NATIONAL POST: A Publication of Toronto

National Post -- a daily newspaper -- from Toronto

This national daily provides news, features, articles, and opinions on Canada and world by covering politics, economy, business, personal finance, investing, science and technology, entertainment, fashion, environment, religion, real estate, automobiles, careers, media, health and fitness, homes, jobs, food and drink, arts, lifestyle, books, horoscopes, sports, and more. 

It's also available online at: National Post

H (HOLR): A Publication of Toronto

H (HOLR) -- a bimonthly magazine -- from Toronto

This magazine provides features, article, and photos and videos on latest fashion, culture, lifestyle, relationships, beauty, skincare, grooming, wellness, personalities, health, food and nutrition, music, real estate, travel, and more. 

Email contact: letters@holrmagazine.com

It's also available online at: H (HOLR) Magazine

The Quotation of the Week (November 25 - December 1, 2018)

A quotation of Mary Anne Radmacher on 'courage,' compiled by Jerome D'Costa

Artwork (A bee) by a child

Student-To-Student Abuse And Sex Abuse Scandal At St. Michael's College School in Toronto

St. Michael's College School Sports Arena

Photo courtesy: ca.news.yahoo.com/

St. Michael's College School, a prestigious private Catholic institution, run by the Basilian Fathers of Toronto, drew international media attention in the second and third week of November when four videos -- one after the other -- appeared showing cases of student-to-student abuse and sexual abuse. This generated an outcry for in-depth and impartial investigation and appropriate punishment of the students involved in abusing fellow students. 

So far, six boys have been arrested and charged by police. Among the arrestees are two boys aged 14 and four boys aged 15 years. 

The school principal Greg Reeves and president Father Jefferson Thompson, C.S.B., resigned on November 22 to allow an independent investigation into the offenses. 

To learn more, please read the following:

• Six Students arrested in connection with St. Michael's College alleged sex assault scandal (Nov. 19, 2018)
• St. Michael's College School reeling in wake of six arrests (Nov. 19, 2018)
• Fr. Raymond J. de Souza: Lazy media suggest St. Michael's coverup (Nov. 19, 2018)
• How the St. Michael's College School sex assault scandal unfolded (Nov. 20, 2018)
• 'It starts at the top.' Former St. Michael's College School student demanding changes to regain trust (Nov. 21, 2018)
• Alumni call for an end to "bully mentality" at all-boys school (Nov. 21, 2018)
• What we know and don't know about the scandal at St. Michael's College School -- and what we can't report (Nov. 21, 2018)
• St. Michael's College School principal and president resign amid sexual assault scandal (Nov. 22, 2018)
• Media are not the enemy in the St. Michael's sex assault scandal (Nov. 23, 2018)
• St. Michael's College School (Under the direction of the Basilian Fathers) [Official Website]

(Updated on Nov. 25, 2018)

Two Books By Subash Celestine Rozario of Bangladesh

Shomobye Reendan Shomity: Shebakaje Anondo O Bedona
(Cooperative Credit Society: Joy and Sorrow of Community Services)
-- a book by Subash Celestine Rozario

Shomobye Reendan Shomity: Shebakaje Anondo O Bedona (Cooperative Credit Society: Joy and Sorrow of Community Services) is the first Bengali-language book of Subash Celestine Rozario, published by himself in 2016. Originally, from Bangladesh, now settled in Maryland, USA, Mr. Rozario has an extensive working knowledge and experience in Dhaka as a teacher of St. Gregory's High School and an executive of the Caritas Bangladesh and Christian Cooperative Credit Union Ltd., Dhaka. 

This 144-page book provides some background information on cooperative movement in Europe and then Bangladesh, highlighting Christian cooperative credit union movement with its structures, functions, laws, advantages, services, and persons involved in it. He gives some important information on the role of American Holy Cross priest, Father Charles J. Young, CSC, played in raising the consciousness of some Christians in Dhaka for the need of a cooperative credit union and their role in it. As a result, the Christian Cooperative Credit Union, Ltd., Dhaka, came into being in 1955 and in next decades saved hundreds of local Catholics and Protestants from falling into the grip of non-Christian money-lenders charging exorbitant rates of interest on loans. Following its example, some other Christian cooperative credit unions came into being in different Catholic parishes of the Bhawal and Atharogram of Dhaka as well as some parishes in Mymensingh and Dinajpur dioceses.  

This book also speaks of the formation and activities of the Cooperative Credit Union League of Bangladesh Ltd. (CCULB) and the Metropolitan Christian Cooperative Housing Society Ltd. 

