Let's Talk Exorcism...

It’s that time of year again. In what seems to be an annual event, Hollywood is releasing yet another film “inspired by true events” – about exorcism. This, of course, prompts reporters to call the Catholic Church to see if we’re demanding a wide-spread boycott of the film. How will we officially respond? Is the Archbishop concerned?

Two points to kick things off: 1) A movie “inspired” by real events should not be your reference point for any topic. In Hollywood, the nice couple on your street with two kids and a dog might “inspire” a film involving 13 kids fighting a deadly python that has taken over the neighbourhood. 2) Marketing plans for scary productions “inspired” by the Catholic Church generally look to provoke anger from the Church, or even better, calls to boycott the movie! Angry church = more free publicity.

Whenever a journalist calls, my objective is to always respond; whether the news is good, bad or ugly. In the case of movies: if we don’t respond, we’re evasive, secretive, and must be hiding something. If we do, we’re usually reduced to a three-second sound bite (“There is evil in the world…”) that demonstrates the Church’s “concern” about the piece. So, before further editing, here are some quick facts about exorcism from my perspective.

First and foremost, major exorcisms -- like the Hollywood-enhanced versions depicted in films like “The Exorcism” -- are rare. In fact, the films themselves are more frequent than major exorcisms – we haven’t had one in the Archdiocese of Toronto in decades.

In most Catholic dioceses, someone requesting an exorcism is assessed by a number of professionals before a major exorcism would be warranted. Spiritual, medical and psychological information are analyzed to determine whether a major exorcism is in order. If not, the Church, nonetheless, works to provide appropriate support to the individual.

In recent years, society has made great advances in the area of mental illness. Cases where one might have, centuries or even decades ago, been exorcised are now judged to be cases of mental illness rather than possession of an evil spirit.

Really, we are in the minor exorcism business. There’s a good chance you’ve attended one. They’re frequent. They occur in sacramental celebrations such as baptisms, in the form of a preparatory prayer (i.e., “that we may be freed from the bonds of original sin”). Some suggest the words of the “Our Father” (“deliver us from evil”) could be considered a healing prayer, too. There is no presumption that a person is possessed by an evil spirit when a minor exorcism takes place.

In the Archdiocese of Toronto, we have two priests appointed as exorcists, should they ever be needed. Their identity is kept anonymous; not because we’re being secretive but to allow these men to focus on their priestly duties instead of being the speed dial exorcists on call.

Most would agree that evil is present in our world. In rare cases, there may be legitimate cases of possession. But you won’t find priests scheduling their Wednesday 11:30 a.m. exorcisms. They’re more likely fighting evil by visiting the abandoned in nursing homes, forgiving a sinner in confession or volunteering at a food bank.

Outside of Hollywood, the power of God and good in this world far outweighs any force of evil. Not a bad ending for a movie - without any spinning heads…

Photo: Catholic News Service

World Leprosy Day January 30

We've all heard the story of Jesus curing the leper and references to leprosy in a number of scripture passages. Leprosy continues to be a misunderstood disease, which many believe was long ago eradicated. The sad reality is that millions still live with the permanent effects of this illness.

The last Sunday in January each year is recognized by many throughout the world as World Leprosy Day, a chance to pause and remember in prayer those who suffer from Hansen’s Disease. Started in 1954, World Leprosy Day exists to promote awareness of leprosy and encourage a compassionate response.

Throughout history, individuals of all faiths and denominations have chosen to stand for those with leprosy, choosing to reject the stereotype and fear so commonly associated with this affliction. Catholics will be most familiar with one of our newest saints, the recently canonized (October 2009) Saint Damien of Molokai, the Catholic priest who ministered in a Hawaiian leprosy colony, before succumbing to the disease after 16 years of pastoral care to the sick and suffering.

The Leprosy Mission is a Christian organization with offices in 26 countries around the world, including Canada. For over 100 years, the The Leprosy Mission Canada has been working to cure those affected by the disease worldwide. Fortunately, a cure for leprosy was discovered in 1981. A thorough treatment of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) is able to effectively cure all known strains of the illness. Continued breakthroughs in reconstructive surgeries mean that even those severely disabled by leprosy can have hope of restoration. For more information on The Leprosy Mission Canada, you can visit them online.

