Reflections on the Synod, New Ambassador in Town...

This week, over lunch and in other conversations with numerous colleagues, we had a chance to discuss the Synod that recently wrapped up in Rome. While the financial meltdown, US election and World Series likely caught the attention of more media outlets these past few weeks, let's not forget the importance of the Vatican gathering with bishops represented from around the world.

That said, to quote my Grade 3 teacher, "What did we learn from all of this?" If you asked the "average" Catholic, what did the Synod accomplish, they'd likely be struggling to find an answer (some might not even have known the Synod took place). Yet there were fruitful discussions, impassioned pleas and countless suggestions from the shepherds of our faith.

To help digest the process, Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec City, sat down with Salt & Light's Kris Dmytrenko (who's on assignment in Rome) to try and simplify the complex dialogue. The interview is definitely worth a read as it speaks to how we can look for the practical application of all that took place at the Synod.

Full text of the interview available here.


Today's Vatican Information Service has a piece about the meeting of Pope Benedict XVI with Canada's new Ambassador to the Holy See, Anne Leahy. I had the pleasure of meeting Pope John Paul II in 2001 - they brought us in pairs to meet the Pontiff. Every time I see a photograph from my "historic meeting", I can't help but be reminded of Anne Leahy - you see she's standing beside me in my photo with JPII - we were "paired" together for our meeting.

By the way, if you're looking for more information on our Embassay at the Vatican, you can also visit them online. Full Vatican Information Service piece with comments from Pope Benedict XVI below.

CATHOLICISM, THE CORNERSTONE OF CANADIAN SOCIETY
VATICAN CITY, 30 OCT 2008
(VIS) - This morning the new Canadian Ambassador to the Holy See, Anne Leahy, presented her credential letters to Benedict XVI.

In his address to the diplomat, the Holy Father first noted the words of John Paul II during his visit to Canada in 2002, when he affirmed that the Canadians were "heirs to an extraordinarily rich humanism, enriched even more by the blend of many different cultural elements. But the core of your heritage is the spiritual and transcendent vision of life based on Christian revelation which gave vital impetus to your development as a free, democratic, and caring society, recognized throughout the world as a champion of human rights and human dignity".

The Pope then recalled that Canada and the Holy See will soon celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations and praised that country’s vocation of "encouraging multilateral collaboration in favor of a solution to the many problems that present a challenge for humanity in this age".

The Holy Father noted in this regard, "the agreement of Canada and the Holy See, along with other countries, to support the treaty prohibiting anti-personnel land mines and to promote its adoption throughout the world. ... At the same time Canada and the Holy See, together with other nations, are making the effort to contribute to the stability, peace, and development in the Great Lakes region of Africa".

Quoting the words of the new ambassador, Benedict XVI reaffirmed that "Catholicism, thanks to its institutions and the culture that it promotes, represents the cornerstone of the building of Canadian society. Nevertheless, profound changes can be noticed today, which are seen in different sectors and at times cause concern to the point of asking ourselves if it does not mean a regression in the understanding of the human being. These changes mainly concern the areas of defense and the promotion of life and the family based on natural marriage".

In this context, "a culture of life can nourish anew the personal and social existence of Canada as a whole. "For that to happen," the Pope said, "I believe that it is necessary to redefine the meaning of the exercise of liberty ... which is perceived more and more as an absolute value, an intangible right of the individual, regardless of the importance of the divine origins of freedom and its communal dimension. ... In this interpretation, only the individual can decide and choose the form, characteristics, and ends of life, death, and marriage". "True freedom," he observed, "is ultimately based on and develops in God.

It is a gift that can be accepted as the seed from which the person and society can grow responsibly and be enriched. The exercise of this freedom implies reference to a natural moral law that is universal, which precedes and unifies all rights and duties.

In this perspective, I would like to show my support to all the Canadian Bishops’ initiatives in favor of family life and thus of the dignity of the human being.

