On Sunday, Dec. 17 from 2:00 to 3:00pm, WPBS-TV (channel 64 on Rogers Cable in Ottawa) will be showing a program called "Picturing Mary". The program features art depicting the Virgin Mary from ancient times to the present in museums, chapels and cathedrals in eight countries. Narrated by Jane Seymour. Readings by James Keach.

On Sunday Dec. 17 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm WPBS-TV (channel 64 on Rogers Cable in Ottawa) will be showing a program called "The Birth of Christ". World-renowned actor Liam Neeson (Schindler's List, Michael Collins, Kingdom of Heaven) narrates The Birth of Christ, an original new orchestral work composed and conducted by Andrew T. Miller, an International Steinway Artist. It is a musical retelling of the miracle of Christ's birth, taken from the Holy Gospels with sacred text prepared by Father William Treacy. Performed at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, the performance features a choir that is half Protestant and half Catholic. (cc)

Picturing Mary

On Sunday, Dec. 17 from 2:00 to 3:00pm, WPBS-TV (Watertown, NY) (channel 64 on Rogers Cable in Ottawa) will be showing a program called "Picturing Mary". The program features art depicting the Virgin Mary from ancient times to the present in museums, chapels and cathedrals in eight countries. Narrated by Jane Seymour. Readings by James Keach.

The following is a link to the website for the film "Into Great Silence" (164 minutes), which portrays the daily life in the Carthusian Order's Grande Chartreuse monastery in the French Alps. The film will be shown at the Bytowne Cinema in Ottawa from December 8 to 12, 2006 (see further below for a link to the Bytowne Cinema's website).

http://www.diegrossestille.de/english/

Show times at Bytowne Cinema:
Friday Dec. 8 8:55 pm
Saturday Dec. 9 6:00 pm
Sunday Dec. 10 2:45 pm & 8:10 pm
Monday Dec. 11 5:30 pm
Tuesday Dec. 12 8:10 pm

The following is information on the film from the Bytowne Cinema's Guide:
http://www.bytowne.ca/cgi-bin/film-descript.cgi?film_id=INT001

Ilya Tovbis, San Francisco International Film Festival:
Wrestling with the great issues of devotion and divinity, Into Great Silence engages the deepest reserves of emotion and understanding – with seemingly little effort.

Nineteen years after his first encounter with the monks of the legendarily strict and reclusive Carthusian Order, Philip Gröning was finally granted permission to film their daily life within the Grande Chartreuse monastery in the French Alps. Living among them for several months, Gröning’s lucid portrayal is characterized by the austerity of the monks; large portions of the narrative are entirely silent, the visuals gorgeously pure.

The repeated motifs of prayers, meals and walks inform their own significance, every element of their daily life imbued with spirituality. There is a heightened reality within this meditative rhythm, which endows each sparse sound with a quality verging on the sublime. The steady sounds of shears crisply cutting a new monk’s robe, of gently insistent bells and of a saw patiently eating through a log resonate long after they leave the screen. Subtle yet poignant connections are made between the routines of the monastery’s interior and the seasons changing outside, while the unflappable determination of the elderly monks is balanced by the dedication of the younger ones.

As time passes, little changes. There is a singularity of purpose in both their lives and in the film, creating, says Gröning, ‘a film like a cloud . . . a film that, more than depicting a monastery, becomes a monastery itself.’ The result is a meditative journey that is richly experienced rather than just observed, offering insights into a life of simplicity, silence and deep contemplation.

Pope Benedict XVI will be visiting Turkey from Tuesday November 28 to Friday December 1, 2006. His visit will include a meeting with Bartholomew I, the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople.

Details of the Pope's visit are available on the Vatican's Website at:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/travels/2006/index_turkey_en.htm

Details of EWTN TV's coverage will be available at:
http://www.ewtn.com/tv/index.asp

TV Ontario will be presenting the television version of Brideshead Revisited on Sundays from 8 to 10 pm, starting on November 19. Please see below for links to further information about Brideshead Revisited.

Evelyn Waugh's celebrated novel was adapted for television in 1981 by John Mortimer and stars Jeremy Irons, Anthony Andrews, Diana Quick, Laurence Olivier and Claire Bloom. It follows two decades in the life of an Oxford student, and later artist, who is drawn into the glamorous and disfunctional world of a landed Catholic family in England between the two World Wars.

A Companion to Brideshead Revisited (adapted for both the novel and the TV series)

http://www.abbotshill.freeserve.co.uk/Brideshead.html

Wikipedia article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brideshead_Revisited

The following is a link to a short essay (4 pages) by Peter Kreeft on The Presence of Christ in The Lord of the Rings. The essay is an excerpt from Peter J. Kreeft's book, The Philosophy of Tolkien: The Worldview Behind The Lord of the Rings.

http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2005/print2005/pkreeft_christlor_nov05.html

The following is a link to Peter Kreeft's website, which provides links to a number of his articles as well as audio links to various talks given by him:

http://www.peterkreeft.com/home.htm

Action Life is hosting a public information meeting on the growing threat of euthanasia, featuring guest speaker Bobby Schindler of the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation.

Terri Schiavo: A life that matters Thursday, Oct. 26, 2006 7 pm
Saint Paul University, 223 Main Street Ottawa Room 1124
Admission is free of charge

Bobby Schindler is the brother of the late Terri Schiavo, who was dehydrated and starved to death in Florida in March 2005, following the court decision to remove her feeding tube. Her ordeal made headlines around the world. Come hear Bobby speak about his family's struggle to save Terri's life, the facts surrounding her case and the growing threat of euthanasia.

