The Catholic Church has a “crucial role to play” in speaking out against racism and promoting racial inclusion, a prominent British Catholic says. “Racism is a sin and has no place in our world. As followers of Christ, it is our duty to welcome all people, regardless of race or background, into our Church and Read more
The home I grew up in had an open fire, with many a chilly winter’s night gathered around its warmth. There were two rituals attached to the winter fire. One was setting the fire with crushed newspaper, strips of kindling, and pieces of larger wood. Setting the fire so it lit readily and well was Read more
One of the surprises to come out of the Synod on Synodality was a call for better liturgy. The final report of the October 2023 session of the synod referred to “the widely reported need to make liturgical language more accessible to the faithful and more embodied in the diversity of cultures.” The English-speaking church Read more
In a discreet meeting held at Prague’s Mozart Hotel, 21 Catholic bishops including nine cardinals from several continents convened to discuss “Gender ideology, science and the nature of divine revelation.” The discussion, organised by the Austin Institute for the Study of Family and Culture, delved into topics surrounding gender theory’s perceived threat to Christian values Read more
Pope Francis cautioned a gathering of priests about the scourge of clerical abuse, asserting that it stems from a sense of superiority among priests. “We can live our priestly ministry well only immersed in the priestly people from whom we come” advised the pope. “This belonging to the people — do not ever let us Read more
Liturgical reform is crucial in the ongoing renewal of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis said this to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on Thursday. After what has been labelled as a significant address, discussion took place against the backdrop of the dicastery’s annual plenary assembly. The assembly focused Read more
Faith today in the afternoon of Christianity presents real opportunities, says under-ground priest Tomáš Halík. Halík, also an acclaimed author, lecturer, psychotherapist, psychologist of religion and pastoral theologian at Charles University in Prague, joined in conversation at Victoria University Wellington’s Law faculty. Halík focussed on a number of issues facing the Church that he said Read more
Bishop Michael Gielen has opened Christchurch’s new $50 million Marian College, a groundbreaking development in educational architecture. What distinguishes the College is that it is ingeniously nestled under the expanse of an existing giant warehouse roof on Lydia Street. “Most people are quite surprised. You can’t see much from the outside because of the warehouse Read more
One year after the devastating Cyclone Gabrielle, St Vincent de Paul continues its recovery support in Wairoa. A pivotal visit by St Vincent de Paul Napier council member Dan Sussmilch helped the organisation develop a multifaceted strategy to offer immediate relief and assist in facilitating the community’s long-term rehabilitation. As part of its community involvement Read more
Gilbert Lubega sat in a white plastic chair at his home in Wakiso, a suburb of Uganda’s capital, Kampala, contemplating two photos of a young gay female couple kissing and another one of a male gay couple kissing at their wedding ceremony. “These images make me think the world is coming to an end,” he Read more