Concluding, Benedict XVI spoke of that country’s Catholic schools, which "thanks to their contribution to the transmission of the faith to new generations, preparing them for dialogue among the different components of the nation, carry out a constant need of the Church’s mission for the good of all, and enrich Canadian society as a whole".

Photos: Archdiocese of Quebec City, Canadian Embassy to the Holy See

The Singing Priests!

You may have seen this group of clergy on CNN in recent days. A group of priests from Northern Ireland are attracting plenty of attention for both their commitment to spirituality and their musical abilities - press release from Sony/BMG below...

Global phenomenon The Priests release Iconic Debut Album

The Priests are Father Eugene O’Hagan, Father Martin O’Hagan and Father David Delargy; three practicing Roman Catholic Priests from Northern Ireland who grew up singing together while studying for the priesthood, and all joined by their shared faith and passion for music. In an amazing twist of fate, after a recording the priests had previously made landed on the desk of Epic Records MD Nick Raphael, they were signed on the spot; giving The Priests a worldwide audience to spread their music, with their debut album being released on 18th November 2008.

Uniquely for a debut album The Priests is being released simultaneously in more then 30 countries, including mainland Europe, USA, Argentina and the Philippines, fulfilling an unprecedented global demand. Additionally, the three have stipulated that a percentage of the proceeds from record sales will go to a charity or charities of their choice.

Featuring a collection of spiritually inspired tracks such as Pie Jesu, Ave Maria, Panis Angelicus as well as great classical arias and traditional Irish tracks and blessings, the album showcases the passion and exquisite harmonies of The Priests. The album has been produced by Mike Hedges, whose previous work includes best selling albums by U2 and Manic Street Preachers. The album, featuring the Choir of Philharmonic Academy of Rome, was recorded in Ireland and in the Choir Chapel in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. The choral arrangements are by the choir’s Spanish born director, Mons Pablo Colino, the Emeritus Director of the Cappella Giulia choir in St Peter’s Basilica.

Earlier this year an Irish musician recorded the priests’ voices in a demo and immediately took it to an associate of his, and it eventually landed on the desk of Nick Raphael, MD of Epic Records, part of Sony BMG. Nick was so impressed that he instantly began confidential negotiations to persuade them to sign for the label which is understood to have committed a £1 million investment to making the album.

The Priests grew up singing together whilst studying for their priesthood and have spent their lives using music to spread the word of God, finding time between their religious duties to sing together. Father David Delargy and Fathers Martin and Eugene O’Hagan, who signed their million pound contract on the steps of Westminster Cathedral in April, are poised to become global superstars.

The Priests’ soaring harmonies took centre stage at a spectacular concert at Ireland’s historic St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, earlier this year which will be broadcast coast to coast on the United States PBS network this autumn. In the UK, ITV has just finished shooting a major TV documentary on The Priests following their every move since the day they signed with Sony BMG. They also featured in Time Magazine along with a photo shoot with coveted photographer David Bailey.

The Priests is not only an album of awe inspiring music but a celebration of faith, spirituality, tolerance, love and the power of the human spirit.

Photos: Sony/BMG Music

A Seminar, A Cathedral and Fashion Week...

A buffet of brief updates as we move closer to the end of the month. As is always the case here at the Archdiocese, no shortage of projects and initiatives on the go...

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Initial reviews are in (the buzz is good) from the annual priests' seminar that takes place each fall. Week one is now in the history books. The priests have been focusing on the Liturgy and the changes that will be implemented likely in the fall of 2010 or 2011 across the country. A variety of liturgical experts had the chance to explain some of the basics around the changes and to help our clergy reflect on why the church is moving forward with some of these initiatives. No doubt you'll be hearing more about this in the months to come. We will need a good education campaign to ensure that Catholics understand why this is being done - it just makes sense to start the process with our priests.

