the final stage of their Commonwealth Tour returning to the Pool of London. The last time the Queen was on board Britannia for an official visit was on August 9 1997 for a visit to Arran.
15) The Queen has visited Australia 15 times, Canada 23 times, Jamaica six times and New Zealand 10 times. The Queen most recently visited Australia in March 2006 to open the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
16) Since her accession to the throne in 1952, the Queen has visited Edinburgh nearly every year, taking up residence in the Palace of Holyroodhouse during Holyrood Week.
17) During her reign, the Queen has received many unusual gifts including live animals. The more unusual animals have been placed in the care of the London zoo, among them jaguars and sloths from Brazil, and two black beavers from Canada. The Queen has also received gifts of pineapples, eggs, a box of snail shells, a grove of maple trees and 7kg of prawns.
18) The Queen has sent around 100,000 telegrams to centenarians in the UK and the Commonwealth.
19) The Queen has sent more than 280,000 telegrams to couples in the UK and the Commonwealth celebrating their diamond wedding anniversaries.
20) The Queen's real birthday is on April 21, but it is celebrated officially in June.
21) The Queen has attended 34 Royal Variety performances.
22) The Queen has opened 15 bridges in the United Kingdom.
23) The Queen has given over 91 State banquets during her reign.
24) Since 1952 the Queen has undertaken 78 State Visits accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh with the most recent being to Singapore in March 2006.
25) The Queen has launched 23 ships in her lifetime. The first was HMS Vanguard which she launched, as Princess Elizabeth, on November 30 1944 in Clydebank. The first ship which she launched as Queen was the Queen's Yacht Britannia, which was also launched from Clydebank.
26) The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh have sent about 37,500 Christmas cards during the Queen's reign.
27) The Queen has given out about 78,000 Christmas puddings to staff continuing the custom of King George V and King George VI. In addition, the Queen gives all her staff a gift at Christmas time.
28) Every year the Queen sends Christmas trees to Westminster Abbey, Wellington Barracks, St Paul's Cathedral, St Giles, Edinburgh, The Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh, Crathie Church and local schools and churches in the Sandringham area.
29) The Queen learnt to drive in 1945 when she joined the Army.
30) The Queen was a Girl Guide (1937) and Sea Ranger (1943).
31) Princess Elizabeth travelled on the London Underground for the first time in May 1939 with her governess Marion Crawford and Princess Margaret.
32) The Queen is a keen photographer and enjoys taking photographs of her family. The Duke of York is also a keen photographer and has taken a number of photographs of the Queen, including an official photograph for the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002.
33) The Queen was born at 17 Bruton St, London W1 on 21 April 1926, was christened on 29 May 1926 in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace. She was confirmed on 28 March 1942 in the private chapel at Windsor Castle.
34) With the birth of Prince Andrew in 1960, the Queen became the first reigning sovereign to have a child since Queen Victoria, who had her youngest child, Princess Beatrice, in 1857.
35) The Queen has 30 godchildren.
36) The first football match the Queen attended was the 1953 FA Cup Final.
37) The Queen has taken the salute in every Trooping the Colour ceremony since the start of her reign, with the exception of 1955, when a national rail strike forced the cancellation of the parade.
38) The Queen has sat for 139 official portraits during her lifetime, two of which were with The Duke of Edinburgh. The most recent sitting was for Rolf Harris (2005). The Queen was just seven years old when she sat for her first portrait in 1933, which was commissioned by her mother and painted by the Hungarian artist Philip Alexius de Laszls.
39) The Queen sat for the first and only hologram portrait in 2003.
40) There have been 11 sculptures of the Queen. The most recent was in 2005 by Miss Angela Conner for St George's Chapel, Windsor.
41) The first 'Royal walkabout' took place during the visit by the Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh to Australia and New Zealand in 1970. The practice was introduced to allow them to meet a greater number of people, not simply officials and dignitaries.
42) In 1969 the first television film about the family life of the Royal Family was made, and shown on the eve of the Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.
43) An important innovation during the Queen's reign was the opening in 1962 of a new gallery at Buckingham Palace to display items from the Royal Collection. The brainchild of The Duke of Edinburgh, the new Queen's Gallery occupied the space of the Palace's bomb-damaged private chapel. It was the first time that parts of the Palace had been opened to the general public.
44) The only time the Queen has had to interrupt an overseas tour was in 1974 during a tour of Australia and Indonesia. the Queen was called back from Australia when a general election was called suddenly. The Duke of Edinburgh continued the programme in Australia, and the Queen re-joined the tour in Indonesia.
45) The Queen has opened Parliament every year except 1959 and 1963, when she was expecting Prince Andrew and Prince Edward respectively.
46) The Queen went on her first state visit as Princess Elizabeth, to South Africa with her mother and father, then King and Queen, from February to May 1947. The tour included Rhodesia and Bechuanaland, Swaziland and Basutoland (now Lesotho). The Princess celebrated her 21st birthday in Cape Town. The Queen's first State Visit as Queen was technically to Kenya, as King George VI died and the Queen acceded the throne during the tour. The tour had to be abandoned.
47) The Queen's first Commonwealth tour began on 24 November 1953, and included visits to Bermuda, Jamaica, Panama, Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand, Australia, the Cocos Islands, Ceylon, Aden, Uganda, Libya, Malta and Gibraltar. The total distance covered was 43,618 miles.
48) The Queen was the first British Monarch to go to China when she visited in 1986.
49) The Queen has made a Christmas Broadcast to the Commonwealth every year of her reign except 1969, when a repeat of the film 'Royal Family' was shown and a written message from the Queen issued.
50) In 1953, the Queen made the first Christmas Broadcast from overseas, (rather than from the UK), broadcasting live from New Zealand. The first televised broadcast was in 1957, made live. The first pre-recorded broadcast took place in 1960 to allow transmission around the world.
51) The Queen sent a message of congratulations to Apollo 11 astronauts for the first moon landing on July 21 1969. The message was micro-filmed and deposited on the moon in a metal container.