More than just raising awareness, World Leprosy Day aims to rally churches from all denominations in prayer to eliminate leprosy once and for all. So as we move closer to World Leprosy Day 2011, consider taking a moment to offer solidarity and prayer for those suffering globally - may they never journey alone. Accompanied by Saint Damien of Molokai and all those who have embraced the leper and their sickness over the centuries, we pray:

For the parent who has been rendered helpless by leprosy.

For the woman who has been cast from her home, rejected by those closest to her.

For the man who can no longer walk, who can do nothing but lay by the road and beg.

For the doctor who undertakes life-restoring surgeries each day.

For the community that does not understand leprosy, that their fear will disappear and their acceptance increase.

For those in Canada, that they will never forget those who suffer throughout the world.

Photos: The Leprosy Mission Canada

Planning for our final days...

It's often been said that death and taxes are the two topics that everyone wants to avoid. Well for the purpose of today's little reflection, the good news is we won't be talking about taxes. The bad news...

While no one wants to be one to rain on the parade, an important issue that each one of us, whether single, married, lay people or clergy, must face is the inevitability that at some point, we will be all called home to God. As good stewards, we owe it to ourselves to ensure that we take the time to ensure we have made the appropriate plans that come with our final days.

The Archdiocesan Development Office has just completed an update to the Catholic Estate Planning Kit. It's an invaluable tool that includes information on Will preparation, powers of attorney, funeral & burial instructions and cemetery selection. The resources also help Catholics discern how to leave a legacy through charitable gifts. It is the only resource of its kind that can help a parishioner include the sacraments and parish procedures when making estate arrangements. It can also help to save you considerable time and money.

Catholics throughout the Archdiocese should seriously consider obtaining a copy of the kit to help in their personal planning. You can't imagine how many times our parishes, Development Office and/or Catholic Cemeteries encounters families, already grieving the loss of a loved one, yet unsure how to proceed due to the fact there is no Will, estate or funeral plans in place.

With enough pain, stress and anxiety already involved whenever someone close to us passes on, it is not the time that anyone wishes to have to consider the important decisions that come with such a loss. More reason than ever to make the investment of time that will ease the burden for all when these difficult days are upon us.

A free copy of the Catholic Estate Planning Kit can be obtained by contacting the Office of Development at: (416) 934-3411 or by email: development@archtoronto.org - you can also visit their website www.archtoronto.org/development that has plenty of resources to give you a sense of the kinds of issues that will be explored in this most useful resource. The staff are happy to answer any questions you may have to assist you in this important discernment process.

As we reflect on these "life-issues", many Canadian pro-lifers will be making the trek to Washington, D.C. for the annual March for Life held by our friends to the south, with the March scheduled for Monday, January 24. The Canadian March for Life is slated for Ottawa on May 12, 2011. Full details can be found here.

For all those who live life to the full, to those who speak for those with no voice and to those who care for the sick and suffering among us, we pray.

Photos: Archdiocese of Toronto

Archdiocese Hosts Conference on Anglican Ordinariate

Press reports this week out of England have been talking about the formation of the first Anglican "ordinariates" in that country. Now most people will likely be unaware of the term, its context or how it affects us here in Canada. Plenty of questions but the good news is there is new information available that can help provide answers to questions relating to this new initiative involving cooperation between the Anglican and Catholic communities in countries throughout the world.

The Holy Father issued an Apostolic Constitution on November 4, 2009, entitled "Anglicanorum Coetibus" in response to requests globally from Anglicans looking to join in full communion with the Catholic Church while preserving elements of their distinctive Anglican patrimony (as noted below).

On Monday, Pope Benedict XVI announced the formation of a personal ordinariate for England and Wales, naming one of the former Anglican bishops (Reverend Keith Newton) as head of the newly formed ordinariate, referred to as the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham.

First question: What's an ordinariate in this context? Well here's the response as referenced in the Vatican News Service Monday release: "A Personal Ordinariate is a canonical structure that provides for corporate reunion in such a way that allows former Anglicans to enter full communion with the Catholic Church while preserving elements of their distinctive Anglican patrimony."

