Salt + Light Blog

[The following article from Salt + Light Television CEO Fr Thomas Rosica, CSB, was published in the weekly English edition of L'Osservatore Romano on August 11, 2010.]

On 19 September, 2010, in Birmingham, England, the long awaited Beatification ceremony will take place for the great Victorian Catholic theologian, John Henry Cardinal Newman, one of the most influential English Catholics of the 19th century. He journeyed from Anglicanism to Catholicism and used his great intellect and masterful writing ability to win over thousands of people to Christ and the Roman Catholic Church.

Cardinal Newman will be proclaimed Blessed by Pope Benedict XVI himself, in a break with the tradition of his Pontificate that has the Pope presiding over canonization ceremonies for new saints while a Vatican Cardinal or Archbishop would preside over Beatification ceremonies. Benedict XVI and John Henry Newman have chemistry!

John Henry Newman was born 21 February 1801 into an Anglican family of bankers. He was the firstborn of John Newman and Jemima Fourdrinier. From an early age he had a passion for God and spiritual matters, having experienced his “first conversion”, as he described it, at 15. He was ordained an Anglican minister in 1825, when he finished his studies at the University of Oxford. Three years later, he was appointed vicar of St Mary the Virgin Church, in Oxford.

In 1833, he organized what became known as the Oxford Movement, intending to combat three evils threatening the Church of England –  spiritual stagnation, interference from the State, and unorthodoxy. When studying the history of the early Christian Fathers in 1839, Newman discovered that the position of his own Church was like that of the early heretics. He decided to retire from Oxford life, and he and a few others took up residence at nearby Littlemore. For three years he lived a strict religious life, praying for light and guidance. On 9 October 1845, Newman was received into the Roman Catholic Church by Fr Dominic Barberi, an Italian theologian and a member of the Passionist Congregation. Fr Barberi was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1963.

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Father Thomas Rosica| Print This Post |

Welcome to the third of a series of blogs on the legacy of Brother André!

As I mentioned in previous blogs celebrating Br. André Bessette’s canonization, a Salt + Light crew traveled to the United States in July for the documentary on Br. André.  Our last stop was… Manchester, New Hampshire!  We wanted to stop by New England because Br. André spent time working in the mills there, and he frequently visited that area after becoming a Brother.  There we visited with the Congregation of the Sisters of Holy Cross.

It was a real pleasure to have interviewed Sr. Carol Descoteaux CSC and Sr. Cecile Charette CSC.  I couldn’t believe how much of an influence Br. André has had and continues to have on the French-speaking communities in New England and beyond.  It was like spending time with his family members – that’s how well-loved he is there.

Sr. Carol and Sr. Cecile weren’t the only ones with personal stories and testimonies about Br. André.  I was so moved by the other Sisters who wanted to share what Br. André has done for them.  They met with me, gave me a hug, and shared their joy of knowing him.

Here are excerpts from their own accounts.

From Sr. Louise Audette CSC:

Sr. Louise Audette shares that her father, who was born in Farnum, PQ, personally knew Brother André Bessette CSC.  He considered Br. André as a brother and a friend.

After my father Ovila Audette and his family moved to North Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut, they received yearly visits from Br. André when he passed through town after visiting relatives in Sterling, Massachusetts, which was close by, right above the Connecticut border from us.  At age two, I developed a serious case of swollen/infected glands, and my parents called for the local physician. The doctor made an incision on each side of my neck and said, ‘I’ve done all I can; if these glands don’t burst and drain, your daughter will surely die’.  I was told that my dad, a man of great faith in God, began rubbing the oil of St. Joseph on my glands daily while, at the same time, pleading with Br. André to intercede before God for my healing. These prayers were answered.  The infected glands did burst and I have been blessed with a long, healthy life. To this day, I offer prayers of gratitude to both Br. Andre and St. Joseph for this miraculous cure…

From Sr. Carol Descoteaux CSC:

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Mary Rose Bacani| Print This Post |

A couple of weeks ago I went back to camp.

I was reminded of my first job in Canada: I was a counsellor at Camp Wahanowin in Orillia.  Camp Wahanowin is a Jewish camp and before every meal we used to say the blessing of the bread: Barukh attah Adonai eloheinu melekh ha-olam, ha-motzi lechem min ha-aretz. That was some of the first Hebrew I learned. The reason why I was reminded of Camp Wahanowin was not because it was camp, but because this camp that I just participated in is a camp that brings Jews, Muslims and Christians from Israel and Palestine together with Jews, Muslims and Christians in Canada – and all the kids are 11/12-years-old.