52) The Queen has met the following astronauts at Buckingham Palace: The first astronaut to go into space - Russian - Major Yuri Gagarin. The first woman in space - Russian - Mrs Valentina Tereschkova. The first man on the moon - American - Neil Armstrong - and the other American astronauts, Michael Collins and Edwin Aldrin.
53) The Queen sent her first email in 1976 from an Army base.
54) There have been six Archbishops of Canterbury during the Queen's reign (Archbishops Geoffrey Fisher, Michael Ramsey, Donald Coggan, Robert Runcie, George Carey and Rowan Williams).
55) History was made in 1982 when Pope John Paul II visited Britain, the first Pope to do so for 450 years. The Queen, titular head of the Church of England, received him at Buckingham Palace.
56) The Queen first visited a mosque in the UK for the first time in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire in July 2002.
57) The Queen has attended 50 Royal Maundy services during her reign at more than 39 different cathedrals. The Queen has only missed four services - two for official tours and two for the births of Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
58) The Queen has owned more than 30 corgis during her reign, starting with Susan who was a present for her 18th birthday in 1944. A good proportion of these have been direct descendants from Susan. the Queen currently has five corgis, Emma, Linnet, Monty, Holly and Willow.
59) The Queen also introduced a new breed of dog known as the "dorgi" when one of the Queen's corgis was mated with a dachshund named Pipkin which belonged to Princess Margaret. The Queen currently has four dorgis, Cider, Berry, Candy and Vulcan.
60) As well as corgis and dorgis, the Queen also breeds and trains labradors and cocker spaniels at Sandringham. There is a special Sandringham strain of black labrador founded in 1911.
61) The Queen takes a keen interest in horses and racing. The Queen's first pony was given to her by her grandfather, King George V, when she was four years old. This was a Shetland pony called Peggy. The Queen continues to ride at Sandringham, Balmoral and Windsor.
62) The Queen also takes a keen interest in horse breeding. Horses bred at the Royal studs over the last 200 years have won virtually every major race in Britain. The Queen has about 25 horses in training each season.
63) The Queen's racing colours are: purple body with gold braid, scarlet sleeves and Black velvet cap with gold fringe.
64) The Queen continues the Royal Family's long association with racing pigeons which began in 1886 when King Leopold II of Belgium made a gift of racing pigeons to the Royal Family. In 1990, one of the Queen's birds took part in the Pau race, coming first in the Section 5th Open and was subsequently named "Sandringham Lightning". In recognition of her interest in the sport, the Queen is patron of a number of racing societies, including the Royal Pigeon Racing Association.
65) The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh were married on 20 November 20 1947 in Westminster Abbey. The Queen's wedding dress was designed by Sir Norman Hartnell and was woven at Winterthur Silks Limited, Dunfermline, in the Canmore factory, using silk that had come from Chinese silkworms at Lullingstone Castle.
66) The Queen's dressmakers over the years have included Sir Hardy Amies, Sir Norman Hartnell, Karl-Ludwig Couture and Maureen Rose. The Queen's milliners have been Frederick Fox, Philip Somerville and Marie O'Regan.
67) The Queen's wedding ring was made from a nugget of Welsh gold which came from the Clogau St David's mine near Dolgellau. The official wedding cake was made by McVitie and Price Ltd, using ingredients given as a wedding gift by Australian Girl Guides.
68) The Queen has an extensive collection of jewellery, most of which are Crown Jewels, some inherited and some gifts, including the largest pink diamond in the world. Some well known pieces include; a brooch of diamonds forming a spray of wattle presented by the Australian government in 1954; and a necklace of large square cut aquamarines and diamonds with earrings as a gift in coronation year by the ambassador of Brazil, which the Queen wore on the French state visit in 2004.
69) The Queen has laid her wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday every year of her reign, except in 1959, 1961, 1963, 1968, 1983 and 1999 when she was either pregnant or overseas on an official visit.
70) The Queen has visited the sets of a number of British soap operas including Coronation Street, East Enders and Emmerdale.
71) In 1997, the Queen launched Buckingham Palace's first official website. (www.royal.gov.uk)
72) In 1998, the Queen introduced "theme days" to promote and celebrate aspects of British culture. The first theme day was "City Day" focusing on financial institutions. Other themes have included Publishing, Broadcasting, Tourism, Emergency Services, Maritime Day, Music, Young Achievers, British Design, and Pioneers.
73) In June, 2002, the Queen hosted the first public concerts in the garden of Buckingham Palace to celebrate her Golden Jubilee. the Queen attended both the classical and pop concerts. The 'Party at the Palace' pop concert was one of the most watched pop concerts in history, attracting around 200 million viewers over the world.
74) The Queen is the first member of the Royal Family to be awarded a gold disc from the recording industry. 100,000 copies of the CD of the 'Party at the Palace', produced by EMI, were sold within the first week of release.
75) The Queen hosted the first women's only event "Women of Achievement" at Buckingham Palace in March, 2004.
76) In November 2004, the Queen invited the cast of Les Miserables in the West End to perform for French President Jacques Chirac at Windsor Castle. It was the first time the cast of a West End musical had performed at a Royal residence.
77) As a young girl, the Queen acted in a number of Pantomimes during World War Two including playing the part of Prince Florizel in Cinderella in 1941. These pantomimes took place every year in the Waterloo Chamber at Windsor Castle.
78) In 2005 the Queen claimed ownership of 88 cygnets on the Thames. They are looked after by the Swan Marker. The first Royal Swan Keeper was appointed around the 12th Century.
79) Technically the Queen still owns the sturgeons, whales and dolphins in the waters around the UK. A statute from 1324, at the time of the reign of King Edward II, states that: "Also the King shall have ... whales and sturgeons taken in the sea or elsewhere within the realm." This statute is still valid today, and sturgeons, porpoises, whales and dolphins are recognised as 'Fishes Royal'. When captured within three miles of UK shores, or washed ashore either dead or alive, they may be claimed on behalf of the Crown. Generally, when brought into port, a sturgeon is sold in the usual way, and the purchaser, as a gesture of loyalty, requests the honour of its being accepted by the Queen.
80) In summer 2005, the Queen opened the first "children's trail" in the Buckingham Palace garden for the summer opening.