Source: http://www.actionlife.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=256&Itemid=207

The following is a link to a short essay (4 pages) on "Chesterton and St. Francis", which appears in Joseph Pearce's book Literary Giants, Literary Catholics.

http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2005/print2005/gk_stfrancis_may05.html

This item appears in IgnatiusInsight.com, an online resource of Ignatius Press that is meant to assist readers who wish to learn more about the Catholic Church and her teachings, beliefs, practices, and history. http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/

The following is information on two programs on St. Therese that will be shown on EWTN TV on September 30 and October 1. Information on other upcoming EWTN special programming is available at: http://www.ewtn.com/tv/index2.htm

SAINT THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS (90:00)
Her life is told through old photos and film footage, interviews, dramatizations, examination of her writings, and visits to her home and the Carmel of Lisieux. Commentary provided by Bishop Guy Gaucher of Lisieux. Informative and inspiring.
Saturday September 30, 2006 8 PM
Sunday October 1, 2005 2 AM
Thursday October 5, 2006 1 PM

SAINT THÉRÈSE: THE FAMILY (30:00)
Father Herbert Schmidt discusses how close St. Thérèse of Lisieux was with her family, and in doing so, explores the meaning of the Christian family by her example.
Sunday October 1, 2006 4:30 PM

The following is a link to the text of a homily (4 pages) in which Pope Benedict XVI reflects on the relationship of Mary and Jesus as depicted in the account of the Wedding at Cana in the Gospel of John. The Pope gave the homily on September 11, 2006 during his recent visit to Germany. (See further below for a link to the text of other homilies and addresses by the Pope during his visit to Germany.)

http://catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0840.htm

The following is the concluding passage of the Pope's homily:

"Jesus’ definitive hour will be his return at the end of time. Yet he continually anticipates this hour in the Eucharist, in which, even now, he always comes to us. And he does this ever anew through the intercession of his Mother, through the intercession of the Church, which cries out to him in the Eucharistic prayers: Come, Lord Jesus! In the Canon of the Mass, the Church constantly prays for this hour to be anticipated, asking that he may come even now and be given to us. And so we want to let ourselves be guided by Mary, by the Mother of Graces of Altötting, by the Mother of all the faithful, towards the hour of Jesus. Let us ask him for the gift of a deeper knowledge and understanding of him. And may our reception of him not be reduced to the moment of communion alone. Jesus remains present in the sacred Host and he awaits us constantly. Here in Altötting, the adoration of the Lord in the Eucharist has found a new location in the old treasury. Mary and Jesus go together. Through Mary we want to continue our converse with the Lord and to learn how to receive him better. Holy Mother of God, pray for us, just as at Cana you prayed for the bride and the bridegroom! Guide us towards Jesus — ever anew! Amen!"

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/travels/2006/index_germania_en.htm

http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/SeriesSearchprog.asp?SeriesID=-6892288&NewList=&T1=world~over

Pope Benedict XVI will be visiting Germany from Sept. 9 to 14. Links to texts of the Pope's homilies and addresses during this visit will be made available at the following page on the Vatican website (the texts will be available in German, English and Italian): http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/travels/2006/index_germania_en.htm. The following is the schedule of coverage to be shown on the Eternal Word Television Network. The coverage will also be available on-line via streaming audio and video at the following webpage: http://www.ewtn.com/tv/index2.htm

POPE BENEDICT XVI VISIT TO GERMANY ~ SEPTEMBER 9 ~ 14.
ARRIVAL OF THE HOLY FATHER (1 ½ HOURS) LIVE.
Arrival at Munich Airport in the afternoon. Reception and prayers at the Mariansäule on Marienplatz in Munich.
Saturday September 9, 2006 9:30 AM
Saturday September 9, 2006 3:30 PM ENCORE

VISIT TO MARIENPLATZ (1 ½ HOURS) LIVE
Reception and prayers at the Mariansäule on Marienplatz in Munich.
Saturday September 9, 2006 11:30 AM
Saturday September 9, 2006 5:00 PM ENCORE

MASS AND ANGELUS AT NEW FAIRGROUNDS IN MUNICH (3 HOURS) LIVE
Arrival of the Pope for special service and ride in "papamobile" over the open-air ground at the New Fairgrounds in Munich to the altar island.
Sunday September 10, 2006 3:30 AM
Sunday September 10, 2006 2:30 PM ENCORE

VESPERS WITH YOUNG FAMILIES, CATECHISTS AND CHILDREN FROM THE MUNICH CATHEDRAL (60:00) LIVE
Sunday September 10, 2006 11:30 AM
Sunday September 10, 2006 10 PM ENCORE

MASS AT CHAPEL SQUARE (2 ½ HOURS) LIVE
Arrival at Chapel Square ~ prayers in the "Gnadenkapelle" [Chapel of the Miraculous Image] and Holy Mass.
Monday September 11, 2006 4 AM
Monday September 11, 2006 2 PM ENCORE

PROCESSION TO ADORATION CHAPEL (60:00) LIVE
Procession with the ostensorium to the new worship chapel and transfer of the "Gnadenbild" [portrait with miraculous powers] to the Basilica.
Monday September 11, 2006 6:30 AM
Monday September 11, 2006 5 PM ENCORE

VISIT TO ALTOTTING, VESPERS WITH SEMINARIANS AND VISIT TO ST. OSWALD PARISH ( 2 HOURS) LIVE
Vespers held by the Holy Father with members of the order and seminiarins in the Basilica. Arrival in Marktl, visit to the parish church of St. Oswald.
Monday September 11, 2006 11 AM
Monday September 11, 2006 9 PM ENCORE

MASS AT ISLINGER FIELD (3 HOURS) LIVE
Holy Father's arrival at Islinger Field and Holy Mass.
Tuesday September 12, 2006 3:30 AM
Tuesday September 12, 2 006 2 PM ENCORE

MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF ACADEMIA (60:00) LIVE
Meeting with representatives of the academic world in the University of Regensburg.
Tuesday September 12, 2006 11 AM
Tuesday September 12, 2 006 5:30 PM ENCORE

The following is a summary of some comments on Christian leadership that Fr. John Corapi made at a talk he gave in early August at a 25th anniversary celebration of the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).