Mr. Rozario's personal involvement and witness to many events make this book more authentic. He emphasized the importance of following cooperative principles and rules strictly and having honest, enthusiastic, and self-sacrificing leadership in different types of cooperatives. 

This writer was also forthright in mentioning some weaknesses of leadership in some of these organizations that brought shame as well as raised the question of transparency and financial accountability in some of the straying executives and leaders.

Shonar Khanchar Dingulo: St. Gregory High School and Caritas Bangladesh (Enchanting Days)
 -- a book by Subash Celestine Rozario

Shonar Khanchar Dingulo: St. Gregory High School and Caritas Bangladesh is the second book of Subash Celestine Rozario published in August 2018. 

In this book, he mentions his active participation as a teacher for 16 years in St. Gregory's High School in Dhaka, 11 years as an executive in Caritas Bangladesh and five years as the head of CORR -- The Jute Works. 

In addition, he provides a historical background of the city of Dhaka as well as of St. Gregory's High School, Caritas Bangladesh, and CORR -- The Jute Works. He also gives detailed accounts of activities of these institutions and organizations. His eye-witness accounts are fascinating to read. 

Subash Celestine Rozario,
the author of the above-mentioned books

Evolution of Photography

Evolution of Photography 
-- from Camera Obscura to Digital Photography

Image courtesy: 24 Hours (Toronto: Nov. 8, 2006)

(Click on the above image to view and read it in larger format)

The Quotation of the Week (November 18 - 24, 2018)

A quotation of Herbert Gardner on 'making people laugh
and make them listen to anything,' compiled by Jerome D'Costa

Caricature © Ujjal Peter D'Costa (Toronto: 2003)

Brother Ronald F. Drahozal, CSC, Is No More

Brother Ronald F. Drahozal, C.S.C., the pioneer of treatment
and rehabilitation of drug addicts in Bangladesh

Photo courtesy: Prothom Alo (Bengali daily)

The Congregation of Holy Cross Brother Ronald F. Drahozal, C.S.C., with decades of service to the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, especially street drug addicts, in Bangladesh, died on October 15 at Dujarie House of Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame, Indiana, USA. He was 81.


In 1988, Brother Drahozal founded BARACA (Bangladesh Assistance and Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts) in Dhaka. It is now a Caritas project run by Holy Cross Brothers. In 1994, he founded APON (Ashokti Punorbashon Nibash -- Drug Rehabilitation Residence) in Dhaka, and later in 2007, it moved to a new and spacious facility in the district of Manikganj where hundreds of male and female addicts receive service. 

This American Brother's selfless service drew the attention of many in Bangladesh and abroad. He received several accolades. Recognizing his service, the Bangladesh government awarded him a medal and granted him citizenship of Bangladesh. 

For details on him and his work, please read the following:

• US missionary who helped youths break from drugs passes away (Oct. 17, 2018)
• Brother Ronald F. Drahozal
• Brother Ronald Drahozal: An Appreciation (Nov. 2, 2018)
• 60 Years as Brother Ronald Drahozal, CSC (Jan. 29, 2018)
• Bangladeshi drug addicts get new lease of life (July 21, 2018)
• Brother Ronald Drahozal, C.S.C., Through the APON, Serves Drug Addicts in Bangladesh (Sept. 28, 2013)
• Brother Ronald Drahozal and Apon (Nov. 12, 2012)
• Drug rehab pioneer Brother Drahozal honoured (Jan. 25, 2017)
• AponGaon: Facebook

Washington, D.C., Capuchin Priest Arrested For Child Sexual Abuse

Father Urbano Vazquez, OFM, Cap.,
in his Washington, D.C., parish church

Photo courtesy: nbcwashington.com/

Father Urbano Vazquez, OFM Cap., parochial vicar of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in northwest Washington, D.C., was arrested on November 7 of a charge of second-degree child sexual abuse. He was later released after his court appearance. 

According to the Catholic News Agency (CNA) report, he was accused of placing his hand down the shirt of a 13-year-old girl on two occasions and had touched her bare chest in May 2015. According to court documents, the girl's mother had complained of the abuse to the shrine's pastor Father Moises Villalta, OFM Cap., in 2015, but he failed to inform the police. 

The Archdiocese of Washington, after learning of the first allegation on October 26 from Capuchin Order of Friars Minor, removed Fr. Vazquez from the parish, suspended his priestly faculties in the diocese, and informed local police who then arrested him. After his arrest, the archdiocese received additional allegations against Fr. Vazquez. 