At the end of week one, Archbishop Collins also continued a bit of an informal Q & A with the clergy, listening to their concerns and talking about his impressions of the Archdiocese since his arrival almost two years ago. He also had the chance to express his gratitude to the priests for their tireless efforts and to look ahead at what sort of church we want the Archdiocese to be in the coming years. Some might call it a pastoral plan, visioning, forward thinking - I call it smart.

It never hurts to thank people close to you for their hard work and the Archbishop is clearly walking the talk in this respect. Week Two continues October 27-30 - it's a blessing that we need two sessions to accommodate the many clergy in our Archdiocese. The priests I've spoken to that attended week one have come back affirmed, energized and informed. As I've often been told - "if the sessions are well attended, it's going well." One could say the same about Sunday liturgy.

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Ecumenical work continues with a special initiative between the Anglican Church of Canada and the Archdiocese of Toronto. St. James Cathedral plays host on October 29th to an evening of discussion around the recent ecumenical document, "Mary: Grace and Hope in Christ". Two featured speakers are on the bill: Professor Margaret O'Gara of the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michael's College and Bishop John Baycroft of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a Choral Evensong (Vespers) in the Cathedral, followed by dinner, lecture and discussion in the parish hall. Contact St. James Cathedral (416) 364-7865 or visit their website for more info.

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I had a chance to speak to the Ontario Executive of the Catholic Women's League this past week on building proactive relationships with the media. It's great to see that the CWL is looking at innovative ways to move their work forward. Many people are unaware of just how much the CWL does in parishes throughout the country. Not only are they a spark for parish involvement, they are advocates for important legislative initiatives including the recently passed age of consent legislation as well as the now defunct private members bill protecting unborn victims of crime. We give thanks for all that they do to strengthen our parishes and broader community!

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And finally, the "Media Call of the Week" - a frazzled producer, prepping for Fashion Week in Toronto, asking if there were any priests in the Archdiocese who might be interested in coming on camera to speak about a new line of clothing that was inspired by "holiness". The priest would be positioned beside a runway as part of a live fashion show and they could talk about "spiritual stuff". I asked her to send me more information on the request as I pondered whether I was being crank called by a friend...needless to say, no such follow up took place. I wish I could tell you I was making this up...perhaps somewhere across the Archdiocese, a fashion conscious priest is disappointed. Keep smiling!

Photos: Archdiocese of Toronto, St. James Cathedral

Russian Orthodox Archbishop of Vienna in Toronto - A mix of music, faith and dialogue...

An interesting week ahead in inter-faith outreach around the GTA. In town for a series of events is the Russian Orthodox Archbishop of Vienna, the Most Reverend Hilarion Alfeyev.

Do a little research on this church leader and you'll find an extremely brilliant and well rounded individual - you get the sense that he'd clean up should he ever find the time to play the speed round in Jeopardy!

Originally studying violin, piano and composition in Moscow, he also earned his Masters of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy, all by the age of 29.

He has served as a bishop since 2002 and Archbishop of Vienna since 2003. He is the author of more than 500 publications in addition to composing numerous musical compositions.

In Toronto this week, we'll get to see both sides. There will be three public talks by Bishop Alfeyev in addition to the North American premiere of St. Matthew's Passion (composed by the Bishop in 2006) by St. Michael's Choir School at St. Paul's Basilica. Admission to all events is free - the Bishop's "tour" is a joint partnership between a number of groups including the Canadian Council of Churches and the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Schedule of events as follows: (visit http://www.ccc-cce.ca/ for additional info)

Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 7:30pm Free Public Lecture – "Theological Education in the 21st Century," Sheridan Hall, Wycliffe College, 5 Hoskin Avenue, Toronto

Wednesday, October 22, 2008 - 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Free Lunch & Talk – "Prayer and Monasticism," Toronto School of Theology, 47 Queen’s Park Crescent East

Thursday, October 23, 2008 - 7:00 p.m. - Free Talk - "Orthodox Mission in the 21st Century," St. John the Compassionate Mission, 155 Broadview Avenue, Toronto

Friday, October 24, 2008 - 7:30 p.m. - Free Concert at St. Paul's Basilica, 83 Power Street, Toronto. For more information please visit http://www.smcs.on.ca/.