L lead by example
E educate (and be willing to learn)
A attitude (being motivated; being "on fire")
D discipline (including self-discipline)
E empower and encourage your subordinates
R respect others and receive input from others
S sacrifice; selfless service
H humility (acknowledging God as creator and myself as creature)
I initiative (take initiative; don't wait for others to act)
P plan, prepare, persevere, practice

- Leadership is more than just management

- Sacrificial love -- love should desire the eternal salvation of others

- Heaven is our goal

The following are links to a translation of an interview Pope Benedict XVI gave to a panel of four German journalists Aug. 5 in the papal summer residence of Castle Gandolfo (the total length of the transcript is 11 pages), as well as a link to a short summary of the interview (2 pages).

The 40-minute interview was broadcast last Sunday on German public television channels ARD and ZDF, on Germany's state-funded worldwide TV service Deutsche Welle, and on Vatican Radio.

The Pope will travel to his native Bavaria on Sept. 9-14.

Part 1:
http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=70313

Part 2:
http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=70314

A short summary of the interview:
http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=70225

Canadian broadcaster, columnist and author Michael Coren is the scheduled guest on EWTN's "The Journey Home" program on Monday July 31 from 8 to 9 pm. He will be discussing his return to the Catholic faith after spending a period as an evangelical Protestant. The program will be re-aired on EWTN TV on Tuesday Aug. 1 at 10 am, Wednesday Aug. 2 at 1 pm and Saturday Aug. 5 at 11 pm. It can also be viewed or heard on-line (see details below).

EWTN programs can be viewed or heard live on-line by going to Multimedia page on the EWTN website, located at: http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.asp

Archived audio copies of past EWTN programs can be heard on-line by going to the Audio Library on the EWTN website (see link below). (Programs are usually archived about a week after being originally aired.) To find a program featuring a particular guest, enter the name of the guest in the second search engine (the one for programs, not the one for series): http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/intro.asp

On "Sunday Night Live" on Sunday July 9 from 7 to 8 pm on EWTN TV, Fr. Benedict Groeschel will discuss the meaning of the Mass. (Repeats on Monday at 9 am and on Saturday July 15 at 5 pm).

The scheduled guest on "EWTN Live" on Wednesday July 12 from 8 to 9 pm is Frank Pavone of Priests for Life. (Repeats on Thursday at 9 am).

EWTN programs can be viewed or heard live on-line by going to Multimedia page on the EWTN website, located at: http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.asp

Archived audio copies of past EWTN programs can be heard on-line by going to the Audio Library on the EWTN website, located at: http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/intro.asp

On Friday June 30 from 8:00 to 9:30 pm on EWTN TV a special 90 minute edition of The World Over program features guests Peggy Noonan and Fr. Richard John Neuhaus and special musical guests Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy. (Repeats on Saturday July 1 at 4:00 pm).

On Saturday July 1 from 11 am to 7 pm EWTN TV will be presenting 8 hours of taped coverage of the recent EWTN 25TH ANNIVERSARY FAMILY CELEBRATION in Philadelphia (details below). Speakers include Fr. Richard John Neuhaus (morning) Dr. Scott Hahn (afternoon), Raymond Arroyo (afternoon) and Fr. Benedict Groeschel. The guests on The World Over program include Peggy Noonan and Fr. Richard John Neuhaus .

EWTN 25TH ANNIVERSARY FAMILY CELEBRATION, PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA [8 HOURS]

MORNING SESSION (2 hours)
Saturday July 1, 2006 11 AM

AFTERNOON SESSION (3 hours)
Saturday July 1, 2006 1 PM

THE WORLD OVER (90:00)
Saturday July 1, 2006 4 PM

KEYNOTE ADDRESS (90:00)
Saturday July 1, 2006 5:30 PM

The following is a link to the website of the American Chesterton Society. It provides a variety of information on the English Catholic writer G.K. Chesterton, including links to other websites on Chesterton. A "Quotations" pages features quotes from Chesterton, organized in a collection of general categories (see link below):

http://www.chesterton.org/

Quotations of G.K. Chesterton:
http://www.chesterton.org/discover/quotations.html

The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal are a community of priests and religious brothers and sisters that was co-founded by Fr. Benedict Groeschel and that is based in the Bronx, New York. Their website features a daily e-letter consisting of a short reflection by a member of the community. Please see below for a link to the homepage of their website and a link to an archive of the past e-letters.

Set out below is the text of the June 15, 2006 e-letter, which is a short reflection by Sr. Francis Teresa O’Donnell, CFR on how Christians are called to be confident despite their anxieties and doubts.
http://www.franciscanfriars.com/

Archive of e-letters (by author):
http://www.franciscanfriars.com/fr.%20glenn%20letters/archive_author.htm

A distinguishing mark of a Christian should be confidence. The word “confidence” comes from two Latin words “con” and “fide”—“with faith.” So, to be a Christian is to walk in confidence, not with arrogant confidence in self, but with humble confidence in Christ!

So, if Christians courageously walk by faith, why then are we sometimes so full of anxieties, fears, and doubts? And how can we pray and believe, and yet at the same time be consumed by worry and distraction? In fact, how can we dare call ourselves Christian at all when our lives are full of hypocrisy and contradiction? Well, before we beat ourselves up to the point of excommunication, let us recall just how much faith the first Christians had.

At the conclusion of Matthew’s Gospel, he tells us that when the eleven disciples saw the resurrected Jesus Christ, “they worshiped, but they doubted.” (Mt 28:17) Does Jesus then reproach them for their lack of faith? No! He draws even closer to them and commissions them to “go and make disciples of all nations.” (v. 19) Yes, while we are easily discouraged by our doubts, Christ is not. He responds to the apostles’ weakness by reminding them of His power: “All power in heaven and earth has been given to me,” (v. 18) and promising His presence: “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (v. 20)

So, the next time you are overwhelmed by your own frailties, inadequacies, or limitations, do not succumb to despair! Remember His power and His presence. God is with you and He can do all things! God allows us to realize that we don’t “have it all together” for our own good, so that we will depend more totally on Him. He is teaching us to be Christians, to walk in confidence (with faith) that when we are weak, He is strong! (2 Cor 12:10)

“I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.” (2 Cor 12:9) Now, that’s Christian Confidence!