Kids for Peace was founded by the Episcopal (Anglican) Church of Jerusalem, at St. George’s College, when, during the last intifada, the college was empty. The administration decided to use their time and space to bring whole families together: Jews, Muslims and Christians, so that they would get to know each other. In Israel, even though there are “mixed” cities and towns, there aren’t many opportunities for Jews to meet Arabs.

I was reminded of another experience. When I was 16, I had the wonderful opportunity to come to Canada to attend Lester. B. Pearson College of the Pacific, a school that promotes peace and international understanding by bringing young people from around the world together. It was our Nobel Peace Laureate Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson who said “how can there be peace in the world if people don’t understand each other? And how can this be if they don’t know each other?” It’s a simple formula: bring young people from different countries together so they can live, study and work together, make friends and when they grow up, they won’t have silly prejudices, but can help bring peace to the world. And I believe it works.

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Pedro Guevara-Mann| Print This Post |

Every day I usually take a moment to take a look at the photos on the Catholic News Service newswire.

In the last couple of weeks, I’ve come across heartbreaking photo after heartbreaking photo coming out of Pakistan, where flooding has devastated the region.

At least four millions people have been left homeless — that’s nearly the combined population of Toronto and Montreal!

Aid has been slow coming to those affected, and unsanitary conditions are leading to the spread of disease.  Disease is not the only problem though, but unrest is also growing in the region and selfish acts as well.

Pope Benedict has appealed that the international community reach out to Pakistan.  Speaking a couple of weeks ago at his Wednesday General Audience:

May these brothers of ours, so harshly tested, not lack our solidarity and the concrete aid of international solidarity.

Here in Canada, Development in Peace,  the Canadian member of Caritas Internationalis, is raising money for flood victims.

Vatican Radio offers this recent conversation with a Caritas Austria aid worker who has been in Pakistan for ten days.  She says though the floods are beginning to subside, the country remains in a state of emergency.  Listen to that interview HERE.

Zenit has also published an interview with a Caritas Pakistan aid worker.   In recalling the primitive living conditions as a result of the flooding, he noted: “Although food and clothing continue to be a great need, the world must think of ways to help them live with dignity.”  You can read the full interview HERE.

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Photos: CNS

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Matthew Harrison| Print This Post |

Do you really believe in conversion? You wonder this as you repeat those same sins in confession. You also struggle to believe that a dysfunctional family relationship could be transformed by God; it’s been a certain way for so long, you can hardly fathom what it would even look like. On a societal scale, when considering problems in your community, your efforts at prayer wither under discouragement. We all fight the disquieting capacity to resign to the way that things are.

For one Toronto-area neighbourhood, though, the status quo became intolerable. The compromised safety of their children jolted residents into action.

Bordered by two highways and Toronto’s major airport, Malton feels distinct from the neighbouring cities of Mississauga and Brampton. Though its problems may have been exaggerated in the media, the community of 40,000 developed an unenviable reputation for gang violence. Malton endured four homicides in 2009, slightly down six the year before.

So far this year, there has been one. And according to residents interviewed by the Toronto Star, Malton feels safer, too.

How did Malton do it? A city councillor credits municipal investment, such as new pools in the community centre and refurbished parks and fire stations. But some of the facilities she cites, like the new youth drop-in centre, have yet to open.

There is another more significant factor that Salt + Light documented in Changing Course, airing tonight at 8pm ET (repeating Thursday at 11:30am ET). To address gang and bullying problems in Malton, the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board enacted an innovative strategy to support at-risk youth. The schools’ visionary principals developed programs encompassing academics, sports, the arts, faith and even nutrition. Community partners like the Knights of Columbus and the police eagerly signed on to help. Changing Course follows students of these schools for one school year, revealing their challenges, victories, and the limitless potential of Catholic education.

Tonight’s presentation coincides with a special screening in Minsk, Belarus. Changing Course is an official entry in the Magnificat International Catholic Festival of Christian Documentary and TV Programs. Earlier this year, the film also participated in the Niepokalanow Festival in Poland.

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Kris Dmytrenko| Print This Post |

In addition to a September 16th to 19th Papal trip to the United Kingdom which Pope Benedict has asked prayers for, September brings us the following papal intentions:

General Intention: The Word of God as Incentive for Social Development
That the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work toward authentic social progress.