Oh by the way, here's the final jeopardy answer...On 5th October 2008 this man took part in the "Bible marathon" organized by Italian state TV, reciting Chapter Two from the Book of Genesis, straight after the first reader, Pope Benedict XVI.

The answer in a form of a question please...Who is the Most Rev. Hilarion Alfeyev?

Photos: Archdiocese of Toronto, Jeopardy!

Where do those church bulletins come from?

I had the chance last week to sit down with Mike Morrissey of Liturgical Publications of Canada (LPOC). For the last 29 years, this family based organization has been printing bulletins out of their humble Mississauga shop for more than 200 parishes, mostly in Ontario but also a handful in western Canada.

Growing up, on those occasions when parents were out of town, I can remember the bulletin being the "proof of attendance" to ensure one remained in good standing. For many, the weekly parish bulletin is a must read. From the pastor's motivational quotes or humorous anecdotes to keeping up with all the latest activities, it's amazing how much of the personality of a parish shines through in this communication.

For parishes who use Liturgical Publications or other similar services, there is no cost for parishes to produce their bulletins. LPOC secures advertising from local businesses who, through their advertising, offset the cost of printing the bulletins.

Much of Mike Morrissey's work is on the telephone, working with pastors, parish secretaries or volunteers who produce the bulletin each week. It's a well oiled machine - information comes in from parishes usually on a Tuesday (there's still a Toronto parish that submits its information via typewritten script). By Wednesday the bulletins are printed and the finished product has often been delivered back to the parish by Thursday. Of course, every week, without fail, there is an "exception". A last minute change, special request or panicked church staffer calling to see if this or that can be accommodated. Through it all, Mike does what he can to ensure parishes are pleased with the finished product.

In many ways, Mike views his work as a ministry. It is a labour of love, a job that began when his father brought the family to Canada from the USA to start the business. Mike and his brother now run LPOC. When asked why they haven't raised their affordable advertising rates in 10 years, Mike replied simply, "Why would we if we don't have to?"

Consider what other proudcts in the marketplace have remained consistent over 10 years and you'll understand that Liturgical Publications, in its own little way, is motivated by a higher calling. These kind of "humble servants" in our midst help enhance our Catholic by literally spreading the Good News.

Millions of bulletins later, thanks to the Morrissey family for helping parishes stay connected to their people.

Photo: www.freefoto.com

ShareLife Kicking It Off & Walking with St. Marguerite d'Youville

Fall is upon us and it's a time to give thanks. Many will be aware that fall means the launch of the ShareLife Corporate and School Campaigns. While the more well known parish appeal kicks into high gear during Lent, ShareLife staffers have been hard at work launching their corporate campaign along with a series of school board launches over the last week.

If you're a school or office that is interested in finding out more about how you can make a difference, consider contacting Tim Lee Loy, who liaises with schools and employee groups throughout the Archdiocese. Tim brings the stewardship message to his presentations and has a great knack for working with young people - his past experience at the Office of Catholic Youth brings some instant partnerships to the table. ShareLife's website has more information on the corporate and school campaigns if you're looking for details.

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On the subject of schools pitching in to help out, St. Margaret d'Youville Secondary School in Brampton is holding a special walkathon October 16th, the feast day for its namesake. They're hoping to raise $21,000 to support a number of charities, including several ShareLife agencies. This is also a great example of the partnership between school and parish - things get started with mass and the parish youth ministry team is playing an active role in the event.

Those looking for their quick fix on this Canadian saint: Marguerite was a Canadian widow who is probably best known for founding the religious women's community, the Order of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, which we know today as the "Grey Nuns".