Sr. Francis Teresa O’Donnell, CFR

The following are links to the texts of homilies and addresses by Pope Benedict XVI from the Easter Triduum masses in April 2006 and from the Pope's visit to Poland in May 2006.

Pope Benedict XVI - Triduum & Easter 2006
An index page to the words of the Holy Father at his General Audience, Wednesday of Holy Week, at the Holy Chrism Mass and Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday, at the Way of the Cross on Good Friday, at the Easter Vigil, and his Urbi et Urbi Message on Easter Sunday, 2006.

http://www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/b16triduum06.HTM

Pope Benedict XVI - Holy Chrism Mass: God in Us, We in God (5 pages)
On Holy Thursday morning, 13 April 2006, in St. Peter's Basilica, the Holy Father was the Principal Celebrant at the Chrism Mass, with more than 1,500 priests us concelebrants. In his homily, the Holy Father reflected on the mystery of the priesthood, that a mere human being can "speak with his "I": in persona Christi," so that Christ exercises his priesthood through the priest.

http://www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/b16chrsmass06.htm

http://www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/b16eastrvig06.htm

http://www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/b16polindex.HTM

The program will be shown on Vision TV on Sunday June 11 from 6:00 to 6:30 pm.

For those who have access to high-speed internet, this week's program, as well as previous programs this year, can be seen on-line by going to one of the following links:

http://www.renewalministries.net/choices_tv_streaming.php

http://www.renewalministries.net/choices_tv_archive.php

The following is a link to a short article (5 pages) by Peter Kreeft entitled "The Living Christ is the Point of it All". It is an excerpt from his book "The God Who Loves You".
http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2006/print2006/pkreet_ptofitall_may06.html

The article is from the Ignatius Insight website, which features articles and essays by Ignatius Press authors on the Catholic Church and her teachings, beliefs, practices, and history. Link to the homepage:
http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/

This year's Doors Open event will be held in Ottawa on Saturday June 3 and Sunday July 4, 2006. Doors Open Ottawa is a weekend celebration of our architectural heritage when historic and architecturally significant buildings (including churches) open their doors to the public, free of charge. Most participating buildings are not normally opened to the public. Many buildings will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but please check with each participating building for specific dates and times.

Further information, including the list of participating buildings is available at the link below. The list of participating buildings will also be published in the Ottawa Citizen and Le Droit newspapers on Thursday June 1.

http://ottawa.ca/residents/heritage/doorsopen/about_en.shtml

The following is a link to the website of Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher to the papal household. The website provides access to the text of his homilies and talks.

http://www.cantalamessa.org/index.htm

The following is a link to a short commentary by Fr. Cantalamessa on the pruning of the vine (John 15:1-8):

http://catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0833.htm

PILGRIM CHURCHES OF ROME (60 minutes)
Father Victor Hoagland, C.P., Passionist , offers a well-done and engaging tour of seven of the famous historical Churches of Rome frequented by pilgrims for centuries.
Sunday May 21 at 10 pm
(repeats on Tues. May 23 at 2 pm and Thur. May 26 at 4 am)

EWTN Presents: WHITE DOVE OF PEACE
To be shown on Wednesdays from 10 to 11 pm on May 24 and 31 and June 7 and 14.
This 4-part mini-series presents the epic scope of English history from a Catholic perspective- those fruitful eras of unity between Church and state and those of grave disunity. Enjoy historical drama as well as England’s lyrical countryside and music. (Four 60 minute episodes.)

The following is an open invitation to An Evening to Discover Augustine College (Ottawa) and St. Stephen’s University (St. Stephen, N.B.), two Canadian schools of higher learning that set Christ at the centre of all they do.

(Augustine College's programs are recognized by Franciscan University and Thomas Aquinas College.)

Reception - 7 pm, Wednesday, 24 May 2006
St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Queensway at Woodroffe, Ottawa

Dessert will be served at 7 pm, followed by presentations, by college presidents, students, and parents. We extend a warm welcome to students, parents, pastors, teachers, school counsellors, and interested persons. Please pass the word to anyone you know who might wish to learn more about Christian alternatives in higher education.

Please RSVP by May 17th by calling (613) 266-5707
For more information, contact us directly at

Augustine College
18 Blackburn Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1N 8A3
(613) 237-9870
www.augustinecollege.org
--------------------
St.Stephen’s University
8 Main Street
St.Stephen, NB
E3L 3E2
1-888-225-5778 (Call SSU)
www.ssu.ca

The following are links to "McCloskey's Perspectives" a website featuring articles on the Catholic faith by Fr. C. John McCloskey. The website includes Fr. McCloskey's "Lifetime Reading Plan", which lists 100 recommended books.

Homepage of "McCloskey's Perspectives":
http://www.catholicity.com/mccloskey/

Lifetime reading plan (list of 100 recommended books) (4 pages):
http://www.catholicity.com/mccloskey/articles/readingplan.html

Article on Spiritual Reading (3 pages):
http://www.catholicity.com/mccloskey/articles/spiritualreading.html

Article on The Seven Daily Habits of Holy Apostolic People (4 pages):
http://www.catholicity.com/mccloskey/articles/sevenhabits.html

A two part documentary on Jean Vanier entitled "The Gift of Love" will be presented on the "Ideas" series on CBC Radio One on Wednesday May 3 and Thursday May 4 from 9 to 10 pm. (Aired on 91.5 FM in Ottawa.)

Please see below for further details.

Wednesday, May 3 – Thursday, May 4
THE GIFT OF LOVE CD
What we owe each other, how we might learn from each other, and how we can build a more moral, inclusive and equitable world; above all, how the Christian message can be translated into a secular society. Jean Vanier has spent a lifetime thinking and acting on these questions. A documentary series by Philip Coulter.

Source of information: http://www.cbc.ca/ideas/schedule1.html

A large used book sale will be held this Saturday and Sunday at the Nepean Sportsplex, organized by the friends of the Ottawa Public Library (details below).

