Columns

GORDON SELF

A number of years ago my wife and I and our youngest daughter went to New York City and visited the Empire State Building. While up on the crowded observation deck with cameras in tow, I noticed a woman who looked very familiar, there with her own young children.

Do I Believe in Jesus Christ the only Son of God?

Even when the one favoured to be elected the new pope prior to the conclave actually is elected, it is still a surprise. That’s how it was when Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was chosen almost eight years ago. As often as not, however, the choice is a bolt out of the blue – Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli in 1958, Albino Luciani and Karol Wojtyla in 1978.

FR. RON ROLHEISER, omi

Some years ago, I was at a religious conference where one of the speakers, widely known and respected for her work among the poor, made this comment: “I’m not a theologian, so I don’t know how this plays out theologically; but here’s the base from which I’m operating: I work with the poor. Partly I do this out of my humanity, out of natural compassion; but ultimately my motivation is Christ.

KATHLEEN GIFFIN

Second Sunday in Lent
February 24, 2013

In my job as a counselor there have been many times over the years when I have had a conversation with a client that goes something like this:

BOB MCKEON

One key area of conversation has been the difficult history and legacy of the government-funded, Church-run Indian residential schools. It is estimated that over a period of 130 years, more than 150,000 First Nations, Metis and Inuit children attended approximately 130 residential schools. The majority of these schools were run by Catholic religious orders or dioceses.

FR. RAYMOND DE SOUZA

Perhaps the greatest mind to sit on the throne of Peter has judged his body no longer capable of doing so. Pope Benedict XVI will resign as successor of Peter on Feb. 28.

SR. LOUISE ZDUNICH, NDC

Why was Jesus baptized since he had no sin?

When the Christian creed refers to God as "father," it is affirming a trust that the God who created the universe loves each individual and will never abandon anyone, Pope Benedict said.

The repentance of Lent gives birth to the new life of Easter. Yet, repentance cannot occur without a sense of one's personal sin and guilt.