Wellington’s Compassion Soup Kitchen is responding to the increasing need, and is running seven days a week, rather than its normal six. It is considered an “essential service”. “We will provide kai for as long as we possibly can,” the Compassion Soup Kitchen management say in a statement. The Compassion Soup Kitchen has moved to Read more
Jesus wept tears, he wept because he was human. Jesus grieved, unashamed – his friend was dead. He remembered Lazarus’ face, his welcoming smile, his laughter. He remembered the hours they had sat talking; chewing the fat, shooting the breeze. Jesus wept for all that is passing. Lazarus was gone, dead and buried and Read more
General absolution is allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the global difficulty Catholic priests are having in hearing confessions, the Vatican says it is acceptable for bishops to offer general absolutions to certain groups of people. While the norm is an individual confesses their sins and celebrates the Sacrament of Reconciliation, General Absolution can be Read more
Pray Today NZ, a service of the Word using the Sunday readings began on the Internet in New Zealand yesterday. The lay-fronted reflection is designed for use on social media and is very ‘home-grown’ and ‘raw’. Work on the initiative ‘Pray Today NZ‘ began early last week, however, the decision to record and release the Read more
With Sunday Mass suspended at least one venue more suspensions are likely to follow as the Catholic Church responds to the coronavirus. The dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Auckland, Father Peter Tipene has already announced that he is suspending all Sunday Masses. He says the 7 am and 12.15 pm weekday Masses will continue Read more
There’s a whole range of things that people can do, both to prevent the Covid-19 virus from taking hold, but also to be supportive of people who might contract the disease.” Cardinal John Dew the archbishop of Wellington told Vatican News. He said this is a time when people need to be ready to help Read more
Justice Minister Andrew Little will not try to re-introduce “safe zones” into his abortion legalisation bill after a mix up removed them. “The safe zone provision was always the most marginally supported,” Little said. The abortion law bill was going through the committee stage on Tuesday evening and into the early hours of Wednesday. ACT Read more
Michael Gielen was ordained and installed as auxiliary bishop of Auckland on Saturday. More than 3,000 filled the Vodafone Events Centre. The events centre was needed because so many people wanted to attend, the cathedral was not big enough. Bishop Michael was ordained to be his long-needed assistant by Bishop Pat Dunn, Bishop of Auckland. Read more
Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa, the apostolic nuncio to New Zealand, has self-isolated after a recent trip to Italy. His move is in line with guidance from New Zealand authorities to help prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. On 2 March the New Zeland Government recommended that people who have been in northern Italy or the Republic Read more
The Vatican denies Pope Francis has the Coronavirus, calling it a “slight indisposition”. Pope Francis fell sick in Rome — a day after publically shaking pilgrim’s hands and kissing babies; his usual practice. Since then he has cancelled several public appearances including three larger audiences with groups but has continued private audiences. On Sunday Francis Read more