THE ANNUAL MAMMOTH USED BOOKSALE

HALL ''F" at THE NEPEAN SPORTSPLEX (1701 WOODROFFE)

THIS IS THE LARGEST SALE OF ITS KIND IN OTTAWA THIS YEAR. BROWSE THROUGH A MASSIVE COLLECTION OF THOUSANDS OF USED AND NEARLY NEW BOOKS OF ALL KINDS AT THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICES EVER!

HOURS: SATURDAY 22 APRIL 10AM-5PM
SUNDAY 23 APRIL 10AM-3PM

http://www.ottawapubliclibraryfriends.ca/en_books.html

CBC TV will be showing a new four-hour miniseries dramatizing the papacy of Pope John Paul II, entitled "Karol: The Pope, The Man. Part 1 will be shown on Sunday April 16 from 8 to 10 pm and Part 2 will be shown on Monday April 17 from 8 to 10 pm. (Please see below for further details.)

CBC TELEVISION PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE FOUR-HOUR MINI-SERIES KAROL: THE POPE, THE MAN
SUNDAY, APRIL 16 AND MONDAY, APRIL 17 AT 8 P.M.
A year after the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II, Canadian viewers will be the very first to see a dramatized, intimate portrait of the late pontiff. CBC Television is pleased to present the world premiere of CBC Television is pleased to present the world premiere of KAROL: THE POPE, THE MAN. This two-part, four-hour mini-series, a CBC Big Ticket presentation, illuminates the Pope’s 27-year reign as head of the Roman Catholic Church. It will telecast over Easter weekend, Sunday, April 16 and Monday, April 17 at 8 to 10 p.m.

The mini-series is a sequel to last season’s broadcast Karol, The Man Who Became Pope which focused on the early years of Karol Józef Wojtyla, from his days as a university student in Krakow during the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany during WWII, through his vocation to the priesthood and to his surprise election as pope in 1978.

KAROL: THE POPE, THE MAN stars Polish actor Piotr Adamczk, who reprises the role of Wojtyla. The mini-series depicts the latter years of the first man from behind the iron curtain to be elected Pope. It explores his unconventional papacy and shows how it changed the course of history by helping to topple Communism. It follows the Pope’s travels to South Africa and Latin America, where he took his message of global peace, despite an assassination attempt that tried to silence him. From the downtrodden in Mexico, the destitute and sick in Calcutta, to the forgotten poor of the planet, part-one illustrates John Paul II’s first-hand experiences with the masses while speaking out forcefully against the exploitation of the Third World.

Part-two focuses on how the Pope courageously continued his pontificate despite a debilitating illness that kept him in constant pain. He continues his travels and meets Father Thomas (Timothy Martin), a Ugandan bishop who works to recover children used as soldiers in guerrilla warfare and, Julia Ritter (Leslie Hope) a Canadian doctor who works in a hospital with AIDS patients. As his illness progresses, the Pope never hides his physical suffering, and continues to speak out to the very end against wars and violence. His message is always: “There is nothing more sacred or precious than a single life.”

KAROL: THE POPE, THE MAN was directed by Giacomo Battiato from a screenplay by Battiato and Monica Zapelli, Gian Mario Pagano and Gian Franco Svidercoschi. Producer is Pietro Valsecchi. Executive Producer is Camilla Nesbitt. It is a production of Taodue Film (Italy)/RTI (Italy) in association with Capri Films (Canada).
Source: http://www3.cbc.ca/sections/newsitem_redux.asp?ID=4263

The following is a list of upcoming guests on "EWTN Live", which is shown on EWTN TV on Wednesday from 8 to 9 pm. (Repeats on Thursdays at 9am.)

Information on upcoming guests and topics for all of EWTN's live programs can be obtained by going to the following link and clicking on the program of interest (see the list of programs on the left side of the page): http://www.ewtn.com/tv/prime_wednesday.asp

After being aired, programs can be heard on-line by going to the EWTN audio library at the following link and by entering the last name of the guest (without quotes) in the second search engine (the one for programs, not the one for series): http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/intro.asp

Apr 12 Holy Week
Jan Graffius
Stonyhurst Collection and English Catholic History

Apr 19
Fr. Simon Stefanowicz
National Shrine, Our Lady of Czestochowa and The Church in Poland

Apr 26
Dr. Anthony E. Clark
Canonized Martyrs of China

The following is information on upcoming programs on EWTN and Vision TV.

This week on EWTN's The World Over program, the Schindler family talks about Terri Schindler-Schiavo on the anniversary of her death and about their new book entitled A Life That Matters: The Legacy of Terri Schiavo. The program will be shown on Friday April 7 from 8 to 9 pm (repeats on Monday at 10 am and 11 pm and Tuesday at 1 pm).

After being aired the program can be heard on-line by going to the EWTN audio library at the following link and by entering "Schiavo" (without the quotes) in the second search engine (the one for programs, not the one for series):

http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/intro.asp

Two programs featuring Pope Benedict XVI will be shown on Vision TV (cable 61 on Rogers Cable in Ottawa) during Holy Week. Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum will be shown on Good Friday, April 14, 4 p.m. (90 mins). Easter Mass from Rome will be shown on Easter Sunday, April 16, 9 p.m. (90 mins).

