Where the Rubber Hits the Road

My Alma Mater is celebrating its 100th anniversary this years. My room was on the top floor - 2nd window the the right of the tower. While the claims of some clergy who visited us during my studies who said that the the seminary years would be 'the best years of our lives' were not exactly on the mark, I do have some very happy memories of my years there. My prayers and best wishes for all the faculty, staff, students and graduated. One man’s vision guides St. Peter’s Seminary's first century

When I studied at St. Peter's Seminary in London, Ontario, it was obligatory for all seminarians to volunteer in the 'Save a Family Plan' office which was headquartered there. ( 'Headquartered is a lavish term for one small office in the basement! )  It was one charity that actually delivered more than 100% of every donation to direct care of the poor in India, working often in partnership with the Sisters of Charity.  If it is possible to do this, why do some NGO's (UNICEF being a prime example) spend so much of their revenue on overhead, staffing and 'educational' ( read 'lobbying' here ) efforts. Mother Teresa certainly set the standard that all who work with the poor must strive to attain.  America Magazine

FANTASTIC POST from Michael Brandon at Freedom of Thought Blog!! Thank you Michael! So look for the good in them instead." The title, subtitle and this last sentence are a direct quote from that great paragon of Christian missionary thought, Polyanna, who was actually quoting one A. Lincoln at the time. Polyanna said these words to the reverend, played by Karl Malden. The reverend character was a fire breathing preacher, who under Polyanna's tutelage saw the light. There are days that I am ashamed to be a blogger. Today is one of those days. But, sometimes shame can be useful. I hope that today is one of those days. The other day, I innocently posted a copy of a letter from Bishop Henry that Fr. Tim Moyle of Where the Rubber Hits The Road had reprinted on his blog. What happened after was sickening to me. Catholic Dialogue picked up on it, and then went on a rant about an issue about fatal euthanasia at St. Joseph's Hospital in London, Ontario. John Pache...

The Western Catholic Reporter , which advertises itself as being Canada's largest Catholic weekly, has within its website an excellent series of articles written by western Canadian Bishops. Within this archive one can find many submissions from Bishop Fred Henry of the Diocese of Calgary. Not only is Bishop Henry among the most prolific of writers, but he addresses issues in a straight forward and articulate manner, usually foregoing many of the "ecclesiastical niceties" that so often marks the writings of modern Bishops. To use an expression from Fr. Jack O'Flaherty (RIP), my seminary spiritual director, he seems never afraid to "bell the cat" when needed. Fr. Fred Henry was the Rector at St. Peter's Seminary (London) for the majority of my years of study and formation for the priesthood as well as being a professor of Dogmatic Theology. That is, until he was elevated to become first the Auxiliary Bishop of London, then serving as Ordinary in the D...