Catholic Register

Multitudes are still coming from away to Gander, Nfld. — 25 years since 9/11 brought it to the world's attention. As first responders in New York City embodied courage and sacrifice by searching perilous debris for survivors following the attacks that brought down the World Trade Center and claimed 2,977 lives, a small Newfoundland aviation town more than 2,400 kilometres away epitomized compassion and love for neighbours when the world needed light amid the darkness.

Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, Ontario, is one hundred years old this year, and the Canadian Martyrs feast day is just around the corner on September 26. If you’ve never gone to this magnificent sanctuary with expansive grounds (lots for kids to see and enjoy) and a fully reconstructed settlement across the street (Ste.-Marie Among the Hurons)—you are a deprived Catholic. Ste-Marie is an archaeological collaboration of the Ontario government and Society of Jesus, completed in 1967.

It was a day that started like any other for Fr. Terrence “Terry” McKenna. Then in his 12th year as a senior chaplain with the Toronto Airport Catholic Chaplaincy, he walked through the terminal of Pearson International Airport anticipating the regular weekly chaplain meeting that was set to happen as if it were any other day.

Sarcoma Research Canada is continuing its work toward honouring the memory of children and adults lost to osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and related bone cancers while advancing research, awareness and support for affected families. With an October fundraising dinner planned to further that mission, its founder is inviting the community to join in turning compassion into concrete hope for young patients facing these rare and aggressive diseases.

God, Satan, Red Menace: choose one I hope Register readers enjoyed the warm summer months. A consistent pleasure for me is basking in the beauty of Calgary during my long, bordering on endurance, walks. I could wax poetic about the bustling multicultural energy of Prince’s Island Park near the Bow River, North Hill Park’s tranquil hiking trails and Mount Pleasant’s panoramic view of the downtown skyline. But unfortunately, I must kibosh the good vibes here.

The hardest-fought federal election of my long life was the so-called free trade election of 1988. The Mulroney Progressive Conservative government signed a free trade agreement with the United States in January of that year. However, a large portion of the Canadian public did not receive that agreement well. During the election campaign that fall, Liberal leader John Turner and NDP leader Ed Broadbent traversed the country opposing the agreement with all their might.

I like to think I am a fairly self-aware person. My flaws are many, and they cast noticeable shadows. I am intimately familiar with my impatience and arrogance, sadly. At the same time, my gifts are also present. Into a fifth decade on the planet, I am grateful to be able to see clearly what I might be able to contribute, much of the time. And still, I have been surprised by parts of myself. I suspect I am not alone in this.

The International Theological Commission published a new document Sept.

British supporters of the traditional Latin Mass have welcomed an unprecedented youth turnout at their annual pilgrimage, three months after record participation was also reported at a larger event in France. "If we want to draw people to the Church, we have to present something attractive and distinctive, with links to a cultural tradition and artistic heritage," explained Joseph Shaw, chairman of the London-based Latin Mass Society. "No one has been canvassing or knocking on doors.

As this week marks the 25th annual remembrance of the horrifying day on Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorist attacks in the United States killed some 3,000 people, and Canadians thronged to support our southern neighbours, The Catholic Register offers a guest editorial reflection from U.S. Deacon Greg Kandra on what it means to “carry the Cross” during the hardships and outright tragedies of this world. Honestly, you can’t help but think: This was not on Peter’s bingo card.