She went through plenty of adversity - lost her father at an early age, gave birth to six children - only two survived, had more than difficult relations with her in laws along with a husband whose frequent absences and illegal liquor trading didn't make things any easier. She experienced a religious renewal during and after her marriage and committed herself to charitable works, despite taunts and ridicule from her own family and friends. Full online biography of her life from the Vatican available here.

Margeurite d'Youville is the first native born Canadian to be elevated to sainthood in 1990 by Pope John Paul II. Pope John XXIII called her the "Mother of Universal Charity".

Thanks to the staff and students honouring this special saint in a very tangible way. Let's offer a prayer in her memory and in thanksgiving for the many women religious who followed in her footsteps.

Photos: ShareLife, St. Marguerite d'Youville S.S.

A Thanksgiving Reflection...from our friends at St. Vincent de Paul

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we recall our many blessings and remember those less fortunate among us. See below a reflection from Danny Bourne, Volunteer President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Toronto...

Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings people together – it’s a chance to give thanks, to celebrate our many blessings.

Yet across our Archdiocese this Thanksgiving, there will be a different kind of gathering, one that won’t garner headlines. Those living in poverty will gather at a food bank, a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen for their thanksgiving meal.

In the prosperity and abundance that characterizes the thriving communities that surround Toronto, thousands of individuals and families struggle daily, generally unseen and unheard. They’re living in poverty, stress and despair.

It’s easy for us to avoid these pockets – planning our day so that we do not have to pass by those on the margins. We can also judge, criticize and blame those who do cross our path.

Concerned people respond in different ways, many with great generosity, volunteering at food banks and working through a wide variety of community and church groups.

One such organization is the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP). 175 years ago, in Paris, France, some university students decided to put their faith into action. They took firewood to a family near the university and thus started the first conference (group of volunteers) of the Society. The first conference in Ontario was established 17 years later in 1850 at St. Michael’s Cathedral in downtown Toronto.

SVDP members bring material assistance (food & clothing vouchers, basic furniture) along with compassion and hope to anyone who asks for help. In the GTA there are 113 conferences with a total of 1200+ volunteers making 15,000 home visits to 65,000 people in need. Those served may be single-parent families, new immigrants, or the working poor – some have recently fallen on hard times due to illness or job loss while others have struggled for years to break out of poverty.

Volunteer members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul see first hand what it means to be poor, to face tough choices. Does the single mother of two get her 6 year old new shoes or use the money for nutritious meals this week? Does she pay the rent or the utility bill?

In addition to home visits, the Society also serves those in more severe need through four shelters for women, 14 addiction recovery homes and residences for adults with developmental disabilities and mental illness. The Society also operates Marygrove Camp for disadvantaged girls, ages 5-13.

Volunteers and staff of the SVDP believe that, as local communities, we cannot allow some to just survive on the margins while the rest of us have plenty (or, at least, much more than we really need). They feel compelled to make a difference. As a result of their efforts over 175 years both locally and internationally, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been nominated for the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize.

As we gather for this year’s Thanksgiving meal, let’s stop and reflect for a moment: How can we assist the plight of those living on the margins? Is there an opportunity to advocate on their behalf? Can we give some of our time and resources so that others will not be alone?

This year, let’s set the Thanksgiving table with a place for all members of our “extended” family.

Danny Bourne is the Volunteer President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Toronto. For more information about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (whether to help someone get assistance or to volunteer), go to their website at svdptoronto.org or call 416-364-5577.

Photo: www.freefoto.com

Statement from Archbishop Collins re: October 10 Order of Canada Ceremony Recognizing Henry Morgentaler

Official statement from His Grace, Archbishop Thomas Collins

October 9, 2008

Tomorrow, our Governor General will preside at a ceremony in which Henry Morgentaler will formally be received into the Order of Canada. This is a sad moment in Canadian history.

The Order of Canada was created to recognize the outstanding achievements of citizens who have desired and helped to create a better country. Is a country made better when those who are most vulnerable are not allowed to continue their brief experience of the precious gift of life itself?