Parliament of Canada assembled

2006-04-04T16:31:00.000-04:00

This afternoon, the first session of the new Parliament of Canada has been opened, as the three parts of Parliament assembled in Ottawa - the Crown, the Senate and the House of Commons. Earlier, the Governor General issued a Proclamation to convene this new Parliament and thus she summoned the Senators and Members for the opening. This picture shows the Governor General seated on the Throne and the Prime Minister seated on her right. The Prime Minister had an essentially silent role today, being only the "first servant" of the Crown. One should have noticed the important role of the Speakers, as the presiders of the Houses.

Yesterday, both the Senate and the House of Commons gathered to receive messages from the Governor General. In the Senate, the new Speaker announced his appointment by the Crown. In the Commons, a Speaker was elected by the Members, so that the new Session could begin.

Today, once both Houses gathered and the Governor General arrived in procession, the Usher of the Black Rod went from the Senate to the House of Commons to summon the Members. This full gathering of Parliament occurs in the Senate chamber, where the Throne of Canada is located. The Speaker of the House of Commons, preceded by the Mace, led them to the Senate and requested recognition from the Crown, whom he declared they serve. Through the Senate Speaker, the GG affirmed and recognized the role and priviledges of the House of Commons, pledging to cooperate with them. Then, the Speech from the Throne was read by the Governor General, which you can read at the link below, outlining the agenda of Her Majesty's Canadian Government, giving in essence the reasons why they have been summoned to Parliament.

Now in the House, the Speaker formally informs the House of Commons regarding the Speech from the Throne and it is simply recorded in Hansard. Then, Government backbenchers move the "Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne", which will now be debated over the next few days. (The media incorrectly state that the Throne Speech itself is debated.) However, the first bills in both Houses (S-1 in the Senate and C-1 in the Commons) are only given first reading and are meant to be symbolic of the independence of these two Houses from the Crown, thereby claiming their right to deliberate freely and not just on what was in the Speech, traditionally the cause of their summons to this Parliament.

This picture show the opening of the session of Parliament in 1977, when the Queen of Canada personally attended and read the Speech herself. She has done this in Canada on a couple occasions, just as her father, our late King, personally gave Royal Assent in the Senate chamber. Her Majesty is one of the elements of the Parliament of Canada, whether she attends personally or is represented vice-regally.

As key lines in a constitutional context, I want to quote here from today's Throne Speech the first and last paragraphs (the last especially is important and traditional):

"As the representative of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I am honoured to welcome the newly elected members of the House of Commons on the occasion of the opening of the First Session of the Thirty-Ninth Parliament of Canada. Canadians rejoice in the coming eightieth birthday of Her Majesty later this month, and in her more than fifty years of service as Queen of Canada."

"With the efforts and contributions of members from both chambers, the Government looks forward to making this Parliament work for the benefit of the Canadian people.
Members of the House of Commons:
You will be asked to appropriate the funds required to carry out the services and expenditures authorized by Parliament.
Honourable Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Commons:
May Divine Providence guide your deliberations."

The Speech from the Throne
official text and highlights
www.sft-ddt.gc.ca

cpb

Remembering John Paul the Great

2006-04-01T19:26:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow we will remember the first anniversary of the death of His Late Holiness, Pope John Paul the Great. With gratitude and love, we will pray together, not only for the repose of his soul but also for each other, that we will carry on his legacy as a Church.

The Servant of God Karol, our brother in Christ, who became our Holy Father John Paul, died on what was - last year - the Feast of Divine Mercy. He reminds us to place our trust in Jesus, who is the Divine Mercy, the risen Lord and our victorious Saviour.

With hope in this Christ, we rejoice to know that we are united as a communion of saints now as we approach Holy Week. We are still connected and death cannot divide us. So we also pray with John Paul II for the Church of Rome and all Christians throughout the world that we may journey closer to Jesus.

This painting is an appropriate and beautiful portrait of the late Pope in St. Peter's Basilica, with the Chair of St. Peter in the background.

Nelson Shanks, Portrait of Pope John Paul II, 2002, oil on canvas.

www.forumgallery.com/2004/e_holiday.htm

Constitution Day in Canada

2006-03-29T10:25:00.000-05:00

I enjoy drawing attention to these notable Canadian anniversaries and commemorations that we somehow overlook or forget. Today in 1867, the Constitution Act was legislated by the Imperial Parliament, preparing the way for the birth of the Dominion of Canada that summer.
I hope that this may be an occasion to be reminded about the virtues that formed Canada and to review some of our Constitution. With this in mind, I am posting the first three sections of our Constitution here. (I have added emphasis.)
If you would like to see more of this Act or any of the other documents that form our current Constitution, I would suggest the following website:
www.solon.org/Constitutions/Canada/English/index.html

Official Site for Canada's Law Texts:
http://laws.justice.gc.ca

The Constitution Act, 1867
(THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICA ACT, 1867)
30 & 31 Victoria, c. 3. [Consolidated with amendments]

An Act for the Union of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, and the Government thereof; and for Purposes connected therewith.
(29th March, 1867.)

WHEREAS the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have expressed their Desire to be federally united into One Dominion under the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, with a Constitution similar in Principle to that of the United Kingdom:
And whereas such a Union would conduce to the Welfare of the Provinces and promote the Interests of the British Empire:
And whereas on the Establishment of the Union by the Authority of Parliament it is expedient, not only that the Constitution of the Legislative Authority in the Dominion be provided for, but also that the Nature of the Executive Government therein be declared:
And whereas it is expedient that Provision be made for the eventual Admission into the Union of other Parts of British North America: (1)
I. PRELIMINARY.
1. This Act may be cited as the Constitution Act, 1867.(2)
2. Repealed(3)

II. UNION.
3. It shall be lawful for the Queen, by and with the Advice of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, to declare by Proclamation that, on and after the passing of this Act, the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick shall form and be One Dominion under the Name of Canada; and on and after that Day those Three Provinces shall form and be One Dominion under that Name accordingly.(4)
4. Unless it is otherwise expressed or implied, the Name Canada shall be taken to mean Canada as constituted under this Act.(5)
5. Canada shall be divided into Four Provinces, named Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.(6)
6. The Parts of the Province of Canada (as it exists at the passing of this Act) which formerly constituted respectively the Province of Upper Canada and Lower Canada shall be deemed to be severed, and shall form Two separate Provinces. The Part which formerly constituted the Province of Upper Canada shall constitute the Province of Ontario; and the Part which formerly constituted the Province of Lower Canada shall constitute the Province of Quebec.
7. The Provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick shall have the same Limits as at the passing of this Act.
8. In the general Census of the Population of Canada which is hereby required to be taken in the Year One Thousand eight hundred and seventy-one, and every Tenth Year thereafter, the respective Populations of the Four Provinces shall be distinguished.

