Pray for Bishop Fred Henry and Archbishop Richard Smith, who are currently fighting the devil on so-called 'gay-straight' alliances. As faithful Catholics we must recognize the root-cause of bullying while refusing to side with modern ideas of gender. Let me be bold: If a boy with female characteristics finds himself (or herself) at the mercy of school bullies then that is a tragedy for that child. But to conclude from this case that there is no such thing as gender strikes me as willfully negligent. I do not wish any person to suffer, and for every person that does suffer I hope the sufferings of Christ offer some solace: Our Lord and Savior was tormented on the cross for all our sins. If that does not make us see the World for what it is then nothing will. But we ought never to think that Our Brothers and Sisters are equal in their suffering. In Iraq we see fellow Christians persecuted for their beliefs in Christ. In Canada we see fellow people persecuted in Christ for their ways. Whether they are right or wrong is of course a matter for God and his elect, but I find it uncomfortable to assume my place in such exalted company. Let us therefore pray that all of the persecuted, wherever they may be and whatever they may have done to incite the mob, are within our hearts this Christmas. For we, the Catholic community, can only hope to encourage virtue. Please forgive me for saying this, but discouraging vice seems to be beyond our calling.