He is being received into the Order of Canada despite the opposition of hundreds of thousands of Canadians. This action divides our country. It does not unite.

This ceremony is taking place as we are entering into the celebration of Thanksgiving, when loved ones will gather with their families across this nation. Around dining room tables this weekend, let us reflect deeply, and remember that while no one of us was ever a mere part of another’s body, each one of us was, at one time, the precious unborn baby in our mother’s womb. Let each of us thank God that our personal journey was not terminated. This is no abstract issue. Nothing affects you or me more profoundly. After all, you and I are here to give thanks on this Thanksgiving Day.

As I stated when this announcement was first made in July, I appeal to all of those who have suffered through an abortion, or who feel pressured to seek this path. The Archdiocese of Toronto website www.archtoronto.org continues to offer information which will guide you along a path that leads to life and inner peace. There are many people who are eager to listen to you, to love you, and to help you.

I ask that this Sunday be a day of special prayer throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto. We will, once again, offer this prayer at every Sunday Mass:

"That the scourge of abortion be lifted from our land, that those who promote it may be brought to a change of heart, that all who are tempted to abortion may be lovingly helped to protect the precious gift of life, and that all who have experienced an abortion may be comforted with the healing gift of love."

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An Uncomfortable Topic...An Important Discussion...Woman Abuse

Our church is one that needs to celebrate the many joyful elements that the Catholic community has to offer. In the same way, we also need to confront the difficult issues that face families throughout our community. One such cloud is the abuse of women whether it be physical, emotional or sexual.

Catholic Family Services of Toronto, in cooperation with several other pastoral ministries in the Archdiocese, is offering an important day of reflection on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts in North York entitled, "Living without Fear!".

Archbishop Collins will provide the opening address while guest speaker Deborah Sinclair, an expert in the area of woman abuse, will be the keynote speaker. There will also be time for discussion including a youth track for those 16 and up.

You can find more information on the event here. Your attendance can make a profound impact for a family member, a friend or colleague at work who has been or may one day fall victim to violence at the hand of another.

Sadly, there are many within our own community who turn a blind eye to this scourge or deny that it takes place altogether. We are called to have the difficult discussion and look at how we can be reach out to those victims of violence in our parish family. This conference is attempting to do just that.

Thanks to Denis Costello of Catholic Family Services of Toronto for spearheading the effort and organizing a capable team of organizers to line up top notch speakers for what promises to be an enligthening day.

This might not be a comfortable discussion but it's one we need to have. Let's lift the veil of secrecy and share the light of hope with those who have been abused among us. It may be the most important meeting you attend this year...

Photo: www.freefoto.com

Taking the Temperature of the Global Church...It's Synod Time!

180 bishops, 24 members of the Roman Curia, 10 heads of religious orders, 32 clerics, 37 observers (including 19 women) and 41 expert advisors. Catholic Bingo? No - it's Synod time!

Starting this Sunday, Catholic eyes around the world will be on Rome for the start of the 22nd Synod of Bishops which, this time around, will focus on "The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church."

First things first, "What's a Synod?" - in simple terms, it's a gathering of church officials for the discussion of ecclesiastical (churchly) affairs. You've likely heard about a diocesan synod when the local church is exploring the state of affairs and looking at long term planning. It's much the same thing when you have a Synod of bishops at the Vatican but in this case, the perspective is global with this particular gathering exploring the bible or "word of God". That said, the discussion will expand into other related issues (things kickoff Sunday and run until October 26th.)

National Catholic Reporter and CNN Correspondent John Allen has an excellent preview of what to expect in the coming days in his weekly column for NCR. John will also file daily reports from Rome, a great way to follow the proceedings. He creatively calls the gathering a chance to "take the temperature" of the global church.

As previously mentioned in these pages, Canada has six representatives in attendance including Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet who will play a key role as "relator" or chairman of the Synod.