III. EXECUTIVE POWER.
9. The Executive Government and Authority of and over Canada is hereby declared to continue and be vested in the Queen.
10. The Provisions of this Act referring to the Governor General extend and apply to the Governor General for the Time being of Canada, or other the Chief Executive Officer or Administrator for the Time being carrying on the Government of Canada on behalf and in the Name of the Queen, by whatever Title he is designated.
11. There shall be a Council to aid and advise in the Government of Canada, to be styled the Queen's Privy Council for Canada; and the Persons who are to be Members of that Council shall be from Time to Time chosen and summoned by the Governor General and sworn in as Privy Councillors, and Members thereof may be from Time to Time removed by the Governor General.
12. All Powers, Authorities, and Functions which under any Act of the Parliament of Great Britain, or of the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, or of the Legislature of Upper Canada, Lower Canada, Canada, Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick, are at the Union vested in or exerciseable by the respective Governors or Lieutenant Governors of those Provinces, with the Advice, or with the Advice and Consent, of the respective Executive Councils thereof, or in conjunction with those Councils, or with any Number of Members thereof, or by those Governors or Lieutenant Governors individually, shall, as far as the same continue in existence and capable of being exercised after the Union in relation to the Government of Canada, be vested in and exerciseable by the Governor General with the Advice, or with the Advice and Consent of or in conjunction with the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, or any Member thereof, or by the Governor General individually, as the Case requires, subject nevertheless (except with respect to such as exist under Acts of Parliament of Great Britain or of the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland) to be established or altered by the Parliament of Canada.(7)
13. The provisions of this Act referring to the Governor General in Council shall be construed as referring to the Governor General acting by and with the Advice of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada.
14. It shall be lawful for the Queen, if Her Majesty thinks fit, to authorize the Governor General from Time to Time appoint any Person or any Persons jointly or severally to be his Deputy or Deputies within any Part or Parts of Canada, and in that Capacity exercise during the Pleasure of the Governor General such of the Powers, Authorities, and Functions of the Governor General as the Governor General deems it necessary or expedient to assign to him or them, subject to any Limitations or Directions expressed or given by the Queen; but the Appointment of such a Deputy or Deputies shall not affect the Exercise by the Governor General himself of any Power, Authority, or Function.
15. The Command-in-Chief of the Land and Naval Militia, and of all Naval and Military Forces, of and in Canada, is hereby declared to continue to be vested in the Queen.
16. Until the Queen otherwise directs, the Seat of Government of Canada shall be Ottawa.

2 Days of Fasting and Prayer Urged for Iraq

2006-03-28T14:29:00.000-05:00

As we continue through Lent, we are requested by the Iraqi Catholics to join them in prayer for their nation and region. It is also a gentle reminder that Iraq is the homeland of Abraham, our father in faith.

2 Days of Fasting and Prayer Urged for Iraq
ROME, MARCH 27, 2006 (Zenit.org).-
[The Catholic] Chaldean Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly of Baghdad has proposed April 3-4 as days of fasting and prayer for peace in Iraq.
Auxiliary Bishop Shlemon Warduni read the patriarch's appeal on Sunday, during a visit to the Italian city of Gallipoli.
"We have estranged ourselves from God by our deeds," wrote the patriarch in the message, which was reported by Italian bishops' SIR news service; "we do not obey his will, and we have moved away from piety and virtue, from forgiveness, and because of this the blood of so many brothers has been shed and so many children have remained orphans."
For this reason, the Christian representative said, "we must return, repentant to God's house to do the will of our sovereign God."
"To achieve this sublime objective," the message said, "we invite all Iraqis, in and outside of Iraq, and all believers and people of good will, to prayer and fasting this coming Monday the 3rd and Tuesday the 4th of April, so that the Lord will restore peace, tranquility and security to Iraq, country of our beloved Abraham."
ZE06032706

Cardinals created in Consistory

2006-03-24T10:01:00.000-05:00

Currently in Rome, The Pope is meeting with the College of Cardinals and is creating 15 new Cardinals, who are the Pope's closest official advisors and assistants from around the world. They are considered princes of the Church traditionally and have the title "Eminence".
The article below from Zenit outlines the formal Consistory in which Cardinals are created, as well as noting why red is the official colour for Cardinals and quoting their oath of office. A Consistory is the occasional ceremonial meeting of the College of Cardinals.

The Holy See (commonly called The Vatican)
the official websites...
www.vatican.va

Catholic Hierarchy
an informative website providing current and historical statistcs and facts related to bishops, cardinals and dioceses...
www.catholic-hierarchy.org

The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church
an unofficial site that provides biographies and photos of all cardinals, as well as providing a guide to the history of the cardinalate
www.fiu.edu/~mirandas/cardinals.htm

What the Consistory Consists Of
New Cardinals to Manifest Willingness to Suffer for Church
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 23, 2006 (Zenit.org).-

The red hat that 15 new cardinals will receive from Benedict XVI on Friday will manifest their willingness to shed their blood for the Church.The Pope will attest to this during the consistory for the elevation of new cardinals, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. local time in St. Peter's Square.

According to the new rite introduced in the June 1991 consistory, the ceremony will begin with a liturgical greeting and the Holy Father's reading of the formula of elevation and of the solemn proclamation of the names of the new cardinals.
The first of the new cardinals will then address the Holy Father, on behalf of everyone.This will be followed by the Liturgy of the Word, the Pontiff's homily, the Profession of Faith and the taking of the oath by each cardinal.
The text of the oath, translated from the Latin original, states:
"I [name and surname], Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, promise and swear to be faithful henceforth and forever, while I live, to Christ and his Gospel, being constantly obedient to the Holy Roman Apostolic Church, to Blessed Peter in the person of the Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI, and of his canonically elected Successors; to maintain communion with the Catholic Church always, in word and deed; not to reveal to any one what is confided to me in secret, nor to divulge what may bring harm or dishonor to Holy Church; to carry out with great diligence and faithfulness those tasks to which I am called by my service to the Church, in accord with the norms of the law. So help me Almighty God."
Then each new cardinal will approach the Pope and kneel before him to receive the red hat and be assigned a title or deaconry.

The Pope will say, in part: "It is red as a sign of the dignity of the office of a cardinal, signifying that you are ready to act with fortitude, even to the point of spilling your blood for the increase of the Christian faith, for peace and harmony among the people of God, for freedom and the spread of the Holy Roman Catholic Church."

The Holy Father will then hand over the bull of the creation of cardinals, assign the title or deaconry -- as a sign of their participation in the Pope's pastoral care for the city of Rome -- and exchange a kiss of peace with the new members of the College of Cardinals.
The cardinals will also exchange such a sign among themselves.The rite will conclude with the Prayer of the Faithful, the recitation of the Our Father and the final blessing.