Mission Intention: End of War
That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world.

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CNS photo/Alessia Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo

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Matthew Harrison| Print This Post |

Today’s Gospel passage (Luke 14:25-33) contains a collection of sayings that are peculiar to Luke. Luke has Jesus speak about the demands of discipleship. He gathers three sayings (26-27, 33) and two parables (28-32).

They focus on the total dedication necessary for disciples of Jesus. No attachment to family (26) or possessions (33) can stand in the way of the total commitment demanded of the disciple. Acceptance of the call to be a disciple demands readiness to accept persecution and suffering (27) and a realistic assessment of the hardships and costs (28-32).

The two parables embedded in today’s Gospel passage say in their own way what Jesus is saying in the preceding verses: Are you sure you wish to follow me? Is the price more than you are willing to pay? The first parable involves building a tower in a vineyard from which the farmer can stand watch against thieves and foraging animals. The second pictures the royal house where great political issues are settled. But rich and poor, royalty and peasants, have essentially the same decision to make when faced with a major expenditure of time, property, and life itself: Is this cost more than I am able or willing to pay? The decision is no different when one is facing the call to discipleship: The enthusiasm for beginning is there, but do I possess the resources to persevere to completion?

Both parables highlight the need to use wisdom in assessing the cost of discipleship. Both the tower builder and the warring king must calculate the costs and study the risks before making a final decision. The disciple must know that following Christ requires an allegiance that will always be the highest priority. To accept the person of Christ is to accept his cross as well.

The source of our happiness

The author of today’s first reading from the book of Wisdom (9:13-18) is not dealing with the age-old distinction between what is of the body and what is of the soul (known often as dualism). The view of human nature in the Hebrew Scriptures is not dualistic, even though it is clearly recognized that the limitations of human nature make it impossible for us to fully comprehend the mysteries of God.

As Christians we need not oppose human progress nor reject comforts and pleasures. The believer must assess these within the delicate balance of wisdom and life. Today’s first reading challenges us: Does our happiness come from the mere acquisition of possessions or from sharing and interacting with God and neighbor?

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Father Thomas Rosica| Print This Post |

Martyrs’ Shrine is a popular destination for many faithful from different cultural backgrounds. On Saturday, it was the Irish who ventured out to Midland, Ontario for Mass and a day of prayer. It was for the annual Irish Peace Garden commemoration. It was ten years ago that the Peace Garden was erected at the Shrine. One of its founding members; Geraldine Sullivan was inspired by her brother who had been visiting from Ireland. She had taken him up to the Shrine where he saw how the many different cultures displayed their nationality and religious identity in various structures and places throughout the grounds. He asked why Irish Canadians didn’t have something to commemorate their Catholic devotion and Irish identity. In response to her brother’s question, Geraldine got together with two other members of the local Irish community, Eamonn Dorgan and Hugo Straney and they brought the project to fruition.

I came upon the event in my research for my Catholic Focus on the Northern Ireland Conflict. It was a perfect coincidence that it coincided with the filming for the episode. I spent a wonderful day of filming and meeting Irish Canadians at the Irish Peace Garden. It was a moving and significant ceremony that celebrated the Irish culture and their history in Canada. Speakers talked about their Irish heritage and the importance of praying for peace and their loved ones who have passed. They continue to pray for peace in Ireland and that there isn’t a return to violence. They also pray for other places throughout the world where political and religious conflicts still persist.

Bishop Peter Hundt gave a blessing in the Peace Garden before presiding over Mass with those gathered. Bishop Hunt is the vicar general and regional bishop of the northern and eastern pastoral regions for the Archdiocese of Toronto.

The strong Catholic faith of the Irish people has left such a great impression on me. I have met many individuals of exemplary faith and conviction both here in Canada and in Ireland. The story of the Irish Catholics has always been an important one to tell and I am honored to be able to be doing that. If you visit Martyrs’ Shrine, be sure to stop by the Irish Peace Garden. It’s a beautiful tribute to the legacy of the Irish in Canada. Keep an eye out for news on my Catholic Focus. I’ll be keeping you updated on its screening this fall.

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Alessia Domanico| Print This Post |

Last Saturday night, in Calgary, Catholic artists from across North America gathered for the 10th annual United Catholic Music and Video Awards and Conference, under the theme “Called to Serve”.