Below is a list of programs from the Vatican to be shown on EWTN TV during Holy Week. Further details of specials to be shown on EWTN TV are available at:

http://www.ewtn.com/tv/index.asp

SOLEMN MASS OF PALM SUNDAY WITH POPE BENEDICT XVI, ST. PETER'S SQUARE, ROMA LIVE (3 hours)
Sunday April 9, 2006 3:30 AM LIVE
Sunday April 9, 2006 8:00 PM ENCORE

CELEBRATION OF PENANCE: RITE OF RECONCILIATION WITH POPE BENEDICT XVI, VATICAN BASILICA, LIVE (2 hours)
Tuesday April 11, 2006 11:30 AM

CHRISMAL MASS WITH POPE BENEDICT XVI, VATICAN BASILICA, ROME LIVE (2 hours)
Thursday April 13, 2006 3:30 AM

SOLEMN MASS OF OUR LORD'S LAST SUPPER, WITH POPE BENEDICT XVI, BASILICA OF ST. JOHN LATERAN, ROMA, LIVE (2 hours)
Thursday April 13, 2006 11:30 AM LIVE
Friday April 14, 2006 12:00 AM ENCORE

CELEBRATION OF OUR LORD'S PASSION WITH POPE BENEDICT XVI, VATICAN BASILICA, ROMA LIVE (2hours)
Friday April 14, 2006 11:00 AM
Saturday April 15, 2006 12 AM

VIA CRUCIS AT THE COLOSSEUM WITH POPE BENEDICT XVI, ROMA (TAPE DELAYED) (2 hours)
Friday April 14, 2006 8:00 PM

HOLY SATURDAY PASCHAL VIGIL WITH POPE BENEDICT XVI, VATICAN BASILICA, ROMA, LIVE (3 hours)
Saturday April 15, 2006 4:00 PM LIVE
Sunday April 16, 2006 12:00 AM ENCORE

SOLEMN MASS OF EASTER SUNDAY WITH POPE BENEDICT XVI, ST. PETER'S SQUARE, ROMA LIVE (90:00)
Sunday April 16, 2006 4:30 AM LIVE
Sunday April 16, 2006 12:00 PM ENCORE

The following is information on upcoming programming on the EWTN Catholic TV network, including a number of programs being shown on April 1, 2 and 3 in honour of the first anniversary of the passing of Pope John Paul II. Further information about other programming (including Easter programs from the Vatican) is available by going to the following links to the EWTN website.

http://www.ewtn.com/tv/index.asp

http://www.ewtn.com/tv/index2.htm
EWTN programs can be seen or heard live on-line by going to the mutimedia page on EWTN's website at:
http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.asp
The World Over Fri. March 31 8-9 pm
Guest: Fr. Richard John Neuhaus
The recent Consistory, and his latest book, 'Catholic Matters: Confusion, Controversy and the Splendor of Truth.'
Re-air of April 2005 Solemn Funeral Mass for His Holiness
John Paul II from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome
Sat. April 1 at 7PM (3 hrs)

Witness to Hope, The Life of Karol Wojtyla,
Pope John Paul II (2 hrs)
Sun. April 2 at 4PM
Thur. April 6 at 1PM
(A comprehensive and intimate film based on George Weigel’s acclaimed biography and John Paul II the Great: A Pope who made History)
---------------------
John Paul II the Great:
A Pope who made History (1 hr)
Sun. April 2 at 10PM
Wed. April 5 at 10PM
(A brand new documentary covering this inspirational life, from his birth to the last moments of his earthly life)
-----------------
Solemn Mass in Memory of Pope John
Paul II with Pope Benedict XVI from the
Vatican Basilica in Rome (2 hr)
LIVE Mon. April 3 at 11:30AM
ENCORE at 9PM

On Wednesday March 29 from 8 to 9 pm on "EWTN Live" Fr. Mitch Pacwa's scheduled guest is Matt Daniels, who will be discussing the state of the institution of marriage in Canada. Matt Daniels is President of the U.S. based Alliance for Marriage.
The program can also be viewed or heard live on-line by going to EWTN's website at www.ewtn.com and clicking on "multimedia".
After being broadcast, an archived audio version of the program can be heard by going to EWTN's Audio Library at the link below and entering "Daniels" (without the quotes) in the second search engine (the one for programs, not for series):
http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/intro.asp

Solemn Funeral Mass for His Holiness John Paul II from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome
April 1 at 7PM

Witness to Hope, The Life of Karol Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II
April 2 at 3AM
April 6 at 1PM

John Paul II the Great: A Pope who made History
April 2 at 10PM
April 5 at 10PM

Solemn Mass in Memory of Pope John Paul II
with Pope Benedict XVI from the Vatican Basilica in Rome
LIVE April 3 at 11:30AM
ENCORE at 9PM

The following are the upcoming scheduled guests/topics on EWTN's "The World Over" program. It is aired on EWTN TV and EWTN radio (6875 khz) on Fridays from 8 to 9 pm. (It repeats on EWTN TV on Mondays at 10 am and 11 pm and on Tuesdays at 1 pm).

The program can also be heard live on-live via Real Audio by going to EWTN's website. Past programs can be heard on-line by going to the program's website (see link below) and click on "Past Programs" (immediately above the words "Fridays 8 pm").

http://www.ewtn.com/WorldOver/index.asp

March 17
Fr. Thomas Euteneuer, Human Life International
Pro-life & Family issues

March 24
EWTNews' coverage of the Consistory of Cardinals

March 31
Fr. Richard John Neuhaus
The recent Consistory, and his latest book, 'Catholic Matters: Confusion, Controversy and the Splendor of Truth.'

The following is a link to the text of a March 3, 2006 article (5 pages) from Vatican-based journalist John Allen's "Word from Rome" website, in which he discusses a recent conversation he had with Cardinal Marc Ouellet (Archbishop of Quebec City) about the first year of Pope Benedict XVI's papacy. (See below for a short excerpt from the article, which describes Cardinal Ouellet's qualifications).

(Mr. Allen's "Word from Rome" website, which provides commentary on Vatican news, is updated every Friday) (see link below).

Link to article about Cardinal Ouellet:
http://www.nationalcatholicreporter.org/word/word030306.htm

Link to homepage of John Allen's "Word from Rome" website:
http://www.nationalcatholicreporter.org/word

The March 3, 2006 article begins with the following comments by John Allen on Cardinal Ouellet's qualifications:

"In the run-up to the 2005 conclave, some people (myself included) saw Ouellet as a candidate for the papacy. Just 61, he may well have another bite at the apple before his career is over.
Ouellet is multi-lingual and multi-cultural; he lived and taught in Bogotá, Colombia, wrote his dissertation in German on Hans Urs von Balthasar, and speaks Italian and English in addition to French, German and Spanish. A Sulpician priest, he's a former secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. He drew high marks during his tenure in the Curia and is well regarded in Rome. He is associated with the Communio School, and is a devotee of von Balthasar, whom he knew personally. He's strong on Catholic identity, including passions for Eucharistic adoration and Gregorian chant. He has also been critical of the 1960s "Quiet Revolution" in Quebec, which he believes promoted a kind of cultural relativism. People who have worked with Ouellet describe him as friendly, humble, and flexible."