Needless to say, there will be plenty of discussion around the table/s and it will be interesting to see what conclusions and final documents come out of this important gathering. Picture 240 of your favorite parishioners, armed with strong opinions, vast experience and representing the nations of the world, in deep discussion for more than three weeks. Does anyone bring a guitar to play during the break and keep things a little relaxed?


A quick hit from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website gives us a simple play by play of the structure of the Synod:

The Synod opens with the celebration of Mass and the hymn, Veni, Creator Spiritus (Come, Holy Spirit). The General Relator offers the Introductory Presentation. The President then calls upon various Synod Fathers to speak. These interventions may be limited as to time and, typically, only one bishop from each conference addresses each discussion topic.

A Synod Father may choose to offer his intervention in writing. A Synod Father may request permission to respond to a previous intervention. The President may choose to schedule these responses in a group.

If a topic requires further discussion, the President-Delegate, with the Holy Father’s consent, may establish a study commission for this purpose. The President-Delegate may also move discussion of particular topics to small groups, typically organized by language. These small groups report their conclusions back to the Synodal Assembly.

The Synod Fathers express their consensus arising from the discussion in a series of propositions, voted on by the Synod Fathers. The propositions that receive the Assembly’s approval are forwarded to the Holy Father as part of the final report. This report is not made public unless the Holy Father authorizes its publication.

The Synod concludes with Mass and the Hymn Te Deum (a traditional hymn of thanksgiving.)

Don't expect to see daily headlines in the secular media about the gathering. There's plenty on the go locally these days (economic woes, election coverage, etc.) but more importantly, the secular media aren't too sure what to make of this get together and will likely try to dissect three weeks of discussion into two line sound bites. Somehow much of the essence is lost in the translation.

So for those looking for the full Synod buffet coverage, some resources for reference:

• Vatican Synod Website & Official Working Paper of the 2008 Synod (Instumentum Laboris)
  
  
• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Website - frequently asked questions, background, other useful documents.


• John Allen - National Catholic Reporter - daily updates.

Say a prayer for all those gathering at the Vatican in the coming days - it's an important exchange of views and insights from a room full of wise shepherds, all under the watchful and most capable gaze of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI.

Photos: Max Rossi/CPP, New York Times

Heroic Leadership...Breakfast with Chris Lowney

For just about a year, Archbishop Collins has been hosting a regular series of gatherings with Catholic business men and women. The breakfast meetings, organized and supported by Meritus, Salt & Light and Regis College, begin with mass followed by a guest speaker on an issue of interest.

This morning, more than 100 people gathered at St. Paul's Basilica for the latest event which featured a talk by Chris Lowney on "Heroic Leadership." Mr. Lowney, a former Jesuit, spent 17 years working in New York City for JP Morgan as Managing Director. He is also the author of "Heroic Leadership, Best Practices from a 450 Year Old Company That Changed the World!"

Chris gave the audience a taste of what you might find in his book, reflecting on the role of leadership in the workplace. He began his talk by asking the audience to think of a leader and their best qualities. Mr. Lowney then focused on three areas of Jesuit formation and linked them with business parallels: 1) Self-awareness 2) Ingenuity 3) Love

Some fascinating links from the spiritual world to Wall Street. At the end of his talk, Chris asked those gathered to think once again of the leader that had inspired them. He surmised that most probably would not have thought of themselves but in this way, we should put aside our humility and consider that, for each one of us, our life is a leadership opportunity. As a parent, in our relationships, with those whom we work, an opportunity for heroic leadership exists.

A great way to start the day. Especially given the volatile economic situation of the last month, we could all use some heroic leadership to help us through these difficult times, both in our homes, workplace and spiritual life. Some great food for thought.

If you're interested in the next breakfast, it takes place Tuesday, December 2nd at St. Paul's Basilica and features Julian Fantino, Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police. More info on Chris Lowney can be found on his website.

Photo: www.chrislowney.com