In Canada, we have begun the process of dialogue around the formation of the "ordinariate" for Canadian Anglicans wishing to follow the norms outlined in Anglicanorum Coetibus. Some will recall stories in the media in early December discussing the community of St. John the Evangelist Church in Calgary voting in late November to pursue the path outlined in Anglicanorum Coetibus.

The Toronto connection? Archbishop Thomas Collins has been asked by the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to serve as the "delegate", namely the point person for the Catholic Church here in Canada to work with those wishing to form an "ordinariate".

To help explore the issues and enter into greater dialogue, the Archbishop has just announced that a conference discussing 'Anglicanorum Coetibus' will be held in the Archdiocese, at Mississauga's Queen of Apostles Retreat Centre from March 24-26, 2011. The conference is open to Canadians of the Anglican tradition who are interested in learning more about the implementation of 'Anglicanorum Coetibus'.

A website with additional resources will also help you navigate through this terrain, with Archbishop Collins providing an extensive document, giving readers a "primer" on the history of Anglicanorum Coetibus ("Groups of Anglicans") and its implications here in Canada, along with plenty of practical points on how this all comes together. You'll also find an invitation from His Grace for the conference along with a poster promoting the gathering.

Visit www.archtoronto.org/ordinariate for more details - conference registration will launch February 1st and additional resources and program information will be added as they become available. To all who are diligently working on this process, we offer our collective prayers, as we walk together on the path of unity, prayer and peace.

Photo: Associated Press

Late Pope John Paul II Beatification Set for May 1

Friday noon in Rome, the Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI will beatify the late Pope John Paul II on May 1st this year. Full release from the Vatican Information Service below:

BENEDICT XVI WILL BEATIFY JOHN PAUL II ON 1 MAY

VATICAN CITY, 14 JAN 2011 (VIS) - On 1 May, the second Sunday of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday, Benedict XVI will preside at the rite of beatification for John Paul II in the Vatican.

According to a note released by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, "today 24 January, Benedict XVI, during an audience granted to Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, authorised the dicastery to promulgate the decree of the miracle attributed to the intercession of Venerable Servant of God John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla). This concludes the process which precedes the rite of beatification.

"It is well known that, by pontifical dispensation, his cause began before the end of the five-year period which the current norms stipulate must pass following the death of a Servant of God. This provision was solicited by the great fame of sanctity which Pope John Paul II enjoyed during his life, in his death and after his death. In all other ways, the normal canonical dispositions concerning causes of beatification and canonisation were observed in full.

"Between June 2005 and April 2007 the principal diocesan investigation was held in Rome, accompanied by secondary investigations in various other dioceses, on his life, virtues, fame of sanctity and miracles. The juridical validity of these canonical processes was recognised by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints with a decree of 4 May 2007. In June 2009, having examined the relative 'Positio', nine of the dicastery's theological consultors expressed their positive judgement concerning the heroic nature of the virtues of the Servant of God. The following November, in keeping with the usual procedure, the 'Positio' was submitted for the judgement of the cardinals and bishops of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, who gave their approval.

"On 19 December 2009, Benedict XVI authorised the promulgation of the decree on John Paul II's heroic virtues.

"With a view to the beatification of the Venerable Servant of God, the postulator of the cause invited the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to examine the recovery from Parkinson's disease of Sr. Marie Simon Pierre Normand, a religious of the 'Institut des Petites Soeurs des Maternites Catholiques'.

"As is customary, the voluminous acts of the regularly-instituted canonical investigation, along with detailed reports from medical and legal experts, were submitted for scientific examination by the medical consultors of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on 21 October 2010. The experts of the congregation, having studied the depositions and the entire documentation with their customary scrupulousness, expressed their agreement concerning the scientifically inexplicable nature of the healing.

On 14 December the theological consultors, having examined the conclusions reached by the medical experts, undertook a theological evaluation of the case and unanimously recognised the unicity, antecedence and choral nature of the invocation made to Servant of God John Paul II, whose intercession was effective in this prodigious healing.

"Finally, on 11 January 2011 the ordinary session of the cardinals and bishops of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints took place. They expressed their unanimous approval, believing the recovery of Sr. Marie Simon Pierre to be miraculous, having been achieved by God in a scientifically inexplicable manner following the intercession of the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II, trustingly invoked both by Sr. Simon herself and by many other faithful".

