Dear Fr. Glenn - Once again, a great message. It should make us all think a lot about our commitment to the Faith. In times when we aren't in danger of being arrested or imprisoned or worse, it would be easy enough, I think, to stand for and even, as you have pointed out, make a good case to prove our Christianity. I often think about and also pray that I would be as vocal and proud to "prove" my faith in God and His Church under such circumstances, after all it does say in scripture that Our Lord will "stand up for us if we stand up for Him"(excuse the paraphrasing). We need only look at all the suffering of our brothers and sisters in the faith from around the world to see that many do stand up proudly for their beliefs. Let us all take up our own crosses and follow their example, knowing that with God's grace even the weakest and most vulnerable of our world can show great courage in times of adversity and be conquerers, winning the greatest battle we will ever be asked to face - for our eternal salvation. God bless you all!

Dear Fr. Benedict - I really enjoyed your reflection on Catherine Doherty. Being Canadian, it gives me a sense of pride to know that she came to Canada and began her great apostolate of serving the poor and opening Madonna House. I have a brother and sister-in-law who live near Combermere so we have had the great privilege of visiting Madonna House there. It is such a peaceful, refreshing place where you truly sense the presence of God. We were not there long enough to experience the Poustinia, but it would be quite the experience, I am sure. I could just imagine the closeness we would feel to God, in the silence, with nothing but the sounds of nature to interfere with our communication with the Almighty. Just thinking about it gives me the desire to make such a retreat. I pray that we will one day see the cause for Catherine Doherty's beatification come to fruition.

Your sister in Christ, Michelle, SFO, Canada