On Saturday, Benedict XVI will preside at the concelebration of Mass with the new cardinals, to whom he will give the cardinal's ring, "the sign of dignity, pastoral care and the most solid communion with the See of Peter."
ZE06032304

Commonwealth Day and Games 2006

2006-03-15T11:21:00.000-05:00

This past Monday was Commonwealth Day, an official Canadian commemoration. You will find the text of Her Majesty's official Message below, which mentions both this year's theme of health and the Commonwealth Games.
At this time as well, the Commonwealth Games are occuring right now in Melbourne and were officially opened today by The Queen, who is the Head of the Commonwealth. (the link to the official Games site is below as well)

The Commonwealth,
official site of this voluntary association of 53 states:
www.thecommonwealth.org

The Royal Commonwealth Society,
with information about Commonwealth Day:
www.rcsint.org

The 2006 Commonwealth Games:
www.melbourne2006.com.au

Commonwealth Day 2006:
A message from Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth

There are few feelings more satisfying than waking to a new day with a sense of wellbeing. Good health is a precious gift. Yet many do not share in this. Some forty million people today are living with HIV/AIDs, well over half of whom are Commonwealth citizens. Half a million women die each year in pregnancy and childbirth - and the death of any mother has huge consequences for the rest of the family. Yet very many of these deaths are preventable with adequate healthcare. Ignorance and lack of understanding about these issues sometimes breed uncertainty, even fear and the inclination to turn from those who are unwell. But we know, for example, that someone who is HIV positive can, with proper support, lead a full nd rewarding life.

I am pleased that Commonwealth governments are playing their part in tackling disease and improving health for all. Polio, for example, used to cast its shadow across many countries. Today, thanks to concerted international action, just a handful still need to eliminate polio. The same approach and commitment to other global scourges, such as malaria and tuberculosis, can achieve equally impressive results.

There is also much we can do through non-governmental organisations and especially as individuals. Poor health is sometimes linked to the way we choose to live. But many of us can often take steps to eat better food or take more exercise. We can also as communities work to improve our surroundings to make them cleaner, safer places in which to live.

The importance of good health is so wonderfully exemplified on the sports field. Sporting events can be the spur to extraordinary human achievement. Sport also demonstrates the value of co-operation and team-work, and the importance of mental and physical control. In Melbourne, in just a few days' time, I will be opening what are known as 'The Friendly Games'. Commonwealth athletes will gather once more in a spirit of goodwill and fellowship, and will strive to achieve new heights of excellence. As we watch our finest sportsmen and women compete, we will see clearly what exercise at the very highest level can contribute to both body and spirit.

There is a traditional proverb which says, 'He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.' This year, as governments search for new ways to tackle these important challenges, we as individuals can also play our part so that, in pursuing health and vitality for all, we bring hope to the world.

Elizabeth R.
13 March 2006

cpb

Steyn on Demography and Changing Society

2006-03-15T10:55:00.000-05:00

I often like reading Mark Steyn. His opinion columns are very interesting and thought-provoking, as well as being quite rational and helpful. This one was published Down Under in The Australian.

While he is addressing a political debate there within their context, he highlights many important facts too many in the western world are ignoring and he outlines how our western society is changing.
How many of us realize that the West, our civilization is dying, literally? And that this demographic reality does affect our economic prosperity, our social institutions and our political values?

Just a note: While many might focus on the Muslim growth rate, I would focus on the West's self-destruction and our lack of concern about it.
I hope you find this an interesting read and will think further about the reality the West is facing currently.

(PS - Here is the link to Steyn's own website: www.marksteyn.com This man is remarkable in the amount he publishes, commenting internationally in many periodicals. He don't know how he finds to time to follow "everything".)

Mark Steyn: Salute Danna Vale
The backbencher raises legitimate questions about demographic changes
16 feb 06

MY interest in demography dates back to September 11, 2001, when a demographic group I hadn't hitherto given much thought managed to get my attention. I don't mean the, ah, unfortunate business with the planes and buildings and so forth, but the open cheering of the attacks by their co-religionists in Montreal, Yorkshire, Copenhagen and elsewhere. How many people knew there were fast-growing and culturally confident Muslim populations in Scandinavia?
Demography doesn't explain everything but it accounts for a good 90 per cent. The "who" is the best indicator of the what-where-when-and-why. Go on, pick a subject. Will Japan's economy return to the heady days of the 1980s when US businesses cowered in terror? Answer: No. Japan is exactly the same as it was in its heyday except for one fact: it stopped breeding and its population aged. Will China be the hyperpower of the 21st century? Answer: No. Its population will get old before it gets rich.

Check back with me in a century and we'll see who's right on that one. But here's one we know the answer to: Why is this newspaper published in the language of a tiny island on the other side of the earth? Why does Australia have an English Queen, English common law, English institutions? Because England was the first nation to conquer infant mortality.
By 1820 medical progress had so transformed British life that half the population was under the age of 15. Britain had the manpower to take, hold, settle and administer huge chunks of real estate around the planet. Had, say, China or Russia been first to overcome childhood mortality, the modern world would be very different.
What country today has half of its population under the age of 15? Italy has 14 per cent, the UK 18 per cent, Australia 20 per cent - and Saudi Arabia has 39 per cent, Pakistan 40 per cent and Yemen 47 per cent. Little Yemen, like little Britain 200 years ago, will send its surplus youth around the world - one way or another.
So, whether or not her remarks were "outrageous" (the Democrats' Lyn Allison), "insensitive" (the Greens' Rachel Siewert), "offensively discriminatory" (Sydney's Daily Telegraph) and "bigoted" (this newspaper), I salute Danna Vale. You don't have to agree with her argument that Australia's aborting itself out of recognition and that therefore Islam will inherit by default to think it's worth asking a couple of questions:
* Is abortion in society's interest?
* Can a society become more Muslim in its demographic character without also becoming more Muslim in its political and civil character?