The following is a link to a webpage providing access to the text (3 pages) of Pope Benedict's message for Lent 2006, which considers the problem of poverty and the Church's response to it. (The text is available in English, French and several other languages.)
http://www.vatican.va/liturgical_year/lent/index-lent2006-hf_en.htm

VisionTV broadcasts this two-part special from Canada's National Catholic Broadcasting Council on Monday, March 6 and Tuesday, March 7 from 7 to 8 p.m. ET (repeats at 11 p.m).

The National Catholic Mission is a semi-annual television event that invites Catholic Church members across the country to rekindle their faith and seek new direction for their lives. The program features reflections, readings and music.

This year's mission leader, Dr. John Markey, O.P., a member of the Dominican Order of Preachers and an assistant professor at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, speaks to the program's theme: “Beware of the Undertow.” He describes the subtle forces at work in our culture that pull so many people away from leading Christian lives.

He is joined by Paula D'Arcy, president of the Red Bird Foundation in Austin, Texas, which ministers to prisoners and women in need. She has written extensively on the subject of grief and faith.

The mission also features musical performances by Pickering, Ont. gospel artist Rena Gaile, the Bancroft, Ont. folk group Everything Fitz, and Toronto singer-songwriter Larry Folk.

This is to mention two upcoming guests on EWTN TV's live programs, as well as information on new programs that EWTN will be carrying starting in March.

On Friday February 24 from 8 to 9 pm, Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, Australia is scheduled to appear on EWTN's "The World Over" program (repeats on Monday at 10 am and 11 pm and on Tuesday at 1 pm). Cardinal Pell chairs the Vox Clara Committee, which advises the Vatican on English translations of the Roman Missal and other texts.

On Sunday February 26 from 8 to 9 pm, Robert Moynihan, editor of "Inside the Vatican" magazine, is scheduled to appear as the guest on Sunday Night Life with Fr. Benedict Groeschel, to discuss the topic "Where Will the Pope Lead Us". (Repeats on Monday at 9 am and on Saturday March 4 at 5 pm.

EWTN TV will be carrying a number of new series starting in March. Details are available at the following webpage (scroll down to the bottom of that webpage for the information on the new programs):

http://www.ewtn.com/tv/index.asp

This is to mention that the following guests are scheduled to appear on EWTN's "The World Over" program (aired live on EWTN TV on Fridays from 8 to 9 pm; repeated on Mondays at 10 am and 11 pm and on Tuesdays at 1 pm.

After being aired, an archived audio version of each program can be heard on-line via real audio by going to the following link:

http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/SeriesSearchprog.asp?SeriesID=-6892288&NewList=&T1=world~over

February 17
Fr. Richard John Neuhaus
Catholicism and American Culture; Assessing the First Year of Pope Benedict's papacy
February 24
Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, Australia

The following is a link to the website of The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, a Canadian-based coalition that was established to prepare a well-informed, broadly based, network of groups and individuals who support measures that will create an effective social barrier to euthanasia and assisted suicide.
http://www.epcc.ca/

The following are links to two other items on Euthanasia:

A joint statement (9 pages) by a group of Canadian doctors and lawyers setting out reasons for opposing the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide.

http://catholiceducation.org/articles/euthanasia/eu0037.html

A column (3 pages) on the same subject by Fred Henry, Catholic Bishop of Calgary (from the Oct. 30, 2005 issue of the Calgary Sun)

http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Columnists/Henry_Bishop_Fred/2005/10/29/pf-1284390.html

The EWTN website has a "Catholic Q & A" section (see link below) in which a panel of experts respond to questions on topics such as Catholic Doctrine, Scripture, Liturgy and Spiritual Question. Visitors can read answers to frequently asked questions, do searches on a library of previously asked questions or ask a new question.

http://www.ewtn.com/vexperts/conference.htm

As well, the EWTN website has a Teachings section (see link below) providing brief teachings on topics such as The Catholic Church, The Papacy and The Holy Eucharist.

http://www.ewtn.com/faith/teachings/teaching.htm

The text of Pope Benedict XVI's first Encyclical, entitled "Deus caritas est" (God is love) was released on January 25, 2006. Dated December 25, Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, it considers the question of Christian love.

Set out below are links to a short summary of the Encyclical (3 pages), the text of the Encyclical (25 pages) and the text of a short address by the Pope on the Encyclical (3 pages).

The Encyclical is divided into two parts. The first, entitled, "The Unity of Love in Creation and in Salvation History," presents a theological- philosophical reflection on "love" in its various dimensions - "eros," "philia," and "agape" - highlighting certain vital aspects of God's love for man and the inherent links that such love has with human love. The second part, entitled "The Practice of Love by the Church as a 'Community of Love'," concerns the concrete implementation of the commandment to love others.

Summary of the Encyclical by Vatican Information Services (3 pages): http://212.77.1.245/news_services/press/vis/dinamiche/a1_en.htm

English text of the Encyclical (25 pages): http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20051225_deus-caritas-est_en.html

Pope's Address on Forthcoming Encyclical -- "I Wished to Show the Humanity of Faith" (Jan. 23, 2006) (3 pages): http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=83272

The following news item indicates that Pope Benedict XVI's first encylical will be released on Wednesday January 25. The encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, will consider the true nature of love.

After being released, the text of the encyclical should be available at:

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/index.htm

http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=41892

Pope's 1st encyclical due January 25
Vatican, Jan. 18 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) today ended speculation about the publication date for his first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, by announcing at his regular weekly public audience that the document will be released on January 25.

