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Last Updated: Friday - 09/24/2010

Week of July 12, 1999

Canadian and Foreign News Highlights

Internet still without patron:

A potential patron saint of the Internet needs a petition. He or she also needs the support of a large, recognized association of Catholic laity or of a solid international group of bishops. So far, the Vatican has seen no sign that St. Isidore of Seville has that kind of support to be designated patron saint of the Internet, despite stories that have been bouncing from the Internet to newspapers and television stations and back again since January. Officials at several Vatican offices said June 28 they did not know where the story of St. Isidore as Internet patron began. Also, they said, no formal request has been made to the Vatican for such a designation.

St. Isidore, a doctor of the Church, was an archbishop and theologian who lived from 560 to 636. Supporters of his candidacy as Internet patron clicked on his name because he was the chief author of Etymologiae, an encyclopedia of all the secular and religious knowledge available in the seventh century. The 20-volume work - covering everything from God to household utensils - has been described as having an internal structure similar to a primitive database.

A Jesuit's 10 years on the Hill:

"The conscience of Parliament Hill" is a Catholic priest who's been going to "work" on Parliament Hill every sitting day of the House of Commons since 1989. Father Tony Van Hee, 61, had completed 10 years of prayer and picketing against abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide when the House of Commons adjourned in mid-June. When he's on the job, which begins shortly after 8 a.m. and ends around 3 p.m. daily, Van Hee pickets only a few feet outside the main entrance to the House of Commons in full view of MPs, cabinet ministers and the prime minister.

Catholic recording label started:

A dozen contemporary Catholic musicians are poised to take their place in the music industry alongside their well-marketed Protestant counterparts. A joint venture between longtime Catholic recording artist John Michael Talbot and contemporary Christian music producers Phil Perkins and Steve Griffin called Troubadour Communications Group is trying to win the hearts and minds - and ears - of Catholic audiences. "Contemporary Catholic music - or Christian music by Catholics for Catholics - is about 20 years behind the Protestant market," Griffin said. Among the Troubadour artists are Calgary's Denis Grady.

Youth called to be saints:

Pope John Paul urged young Catholics to become the next millennium's saints by being more prayerful and socially engaged. "Young people of every continent, do not be afraid to be the saints of the new millennium," the pontiff said in a message for World Youth Day 2000. "Be contemplative, love prayer; be coherent with your faith and generous in the service of your brothers and sisters, be active members of the Church and builders of peace." The pope's message is intended to prepare Catholic youth for the Aug. 15-19, 2000, world gathering in Rome.

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