The UCMVA was founded with the aim of bringing together Catholic presenters from around the world who celebrate their faith through various forms of media, including music, art, radio and television.

This year it’s the first time that the event took place outside of the United States and the first time that the event included a conference. Anyone can be a member of the UCMVA and their membership is increasing yearly. There is excitement among the Catholic industry that finally our Catholic presenters have a unity that gives them hope and encouragement in the ministry work that the Lord has called them to do.

The Awards are not so much of an “awards” ceremony that encourages competition or jealousy. The goal is to celebrate the achievements and to encourage a higher standard of work. There are no winners, but “recepients” and they are not the ones who are “better,” but rather the ones whom their peers judge to have been the most effective in their goals in a particular category that year.

And so, Saturday night we gathered to celebrate our gifts and to recognize the wonderful work that many are doing. The ceremony included performances of every single musical style, from Gospel to Classical, from Praise and Worship to Heavy Rock, from Rap to Country. Performances included Ceili Rain, Jerry Aull, Critical Mass, Denis Grady and the Stone Rejected Band, Tom Booth, MashetiMoses, Chris Bray and Tony Melendez. It was an inspipred evening.

There were many Canadian (and S+L friends) nominated in many categories and congratulations to our Canadian recipients: David MacDonald for Music Video/DVD of the Year, Love is the Only Choice, and Chris Bray for New Artist of the Year-2010 and Praise and Worship Album of the Year, for The Worship Album.

Visit the photo section on our Facebook page for more pics from the Awards show.

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Pedro Guevara-Mann| Print This Post |

Few Canadian Catholics are as beloved as Fr. Bob Bedard. Initially, I had mixed feelings about the founder of the Companions of the Cross. But he won me over, too.

Seven years ago I worked in campus ministry in Ottawa, and so sometimes I had the opportunity to hear Fr. Bob preach. I recall fuming at one politically-tinged homily, the conclusions of which I didn’t share. Back then, I wasn’t very comfortable with the charismatic spirituality of the Companions, either. (Passion and conviction can intimidate those of us who are lacking.)

But one could not help but be taken in by his priestly heart. Though Fr. Bob was the founder of a growing community of forty priests serving in five cities, he enthusiastically agreed to help with our small events at Carleton University. I distinctly remember one reconciliation service where Fr. Bob spent hours listening to students pour out their souls in confession.

Heaven knows how many confessions he’s heard in his half-century as a priest. Yet to each student, he listened with rapt attention. His counsel was reflective and personal, God’s absolution assuredly pronounced, as if each sacrament was the most important he would ever administer. Because each one was.

Years later I spotted Fr. Bob at a conference in Toronto. I was about to reintroduce myself, since it had been so long. Instead, he called me by name and pulled me in for his trademark hug. (Someone once told me that a Fr. Bob hug would result in a priestly vocation, though this hasn’t yet taken effect on me.)

One month later, I learned that he was hospitalized in grave condition. A combination of cognitive, respiratory and heart problems left him unconscious. Fr. Scott McCaig, the moderator and superior general of the Companions, warned that death could be imminent. He later regained consciousness, but was diagnosed with dementia and, cruelly, was further struck by pneumonia and a stroke.

According to the most recent update on the Companions website, Fr. Bob “has defied the odds again and rallied amazingly”. He is presently at a long-term care facility. “It seems the Lord has more for Fr. Bob to do yet,” wrote Fr. McCaig.

His ministry never really stopped. Talks by Fr. Bob, filmed before his health crisis, can still be seen on Food for Life, which S+L airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 8 am.

Now there’s new material from Fr. Bob that reveals insights into his remarkable life. The Companions of the Cross have published Give God Permission: The Memoirs of Fr. Bob Bedard. Written over the course of several years, the book will be released tonight at the community’s 25^th anniversary dinner. The event also commemorates the ordination anniversaries of 13 priests, including Fr. Scott McCaig’s 15^th and Fr. Bob’s 55^th.

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast of Ottawa endorses the memoir as “a testament to his profound openness to the Holy Spirit”. Those who miss Fr. Bob’s presence—his countless friends, former students and parishioners do so achingly, myself included—will find solace in ‘hearing’ his voice again through his writing.

UPDATE: Give God Permission: The Memoirs of Fr. Bob Bedard can be now ordered by calling the Companions of the Cross at 1-866-885-8824. The book can also be purchased from their online store.

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Kris Dmytrenko| Print This Post |