The first one's easy: One can understand that 17-year-old Glenys working the late shift at Burger King and knocked up by some bloke who scrammed 10 minutes after conception may believe it's in her interest to exercise "a woman's right to choose", but the state has absolutely no interest in encouraging women in general to exercise that choice.
Quite the opposite: given that today's wee bairns are tomorrow's funders of otherwise unsustainable social programs, all responsible governments should be seriously natalist. The reason Europe, Russia and Japan are doomed boils down to a big lack of babies. Abortion isn't solely responsible for that but it's certainly part of the problem.
In attempting to refute Vale's argument, this newspaper praised the nation's maidenhood for lying back and thinking of Australia and getting the national fertility rate up from 1.73 births per woman in 2001 to 1.77, "well above rates in developed nations such as Italy, Spain, Japan, Germany and South Korea".
Well, pop the champagne corks! That's like saying Mark Latham's political prospects are better than Harold Holt's. The countries cited are going out of business. Seventeen European nations are now at what demographers call "lowest-low" fertility - 1.3 births per woman, the point at which you're so far down the death spiral you can't pull out.
In theory, those countries will find their population halving every 40 years or so. In practice, it will be quicker than that, as the savvier youngsters figure there's no point sticking around a country that's turned into one big undertaker's waiting room: not every pimply burger flipper is going to want to work himself into the ground to pay for new shuffleboard courts at the old folks' home.
In 2005, some 137 million babies were born around the globe. That 137 million is the maximum number of 20-year-olds who'll be around in 2025. There are no more, no other sources; that's it, barring the introduction of mass accelerated cloning (which is by no means an impossibility). Who that 137 million are will determine the character of our world.
The shape's already becoming clear. Take those Danish cartoons. Every internet blogger wants to take a stand on principle alongside plucky little Denmark. But there's only five million of them. Whereas there are 20 million Muslims in Europe - officially. That's the equivalent of the Danes plus the Irish plus the Belgians plus the Estonians.
You do the mathematics. If you want the reality of Europe in a nutshell, walk into a supermarket belonging to the French chain Carrefour. You'll be greeted by a notice in Arabic: "Dear Clients, We express solidarity with the Islamic and Egyptian community. Carrefour doesn't carry Danish products." It's strictly business: they have three Danish customers and a gazillion Muslim ones. Retail sales-wise, they know which way their bread's buttered and it isn't with Lurpak.
That's Vale's second point. If a society chooses to outsource its breeding, who your suppliers are is not unimportant. "I've heard those very silly remarks made about immigrants to this country since I was a child," says Allison.
"If it wasn't the Greeks, it was the Italians or it was the Vietnamese."
Those are races or nationalities. But Islam is a religion, and an explicitly political one - unlike the birthplace of your grandfather it's not something you leave behind in the old country. Indeed, for its adherents in the West, it becomes their principal expression - a Pan-Islamic identity that transcends borders.
Instead of a melting pot, there's conversion: A Scot can marry a Greek or a Botswanan, but when a Scot marries a Yemeni it's because the former has become a Muslim. In defiance of normal immigration patterns, the host country winds up assimilating with Islam: French municipal swimming baths introduce non-mixed bathing sessions; a Canadian Government report recommends the legalisation of polygamy; Seville removes King Ferdinand III as patron of the annual fiesta because he played too, um, prominent a role in taking back Spain from the Moors.
When the fastest-breeding demographic group on the planet is also the one most resistant to the pieties of the social-democratic state that's a profound challenge. Yes, yes, I know Islam is very varied, and Riyadh has a vibrant gay scene, and the Khartoum Feminist Publishing Collective now has so many members they've rented lavish new offices above the clitorectomy clinic.

I don't claim to have all the answers, except when I'm being interviewed live on TV. But that's better than claiming, as most of Vale's disparagers do, that there aren't even any questions.

Where she goes wrong is in consigning the Lucky Country to the same trash can of history as Old Europe. For Australia, this is not hail and farewell - or, as the Romans put it, ave atque (Danna) vale. Japan is unicultural: a native population ageing and dying. Europe is bicultural: a fading elderly population yielding to a young surging Islam.
But Australia, like the US, is genuinely multicultural, at least in the sense that its immigration is not from a single overwhelming source. The remorseless transformation of Eutopia into Eurabia is already prompting the Dutch to abandon their country in record numbers, for Canada and New Zealand.
In the years ahead, North America and Australia will have the pick of European talent and a chance to learn the lessons of its self-extinction, as they apply to abortion and much else.
In the '70s and '80, Muslims had children - those self-detonating Islamists in London and Gaza and Bali are a literal baby boom - while westerners took all those silly books about overpopulation seriously. A people that won't multiply can't go forth or go anywhere. Those who do will shape the world we live in.

Mark Steyn,
a columnist with the Telegraph Group, is a regular contributor to The Australian's Opinion page.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au
cpb

Supporting Christians in the Holy Land

2006-03-15T10:37:00.000-05:00

Below you will find the official letter sent from the Vatican (the Holy See) to the Bishops around the world regarding the traditional collection for the Holy Land. Having recently been there on pilgrimage (see November posts), I more strongly feel my fraternal concern for our brothers and sisters there, renewing my sense of connection to the land where Jesus was born and saved us.

The Christians living there for centuries are often the forgotton minority, caught in the larger conflicts that surround them. They need our prayers and material assistance. The holy places should not be allowed to fade into museum places, they should be re-vitalized as centres of living faith communities, with families whose presence there goes back to the first millenium itself.

With the eminent Cardinal Prefect, I encourage support for the Holy Land and prayers for all those who live there. All Catholic Churches should be taking up this collection on Good Friday. If you are unsure about your donation reaching the Holy Land, you can send a donation directly to your local diocesan chancery marked "For the Holy Land" (www.cccb.ca), or you can contact me about making a donation to a group that works there (www.eohsj.com). (I will be making a direct donation in this way.)

Holy See's Letter for the Holy Land Collection
"Presence of Christians Is More Necessary Than Ever"
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 14, 2006 (Zenit.org).-
Here is the letter sent to bishops by Cardinal Ignace Moussa I Daoud, prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches, on the traditional collection for the Holy Land. Most dioceses will take up the collection on Good Friday.
* * *
Your Excellency,
At the beginning of Lent, this Congregation, charged by an explicit mandate of the Supreme Pontiffs to disseminate and encourage every initiative and intervention to benefit the Holy Places, warmly recommends the traditional "pro Terra Sancta" Collection to Bishops' Conferences and to individual Bishops.
As the long series of documents promulgated down the centuries clearly demonstrates, the Supreme Pontiffs have always shown the greatest concern for the Christian communities in the Holy Land. The countless interventions of the Servant of God John Paul II on the situation in the Middle East and especially in the Holy Land, involved in a crisis that every day causes unheard of suffering, remain memorable.