Photo: Archdiocese of Toronto

Haiti: One Year Later...

On January 12, 2010, a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, its strongest in more than 200 years. The aftermath was unlike anything the country had seen before, causing massive damage and loss of life. An estimated 3 million people have been impacted by the quake, including 250,000 who perished as the result of this natural disaster.

One year later, the country continues to rebuild. Already one of the poorest nations in the world, thousands continue to live in "temporary" refugee camps, infrastructure remains paralyzed and access to essential supplies like clean water remain a challenge for many families.

Canadians and, in a special way, the Catholic community, opened their hearts and pocketbooks to support those impacted by this tragedy. Locally, ShareLife raised close to $4 million to support relief efforts, channelled through our international partners via the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development & Peace (CCODP), who raised $20 million across the country to support disaster relief.

This week CCODP has a series of articles in the Globe & Mail reporting on the work of its partners in the affected region, providing tangible examples of how donor funds have been used to help those living in the darkness find a glimmer of hope. The articles can be accessed here.


The Holy Father sent the President of Cor Unum, the organization that oversees the Vatican's charitable work, to Haiti, to express the Pope's solidarity with all those involved in the reconstruction efforts as well as additional funds to assist with the work that lies ahead.

In a spiritual "boost" for the country, Pope Benedict also chose the one year anniversary of the earthquake to announce two new bishops for Haiti. Bishop Guire Poulard, previously bishop of Les Cayes, Haiti becomes the new Archbishop of Port-au-Prince. Archbishop-designate Poulard will also have a new auxiliary as Msgr. Glandas Toussaint of the clergy of the archdiocese of Port-au-Prince, becomes an Auxiliary Bishop of the same diocese.

The Port-au-Prince diocese has a population of just over 4 million with almost 3 million Catholics. Many will remember the late Archbishop Miot, who lost his own life to the devastating earthquake when his body was found under the rubble of the offices of the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince.

We remain close in prayer to our brothers and sisters in Haiti. One year later, we must not forget that this is a country still in mourning, still rebuilding and still looking to the world for assistance. May all those who have suffered and continue to search for Christ in the midst of the darkness be in our thoughts and prayers, this week and throughout the year.

Photos: Development & Peace

Abortion and New York City

Last week, there was an important press conference held at New York City's Penn Club. Faith leaders from Protestant, Jewish and Catholic organizations, along with other civic leaders, gathered to highlight a tragic statistic about the Big Apple.

Health stats released by local government officials indicate that 41% of all pregnancies in New York City (close to 90,000 lives in 2009) ended in abortion, more than double the national average. New York's Catholic Archbishop, Timothy Dolan, addressed the media assembled with the statement below:

"I sure appreciate the courtesy of being invited, and am honored to be in such distinguished company for a noble cause about which we are all very passionate.

Thanks, journalists, for your interest.

For the first time in my happy twenty-one months as a New Yorker, I am embarrassed to be a member of a cherished community I now -- -- usually with a lot of pride -- -- call home.

That 41% of New York babies are aborted -- -- a percentage even higher in the Bronx, and among our African-American babies in the womb -- -- is downright chilling.

This New York community is rightly celebrated for its warm welcome to immigrants, for its hospitality, sense of embrace and inclusion, and gritty sensitivity for those in need.

But we are tragically letting down the tiniest, most fragile and vulnerable: the little baby in the womb. We have to do more than shiver over these chilling statistics!

I invite all to come together to make abortion rare, a goal even those who work to expand the abortion license tell us they share.

A quarter century ago, Cardinal John O'Connor publicly stated: "Any woman who is pregnant and in need can come to the Church and we will help you," a pledge Cardinal Egan, and now I, reaffirm. Through our Catholic charities, our adoption services, our lobbying on behalf of pregnant women and mothers of infants, our support for life-giving alternatives to the decision all call tragic -- -- abortion, -- -- in our education of youth for healthy, responsible, virtuous sexual behavior, our health care, -- -- we have done our best to keep that promise, ... and these haunting statistics only prod us to keep at it.

