R.I.P. Father John Walsh – Thank You

A much loved Montreal Catholic priest, Father John Emmitt Walsh, passed away suddenly yesterday. He was preparing to celebrate the funeral of a close friend when he suffered a major heart attack. He was seventy-eight. Father Walsh was many things to many people including, a theologian, a parish priest, a pastor, an author, a professor,

Sports Look Faster In Person – Usually

I am a fan of sports. But not being a fan of crowds I tend to limit myself to television coverage. Recently we were given a pair of “Prestige Passes” to attend the Rogers Cup ATP event in Montreal. Settling in I was pleased that there were several empty seats to my right, affording me plenty

Papal Visits Past and Present

An interesting combination of the time of year coupled with a papal visit is making me nostalgic. As Pope Francis currently visits Cuba and the U.S. I find myself thinking back 32 years to September 1984 when then Pope John Paul II visited Canada. Upon finishing grad school I had done a few jobs while

Dalai Lama To Replace NFL Commissioner Goodell? Close But Not Quite

With the league facing a huge backlash over recent legal problems, the NFL is in the main news more often than the sports these days. However the problems don’t seem to be affecting attendance and for an organization that is profit-driven, this doesn’t augur well for those who see a need for a change. …

Thirty Years Ago Today The Pope Visited Montreal

Up until 13 years ago, for me September 11th was the anniversary of the visit to Montreal of Pope John Paul II. A project on which I was lucky enough to work as coordinator of youth. Since 2001 the concept of 9/11 has, understandably, taken on a whole different meaning for most of the world.

PETA and Pope Francis’ Peace Doves

Yesterday Pope Francis had a bad day. While addressing the Sunday crowd in St. Peter’s Square he had a young man and woman release two doves as symbols of peace.  Unfortunately these birds were soon flying for their lives in an attempt to elude larger birds who evidently dine on doves. There was nothing peaceful

Pope Francis and Joe Boxer

Like many, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, I have been impressed with Pope Francis since his election. His humility and clear concern for the common person have become hallmarks of his papacy. His refusal to don many of the traditional trappings of a pope, including living in a smaller residence and using a common car around

Pope Francis on Copacabana Beach: Throngs and thongs

Mention of Copacabana Beach in Brazil usually brings to mind large crowds of sunbathers in very small bathing suits massed along the beautiful shoreline. However that image has been usurped, at least temporarily, by another also involving a large group of people. The beach is currently home to thousands of pilgrims attending World Youth Day

Pope Francis fast-tracks saints

This week the Weekly Writing Challenge calls for humor. Having already commented on the rumor of a Papal recall, I thought I’d take on the latest news from the Vatican! Now just a gosh darn moment. According to the New York Times, Pope Francis “has sped two of his predecessors toward sainthood”.  Pope John Paul II

Pope Francis fast-tracks saints

Now just a gosh darn moment. According to the New York Times, Pope Francis “has sped two of his predecessors toward sainthood”.  Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII have been fast-tracked for sainthood. Why? Because Francis liked them. Geez Louise, so much for being a man of the common folk. I wonder how Francis