The death of six soldiers rocks Oromocto

Oromocto, N.B. -- The small town of Oromocto, N.B. was rocked Sunday with news that five of the six soldiers killed in the deadliest day for Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan hailed from the nearby Gagetown military base.

"It's going to be one of the greatest shocks to the town of Ormomocto -- when you have five, it's a big shock,'' said Mayor Faye Tidd.

MICHAEL McCAFFERTY comments: I spent my 'teen' years growing up in Oromocto and attended OROMOCTO HIGH SCHOOL. Oromocto has a special place in my heart and I share the sorrow and sadness of the news the 5 of the 6 soldiers killed in Afghanistan are from Oromocto. It truly is a sad day day for Oromocto. My prayers and sympathy go out to the families.

Saint John Paul

Pope John Paul II closer to Sainthood

Rome -- Soon after he died two years ago, Pope John Paul II was practically declared a saint by vox populi. Banners demanding "Santo Subito!" (Sainthood Now!) crowned the crowds of people who filled St. Peter's Square to mourn the late pontiff.

Monday, on the second anniversary of his death, John Paul will take a significant step closer to likely sainthood.

Church officials will announce the conclusion of a detailed investigation into the Polish prelate's life, and the Vatican will begin evaluating the case of a French nun who said she was miraculously healed after praying to John Paul.

The nun, Marie Simon-Pierre, is expected to be among thousands of pilgrims who will attend elaborate ceremonies today, including a solemn Mass at St. Peter's to mark the late pope's passing. She says her Parkinson's disease, the same illness that afflicted John Paul, disappeared two months after he died.

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MICHAEL McCAFFERTY comments:

Pope John Paul II will be in my prayers that the Lord will see the way clear for John Paul II
to be designated as a Saint.

In my opinion John Paul II is a Saint. I loved and adored Pope John Paul II because he was truly a 'man of God'.