Mother Teresa remarked that the worst poverty was to take the life of a baby so we could live, as we want. New York does not deserve the gravestone, "Abortion capital of the world." Our boast is the Statue of Liberty, not the “Grim Reaper.”

Thanks for listening."

Kudos to the many faith groups involved in highlighting this issue in New York City. The press conference received extensive coverage from the secular media, which is news itself as abortion seems to be one of those topics that doesn't get a lot of ink, especially when initiated by faith leaders. We need to continue to have a respectful dialogue in the public square and provide practical help for women in crisis.

On the way to a media interview at St. Michael's Cathedral this past week, I took notice of another very public effort to highlight the plight of abortion in our society, courtesy the Niagara Right to Life Association and Toronto based, Aid to Women. The billboard message (pictured above) is a powerful one and we can't forget the work being done quietly, in many cases by a host of pro-life organizations throughout our Archdiocese and beyond.

As we begin a New Year, let's reaffirm our commitment to the most vulnerable among us - it's one resolution worth keeping.

Photos: Asssociated Press, Aid to Women

Iraq to Brampton by way of Jordan...

As we prepare to celebrate World day of Migrants and Refugees this weekend, Bill Steinburg (Communications Manager for ShareLife and the Office of Public Relations & Communications) shares the story of one family who can now call Canada home thanks to the efforts of the Catholic community of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Brampton, Ontario.

In his remarks last year in advance of World Day of Migrants and Refugees on January 9, Pope Benedict XVI reflected on the theme of “One human family.” In our diocese – one of the most diverse in the world – the Pope’s description of “one family of brothers and sisters in societies that are becoming ever more multiethnic and intercultural” is an obvious reality.

Our region receives more immigrants and refugees each year than any other part of the country and behind the arrival of each new family is a unique story. I recently had a chance to hear one of those stories, when I met the Shakar family at St. Anthony of Padua parish in Bramalea. It’s an inspiring tale that involves our Catholic faith community at the local, regional and international level.

I’m not sure many of us can imagine having the government step in and take away your job, your livelihood, and essentially remove any future opportunity for you to support your family. That was the case for Majad Shakar, the sole provider of his family when they lived in Baghdad – a Catholic family in a sea of anti-Christian sentiment. The recent bombing attack during a Chaldean Mass celebration there, and the subsequent cancellation of public Christmas celebrations, reinforce the fact that the family was in real, mortal danger. Majad, his wife, Emanjajoo, and three children fled Iraq for Jordan, where they lived as refugees for several years. While their lives were not threatened in Jordan, Majad was not allowed to work and their children, Dalya, Dyna and Dany, were only allowed to attend school in two of the five years they were there. They relied on the charity of family members overseas for their survival.

Finally, in 2009, things turned around for the Shakars. In a clear demonstration of universal Catholic unity, the Shakar family was offered new hope and new opportunities here in the Greater Toronto Area. Fr. John Mullins and his parishioners at St. Anthony of Padua parish in Bramalea sponsored the Shakars. The parish organized a committee of volunteers to prepare for the arrival and settlement of the family. The Office for Refugees of the Archdiocese of Toronto – an agency fully funded by the ShareLife annual appeal – identified the family, liaised with the federal government and helped with the arrival process. When the Shakars arrived in Toronto, a group from the parish was there to welcome them with open arms and the parish community has provided friendship and support since then.


When they were in Iraq, and later in Jordan, Majad confides that all he could dream of was getting his family out of there. Today, his dreams are a lot like many of ours; he hopes to one day own a van and a home. Both Emanjajoo and Majad are now working; she, in the service sector and he, once again plying his trade as a machinist. Dalya, Dyna and Dany are thriving in school and have career aspirations of their own. They are contributing members of their parish and their community.

Following Archbishop Collins’ encouragement, dozens of parishes throughout the diocese are stepping forward to sponsor persecuted Iraqi Christians, providing them with hopes and opportunities similar to those the Shakar family received through St. Anthony of Padua. As the Holy Father wrote in his address to the world, “those who are forced to leave their homes or their country will be helped to find a place where they may live in peace and safety, where they may work and take on the rights and duties that exist in the Country that welcomes them, contributing to the common good and without forgetting the religious dimension of life.”