Speaking to 8,000 people in the Paul VI auditorium, the Holy Father drew applause with his announcement. He gently acknowledged the intense media speculation about the document-- which has reportedly been delayed by revisions and difficulties with translations-- by saying that the encyclical would "finally" appear in one week.

Pope Benedict said that his encyclical is an effort to explain the true nature of love, by discussing the "different dimensions" of human love. In today's world, he observed, love is often discussed in language that " often appears as something far removed from Church teaching." But even romantic love points toward a higher form of charity, he said: "Eros becomes agape if one seeks the good of others, it becomes caritas if it opens to one's own family and to the entire human family."

The encyclical goes on to say that "the very personal act of love must be expressed within the Church also as an organizational act," the Pope told his audience. He added: "If it is true that the Church is an expression of God, it must be true that love becomes an ecclesial act." Thus the encyclical takes a detailed look at the charitable activities of the Catholic Church.

The Pope noted that the publication date, January 25, will coincide with the conclusion of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. On that day, which is also the feast of the conversion of St. Paul, the Pontiff will go to the basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls for an ecumenical prayer service closing the annual event. "I feel it is a sign of Providence" that the encyclical will be published on that day, he said.

Companions Mini-conference - Feb. 3 & 4
The following is a link to information about the upcoming Companions of the Cross mini-conference. The theme of this year's conference is "Reaching for Truth amid Storms of Deceit".

It will be held on Friday, February 3, 7:00pm – 9:30pm and Saturday, February 4, 8:30am – 5:00pm at the Tudor Hall, 3750 Bowesville Rd., Ottawa.

Please forward this to others who you think might be interested in attending this event.

http://www.companionscross.ca/upcoming-pages/february%20miniconference/februaryminiconference.pdf

I have set out below a statement (2 pages) on "Evangelical Catholicism", which sets out seven principles for living out the Catholic faith. Among other things, it mentions the importance of the knowledge of scripture. (The statement is from the website of St. Mary's Church in Greenville, South Carolina.)

Statement on Evangelical Catholicism (2 pages):

http://www.stmarysgvl.org/discipleship-evangelical.asp

EVANGELICAL CATHOLICISM
During the nearly twenty-seven years of his pontificate, John Paul the Great called the Church to the urgent mission of fulfilling the Great Commission in our time, a project he called the New Evangelization. This evangelical summons of John Paul continued the same call given to the Church by Pope Paul VI in the years of and after the Second Vatican Council, and now the same commitment to announcing the timeless truths of the Gospel with new ardour, new methods, and new conviction is being asked of us by Pope Benedict XVI.

By our Baptism we are called to receive the Gospel as a complete, coherent, comprehensive Way of Life and to submit our entire lives in the obedience of faith to the Lord Jesus. Everything about us must be measured and guided by the Gospel: our thoughts, words, actions, bodies, relationships, spending habits, political convictions, leisure activities, lifestyle choices, and business decisions. But this total surrender to Christ and His Gospel is not a restriction of our freedom; in fact, it is the beginning of authentic discipleship and the only path to evangelical liberty. As the Lord Jesus teaches, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free" (John 8:31 -32).

Another way of expressing our commitment to the work of the New Evangelization is to say that we must become Evangelical Catholics. By our Baptism, we are called to be men and women of the Gospel who are Christian disciples by conviction rather than Church members by convention. Being Evangelical Catholics requires that we know the Gospel, believe the Gospel, live the Gospel, and share the Gospel with others. Becoming Evangelical Catholics is a lifelong adventure of letting go of cafeteria, casual, and cultural Catholicism by accepting the liberating truth of the Word of God and living by grace through faith in the Son of God.

All Catholics are called by their Baptism to be Evangelical Catholics, which means (in part) living according to these seven principles of Evangelical Catholicism:

1. The Lord Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of all mankind, and no human person can fully understand his life or find his dignity and destiny apart from a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. It is not enough to know who Jesus is; we must know Jesus.

2. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is divine revelation, not human wisdom, and the Gospel is given to us in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition which together constitute a single divine deposit of faith transmitted authentically and authoritatively by the Bishops in full communion with the Bishop of Rome. We must surrender our private judgments in all matters of faith and morals to the sacred teaching authority of the Church's Magisterium if we are to receive the whole Gospel.

3. The seven Sacraments of the New Covenant are divinely instituted instruments of grace given to the Church as the ordinary means of sanctification for believers. Receiving the Sacraments regularly and worthily is essential to the life of grace, and for this reason, faithful attendance at Sunday Mass every week (serious illness and necessary work aside) and regular Confession of sins are absolutely required for a life of authentic discipleship.

4. Through Word and Sacrament we are drawn by grace into a transforming union with the Lord Jesus, and having been justified by faith we are called to sanctification and equipped by the Holy Spirit for the good works of the new creation. We must, therefore, learn to live as faithful disciples and to reject whatever is contrary to the Gospel, which is the Good News of the Father's mercy and love revealed in the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

5. Receiving the Sacraments without receiving the Gospel leads to superstition rather than living faith, and the Church must therefore take great care to ensure that those who receive the Sacraments also receive the Gospel in its integrity and entirety. Consequently, before Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion, and Marriage are administered, there must be in those who request these Sacraments clear evidence of knowledge of the Gospel and a serious intention to live the Christian life.

6. Being a follower of Christ requires moving from being a Church member by convention to a Christian disciple by conviction. This transformation demands that we consciously accept the Gospel as the measure of our entire lives, rather than attempting to measure the Gospel by our experience. Personal knowledge of and devotion to Sacred Scripture is necessary for this transformation to occur through the obedience of faith, and there is no substitute for personal knowledge of the Bible. Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.

7. All the baptized are sent in the Great Commission to be witnesses of Christ to others and must be equipped by the Church to teach the Gospel in word and deed. An essential dimension of true discipleship is the willingness to invite others to follow the Lord Jesus and the readiness to explain His Gospel.