I came across an article the other day that indicated there’s research that suggests that experiences, not things, make us happier. Turns out there are a few reasons for this – the value of experience increases over time, and it’s something that people share, and even bad experiences (apparently) are valued more over the course ...read more

(Pope Francis greets Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in the Vatican gardens in 2014. With the publication of Laudato Si’, Francis has joined Benedict in issuing an encyclical that addresses the ecological crisis and integral human development. Caritas in Veritate was issued by Benedict in 2009. Photo courtesy of CNS.) With the release of Laudato Si’, Pope ...read more

The Catholic world is still a buzz over the release of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si, more commonly known as his Encyclical on the environment. Not in a generation have the more obscure Papal activities such as Encyclicals and Synods been mainstream news. So in light of that, what is to come of these papal teachings ...read more

Laudato Si is so complete and so radical that it will take years for us to unpack it fully. There is a lot there, but one of the themes that has most moved me (and this was not surprising) is encapsulated by this statement from the introduction: “The violence present in our hearts, wounded by ...read more

Apparently, one of the most subversive things you can do these days is plant a garden in your backyard. No kidding. And as much as I dream of this possibility one day; for those of us who live in tiny apartments in downtown Toronto and work erratic hours, well, its not really an option, yet. ...read more

If you haven’t read the Pope’s latest encyclical on the environment, you should: climate change, the loss of biodiversity, over-consumption, food waste, water scarcity are but a few of the hot button issues Pope Francis took aim at. As the saying goes: something’s gotta give. For the sake of our common home, Pope Francis is ...read more

The pope’s ecology encyclical, Laudato Si, was finally, officially released this week. The label “ecology” does not fully capture the breadth and depth of what Pope Francis discusses in the document. He does outline the problems with our planet, but shows how climate issues cannot be disconnected from human issues like poverty, migration and quality ...read more

Prior to the release of Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, experts reflect on the history and significance of the church’s role in promoting stewardship of creation. Videos courtesy of Catholic News Service. ...read more

On June 18, 2015, Pope Francis released an encyclical on ecology entitled, “Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home.” Prior to the public release, the Holy Father sent the encyclical to all Bishops around the world with a handwritten note, seen below. The note reads: JHS The Vatican, 16 June 2015 Dear brother, In the ...read more

Last week Pope Francis and the Vatican played host to one of the single most influential people on the planet in Vladimir Putin. Love or hate the man, his effect on international affairs is unparalleled. This is probably why the Vatican quickly adjusted Francis’ schedule upon receiving the 11th hour request for a meeting with ...read more