Indeed, the Land of the Lord continues to be the scene of a conflict that has lasted for decades and deprives Catholic communities and institutions of the adequate means to maintain and promote religious, humanitarian and cultural activities. This distressing situation leads to poverty and unemployment, with serious consequences for families and for the entire population. It also increases the disturbing phenomenon of the constant exodus of Christians, especially young couples for whom there is no prospect of a safe and dignified future.
However, the presence of Christians in the Holy Land is more necessary than ever for the peaceful future of the area, as it is also for the good of the whole universal Church, which ought to find in the Holy Places living communities that profess the Gospel faith.

At the Audience on 23 June 2005 which the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, granted to the participants in the meeting of the Assembly of Organizations for Aid to the Eastern Churches (ROACO), he emphasized in any case that "certain positive signs in recent months strengthen the hope that the day of reconciliation between the various communities working in the Holy Land will not be long in coming; for this," he said, "let us unceasingly pray with trust." This is the responsibility incumbent upon the universal Church with regard to the Mother Church of Jerusalem, "to which," as the Pope said, "all Christians have an unforgettable obligation."
On every possible occasion, the Holy Father has confirmed his affection and asked for prayers for Jerusalem and for the entire Holy Land.

At the General Audience of Wednesday, 12 October 2005, commenting on Psalm 121 with the Fathers of the Church, for whom the ancient Jerusalem was a sign of definitive and universal peace, the Pope emphasized the Holy City's special ecumenical and interreligious mission: "in this way the Church will grow like a true Jerusalem, a place of peace. But let us also pray for the city of Jerusalem, that it may increasingly be a place for the encounter of religions and peoples; that it may truly be a place of peace." And in the "Urbi et Orbi" Message for his first Christmas as Pope, the Holy Father invoked the Child of Bethlehem "May he grant courage to people of good will in the Holy Land, in Iraq, in Lebanon, where signs of hope, which are not lacking, need to be confirmed by actions inspired by fairness and wisdom.
"Thus, it is a duty of all Catholics throughout the world to accompany the Christian communities of that blessed Land with prayer and concrete solidarity.

I am honored to transmit to you, to your direct collaborators, to all the priests, religious and faithful who work for the success of the Holy Friday Collection, the sentiments of deepest gratitude of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, together with my own gratitude and that of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches.
Upon you and upon the ecclesial community entrusted to your care I invoke an abundance of divine Blessings, and confirm that I remain with fraternal respect,
Yours most devotedly,
+ Ignace Moussa Card. Daoud
Patriarch emeritus of Antioch of the Syrians, Prefect
+ Antonio Maria Vegliò
Secretary
[Translation issued by the Holy See]
ZE06031406

Satellite communio...

2006-03-14T09:17:00.000-05:00

A major focus of my theological reflection is the reality of communio, the unity with others we have in Christ. This "communion of saints" is a unity of persons sanctified in Christ as well as a sharing together of holy things.
The following article had me reflect about how this mystical yet worldwide reality of communion can be manifested in contemporary ways, undreamed of prior to our era.
We believe that when we pray, we can touch each other in Christ, praying for anyone anywhere. And we are connected in prayer by the Spirit of Christ. However this satellite vigil brought together in a visible way those praying in various countries, manifesting that which we believe.
This seems to be a symbolic manifestation of our communion together.

Also, I enjoyed being aware of this because I feel a connection to the people of Russia, both culturally and spiritually. Recently, I wrote the Moscow Patriarchate on the occasion of the Patriarch's birthday. My prayers are with all the orthodox Christians in all the Russias.

Via Satellite, Russian Catholics Pray With Pope
St. Petersburg Took Part in Marian Vigil
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, MARCH 13, 2006 (Zenit.org).-
Hundreds of Catholics in Russia joined Benedict XVI in praying the rosary last Saturday when a dozen European and African cities were linked via satellite with the Vatican.
The Saturday event at the Vatican, a Marian vigil, was attended by university students.It marked the second time that Russia took part in an event of this type. On this occasion, the Church of St. Ekaterina in St. Petersburg was the venue where the connection took place. Some 600 people gathered for the event.
After the celebration of Mass, at 7 p.m. local time the five screens installed in the upper church began to transmit live, from Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, the procession of the cross. Young people were the focus of the rosary. But older people and a number of children also attended the event in St. Petersburg, some standing for more than four hours.
St. Petersburg was chosen to lead the fifth mystery of the rosary. Unlike groups in other participating cities, which prayed the first part in their native language and the second in Latin, in the Russian city each of the 10 Hail Marys was prayed entirely in Latin.
Not alone
Benedict XVI addressed his message to the city of St. Petersburg in Russian."This is the second time that His Holiness addresses us in Russian and this fills us with immense joy," said Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz of the Archdiocese of the Mother of God of Moscow, who presided at the meeting in St. Petersburg.
Father Machei Rysetski, rector of the Church of St. Ekaterina and responsible for organizing the rosary, told ZENIT: "It is difficult to count the number of people who took part in the preparation of this event. It was primarily the students of our community and the staff of Channel 5 that collaborated with us."
How did the faithful in St. Petersburg feel about the event?
Nadia Petrujova, a university student in that city, summarized it thus: "The union of Catholics from different countries helps us very much. In this way, we know we are not alone, that there are many people who feel like we do, and that is brilliant!"
ZE06031302 www.zenit.org
cpb

At the Radio Station

2006-03-04T12:32:00.000-05:00

Just a brief post from the studios at CJAM 91.5 FM, from where we are currently broadcasting the Slovak Radio Programme live.
In addition to the regular selection of traditional Slovak music and news, I have been presenting a series about Slovak artists and playing selections of contemporary Slovak music.

Today, I spoke about the first major woman painter Zelmira Duchajova Svehlova - an impressionist - and the influential sculpter Jan Koniarek - who sculpted monuments as well.
Also, I played a song from the Slovak rock group Gladiator, from the previous album Cesta do Neba.

Slovak National Gallery
www.sng.sk

Gladiator
www.gladiator.sk/

CJAM 91.5 FM
listen to live or archived broadcasts
www.cjam.ca

Happy Shrove Tuesday!

2006-02-28T10:11:00.000-05:00

Whatever you call it - Mardi Gras, Pacski Day, Pancake Tuesday, Fasiangy - I hope that you enjoy today. This day, the last before Lent, is a traditional day of feasting.

I find it interesting that while many people maintain the tradition of feasting and celebrating at this time, they then do not maintain the tradition of fasting and praying tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. Of course, in Christian Europe, Mardi Gras developed under various names in different countries as people prepared for Lent, the time of fasting and prayer preparing for Easter. People would clean out their pantries of all the foods they gave up during Lent, including sugars, meats and other delicacies. Also, during Lent, people would not hold dances or other celebrations in order to keep the penitential character of the season. Therefore this time before Ash Wednesday naturally developed as a time to eat up the bacon and have a last dance before the 40 days of Lent.