On World Day of Migrants and Refugees, we can celebrate those words in the knowledge that here in the Archdiocese of Toronto, these words have been turned into action.

Bill Steinburg is the Communications Manager for the Office of Public Relations & Communications and ShareLife.

Photos: ShareLife

2010 in Review - Part II

We continue with a look back at 2010 with Part II of our Year in Review, courtesy of the Catholic Register...

July 2010

• Cuban Church leaders are key in obtaining the release of 52 political prisoners in the communist nation.
• Archbishop Thomas Collins pushes Canada's bishops to help Iraqi refugees flee persecution in the region. He leads by example by sponsoring a family himself.
• To mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Mother Teresa, a number of her relics tour parishes across Canada.
  

August 2010

• Toronto Catholic District School Board chair Angela Kennedy is found guilty of conflict-of-interest charges for voting on a matter that would affect her children who are employed at the board.
• Cardinal Marc Ouellet is off to Rome where he assumes his new role as Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops at the Vatican.
• A public outcry greets news that a Muslim group plans to build an Islamic community centre just steps from the World Trade Centre site in New York.

September 2010

• Pope Benedict makes a historic visit to Great Britain where he beatifies Cardinal John Henry Newman.
• After donations came up short in 2009, ShareLife announces a record year in 2010, with Catholics showing their generosity in donating $14.33 million.
• Big changes are announced for the Hamilton diocese. After 26 years as the diocese's bishop, Anthony Tonnos retires and is replaced by Bishop Douglas Crosby.

October 2010

• A pro-life demonstration on the Carleton University campus ends when Ottawa police arrest four members of Carleton Lifeline.
• The archdiocese of Toronto releases its new abuse protocols, making them more clear and expanded to include all lay employees and volunteers.
• A terrorist attack on a Baghdad church leaves 58 dead and scores more wounded. It comes just days after the close of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East, which had discussed protection of Christians in the Middle East.

November 2010

• Adding to the woes of Haiti as it recovers from the devastating earthquake, a cholera epidemic strikes, killing more than 1,000 and rising.
• The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace fine tunes its funding protocols to make sure none of its funding ends up in pro-abortion groups' hands.
• St. Francis Table in Toronto's Parkdale area serves up its one-millionth meal since opening to feed the poor in 1987.

December 2010

• Immigration Minister Jason Kenney lashes out at Canada's Catholic bishops for criticizing his anti-human-smuggling bill.
• The Vatican gets stung in diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks. A wide range of issues are touched on, including the Irish abuse scandal.
• For the sixth year in a row, the creche scene outside of Toronto's Old City Hall is vandalized. The creche is set up by Gethsemene Ministries each year.

Photos: Catholic Register

Happy New Year - Peace!

As we turn the calendar on a New Year, we look back and give thanks for the many blessings enjoyed in 2010 and remember those challenging moments both in our own lives and for those around the world.

May 2011 be an opportunity for each one of us to be agents of change, peacemakers, people of faith committed to fostering communities of love, peace and joy.

You can view the Holy Father's message for the 2011 World Day of Peace here. A brief excerpt appears below:

Religious freedom expresses what is unique about the human person, for it allows us to direct our personal and social life to God, in whose light the identity, meaning and purpose of the person are fully understood. To deny or arbitrarily restrict this freedom is to foster a reductive vision of the human person; to eclipse the public role of religion is to create a society which is unjust, in as much as it fails to take account of the true nature of the human person; it is to stifle the growth of the authentic and lasting peace of the whole human family.

We remember in a special way Christians of the Middle East who have been persecuted in a particularly violent way in 2010. Our Archdiocese is also working extensively through our parishes to sponsor both Christian and non-Christian families fleeing the region looking to call Canada home.

We pray for peace in the world in 2011, especially in places that aren't always front page stories - whether it be parts of Africa still engulfed in civil war, communist countries where personal and religious freedoms have paralyzed the people for decades or even the conflicts within our own communities; from longtime family squabbles, friendships gone sour or personal relationships filled with violence and abuse, let's pledge to do all that we can to offer our prayers and personal commitment to follow the example of Christ in all that we do.

May this New Year be filled with hope, faith, love and peace! Happy 2011 to one and all!

Photo: CNN