The Fox News reports additional two cases, where one 16-year-old girl was forcefully kissed by Fr. Vazquez in 2015 and her mother walked in during the alleged incident. The girl and her mother both reported it to the church twice in September 2015 and in January 2016. The third victim was a 15-year-old girl whose lower thigh was stroked by this priest during confession. 

For more, please read the following:

• Capuchin priest arrested in Washington DC (Nov. 8, 2018)
• DC Priest Accused of Sexually Abusing Teenage Girl (Nov. 8, 2018)
• DC priest charged with child sexual abuse released after court appearance (Nov. 8, 2018)
• Three teens allege abuse by Catholic priest in D.C., court papers say (Nov. 8, 2018)

Two Poems On The Remembrance Day Of Canada

A poppy field in remembrance of the Canadian war dead

Artwork (Toronto: November 2018) © Mary D'Costa

Canadians, at 11 a.m. on November 11 every year, observe a moment of silence in honour and remembrance of the dedicated soldiers who gave their lives and the living ones who continue to serve in the army during wars and conflicts. Those who died fighting for freedom and peace in the First World War (1914-1918), Second World War (1939-1945), Korean War (1950-1953), and Afghanistan War (2001-2014) are especially remembered.

To learn more, please read the following:

• Remembrance Day in Canada (Nov. 7, 2011)
• Remembrance Day in Canada 
• What's special about this Remembrance Day? Most Canadians don't know (Nov. 7, 2018)
• [Video] Remembrance Day Video -- 11 Canadian Contributions (July 14, 2018)
• [Video] Remembrance Day -- Canada Remembers on Nov. 11

On the occasion of the Remembrance Day in Canada, we present below Adrian D'Costa's two poems. 

Blood Soaked Poppies

By Adrian D’Costa

Armistice Day was it. So, they call it.

A break from the war.

Then again, the barrage of fire started.

Our boys and girls fought there at the Flanders Fields.

The blood that gushed out of their body

Filled the emptiness left behind by enemies.

Enemy soldiers were killing whoever was on their way.

Each day’s bloodshed grew new poppies in the field.

Poppy grew one after another. And another. And another.

Soon they make the field red.

Bloody was it. The field was red blood.

The roads were blood-soaked muddy.

But our boys stayed strong.

Our girls stayed steadfast.

They knew what they were there for.

They knew it from the beginning.

So, they sacrificed the ultimate sacrifice.

Now they are written in the stone walls of the world.

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month 

we cease to exist and remember them out of respect.

History will repeat again

If we forget the past over and over

And the same mistake will emerge out of darkness.

Will eat our lives alive.

So, we bow our heads in silence for two minutes.

Lest we forget.

Peace In A No Man’s Land

By Adrian D’Costa

Peace. What is the true nature of Thou
in thy own poppy field?
Are you the melted poppy in the Flanders Fields
or are you the old forgotten poppy in
the Arlington Cemetery?

Then why do I bow my head
on the Remembrance Day?
If the poppy reminds us the
wet, muddy and bloody war history
then why do we bear weapons 

against our brethren and sisters?

After every soldier’s fall
the 21-gun salute
rings from one end of the earth
to another.
Then on the next second why
another one drenches his
suit with the red blood of his own?

Why the canon ball rises high up in the air
and doesn’t strike our moral conscience?
Peace, are you that fragile?
Are you a being or an innate object
played by monstrous monstrosity?

Why the decapitated mind of falsification
hides the truth from the fact?
Why Peace lies to humanity repeatedly
and tries to make amend for the errors made before?

I lie here and try to fathom
the diluted mind of anguish.
After a lot of soul searching
I define peace to be a part of the moral compass
that each and everyone possesses
to make this world a better place.

It’s not the fault of the peace though,
that the world is in entropy and in disarray.
The war in the field, the mines in the battleground --
They are not part of the peace.
They are what they are.
They are absolute wretchedness of social autocracy.
I can be superior to them.
That’s the pride.
And that’s the first reason in the causal effect.

The Quotation of the Week (November 11 - 17, 2018)

A quotation of Karl Augustus Menninger on 'children reciprocate
what's done to them,' compiled by Jerome D'Costa

Image: A handprint of a child (October 1998)

The Quotation of the Week (November 4 - 10, 2018)

A quotation of Pope Francis on 'apologizing to the gay, poor,
exploited women, and children,' compiled by Jerome D'Costa

Photo (a handcrafted placemat in a store in Toronto: Aug. 31, 2018) © Jerome D'Costa