A group of my friends has decided to really enjoy Shrove Tuesday. We started last night with a midnight meal and will continue today. I do love a good big pancake breakfast! And having enjoyed my last chocolate and junk food on the weekend, I plan on starting my Lenten fast tomorrow. I will keep the full tradition and will give up all these treats until Easter. I just think of this as my "spring training", reminding me of what is truly important and getting myself stronger, healthier, both body and soul. Focus...
cpb

Water Bridge?

2006-02-28T10:06:00.000-05:00

I don't know what to think of this... But someone emailed me this photo with the following text:

WATER BRIDGE ... OVER A RIVER!!!

Even after you see it, it is still hard to believe !Water Bridge in Germany.... What a feat!

Six years, 500 million euros, 918 meters long.......now this is engineering! This is a channel-bridge over the River Elbe and joins the former East and West Germany, as part of the unification project. It is located in the city of Magdeburg, near Berlin. The photo was taken on the day of inauguration. To those who appreciate engineering projects.....

I am finding it hard to believe, but its an interesting picture. I wonder if its for real.

cpb

A Canadian territory in the Carribbean?

2006-02-22T10:38:00.000-05:00

I have heard of an interesting proposal which I hope that our new government will re-consider.

The Turks & Caicos Islands, which are currently a British Crown Colony, have twice asked to become part of Canada. This would be a natural continuation of the earlier trend of having British possessions in North America transferred to the Canadian Crown, such as the NorthWest Territories and Newfoundland. I would enjoy knowing that Canada had a territory in the Carribbean and am sure that this would benefit our county. So, imagine this flag with a Canadian flag instead of the British Union jack on it.

Fortunately, there is a government MP who also thinks this is a good plan. His name is Peter Goldring and he is MP for Edmonton East. His office number in Ottawa is 992.3821 and he has more information on his website too. I think we should cooperate with him and encourage our government to move on this proposal. I don't think they should be a province, but a Canadian Crown Colony or territory might work.

Peter Goldring, MP, official site:
Turks and Caicos information is listed in the menu on the left
www.petergoldring.com

CIA Factbook info on the Turks and Caicos Islands, with maps.
www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/tk.html

www.thecommonwealth.org
cpb

Lengthy Letter in Windsor Star

2006-02-22T09:32:00.000-05:00

I was moved to write this lengthy letter to my local newspaper, the Windsor Star. Two Saturdays ago, the editor published basically the whole letter, removing almost nothing. (He did remove the line with the link to the website though.)

Monday February 6th was the 54th anniversary of our Queen’s Accession to the Canadian Throne. Unfortunately, the only item that remotely touched upon this was a badly misinformed letter concerned about the Governor General’s office. It saddens me to repeatedly be reminded how little Canadians know about their history, constitution or identity as a country. A few points need to be remembered because the Canadian Crown is the cornerstone of our Constitution.

First, our Canadian Constitution states that “The Executive Government and Authority of and over Canada is hereby declared to continue and be vested in the Queen.” (1867, 9) This has never changed and has actually been solidified. While Victoria was our Queen because she was the Queen of Great Britain, Elizabeth II is our Queen because she is the Queen of Canada legally since 1952. Further, in 1982 Canada again chose to remain a monarchy and the new constitutional formula entrenched the office of Queen. The only way Canada will cease to be a constitutional monarchy is if our Parliament and every provincial legislature agreed to change the constitution in such a drastic way.

Second, in the 1920’s the nature of our Empire changed significantly. The Statute of Westminster (1931) codified these changes and clarified that all of the Dominions in the Empire were truly independent and fully equal, united simply by “common allegiance to the Crown”. That means, for example, that the Government of the United Kingdom cannot change the succession to the throne without the same law passing in all 15 of the Commonwealth Realms which share Elizabeth II as their own Queen, including Canada. Further, since 1931, the Governor General represents our Canadian King or Queen in an independent manner from the United Kingdom. This means that the British Government has nothing to do with our Canadian monarchy or government in any way. In the late 1940’s this became even clearer as the Empire evolved further into the current Commonwealth.

Third, the Governor General of Canada, representing the Queen of Canada, serves us as an effective Head of State at the advice of our Canadian Government. In Canada, we have a principle of ministerial responsibility which means that Cabinet ministers should be responsible for government policy and spending. In other words, there is a cabinet minister that should hear from you if you have a problem with the Governor General’s budget or operations. The Governor General, in cooperation with our Government fulfills several important roles in relation to our Parliament, our Military, our Diplomatic relations and our Nation as a whole, keeping a very busy and active schedule. I suggest that interested Canadians consult the official website and read the official report which details these responsibilities (www.gg.ca).

As a final note, it should be remembered that when the finances of other Heads of State are compared, our Governor General’s budget is actually very frugal and efficient. And Canada does not pay The Queen for any of her services to Canada. She faithfully serves us Canadians as she swore to do so at her coronation.
Cyril P. Bagin, Windsor

(More information about the cost of the monarchy or how it works can be found at www.monarchist.ca, the Monarchist League of Canada website, or by contacting the team at www.crht.ca, the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust.)
cpb

Vatican Radio celebrates 75th anniversary

2006-02-22T09:14:00.000-05:00

Another Vatican anniversary this year (earlier I posted about the 500th anniversaries of both the Swiss Guards and the Vatican Museums).
The world-wide ministry of Radio Vaticana is now in its 75th year. Here is a basic overview about what it is all about, from its website posted below. I'm not sure, but this seems to me to be one of the most international and global services one will find anywhere.

VATICAN RADIO BROADCASTS IN 5 CONTINENTS
With programmes in 40 different languages produced by two hundred journalists from 61 different countries.
VATICAN RADIO : MORE THAN 50 HOURS OF SIMULTANEOUS BROADCASTING EVERY DAY
On different frequencies, including news, live reports, religious celebrations, in-depth programmes and music.
VATICAN RADIO: THE CHURCH POINT OF VIEW
From topical subjects to in-depth programmes on moral questions, Vatican Radio, offers to everyone, catholic or not, the Church point of view.
VATICAN RADIO... A RADIO THAT TALKS TO THE WHOLE WORLD

Official Website of Vatican Radio:
You will find schedules, current news articles, programmes online, more information, links and even live video, in many languages.
www.radiovaticana.org

cpb