In a display of silence, the John of God Brothers headquarters, based in Rome, did not open the door to Marylands survivor Darryl Smith. Smith, a long-time voice for sexual abuse survivors, was sexually abused as a child while at John of God Brothers residential schools in both New Zealand and Australia. Pleased that finally Read more
“Pretty stink” is how artist Aora Novak described an attack on a Dunedin Māori Jesus mural. The mural had been fully covered in white paint. The artwork veered away from traditional iconography and aimed to represent a more modern and inclusive image of Jesus Christ. Novak of Ngai Te Rangi and Ngati Kahungunu descent guided Read more
In a tale that could be straight out of a religious fable, two celestial figures have emerged from over half a century of seclusion. But there’s a heavenly hiccup with the angels: their wings are missing. These angelic figures fell from grace during the sweeping changes ushered in by Vatican II in the 1960s. Destined Read more
It has been reported that the regulations concerning media access to the discussions at the upcoming Synod assembly in Rome – first of two sessions that will be held over the next twelve months – have not yet been approved. Journalists can only hope that the hypothesis of imposing the pontifical secret (the highest kind Read more
As we prepare for the next phase of the Synod on Synodality, we have heard much talk from the information-gathering process about greater inclusion and diversity in church governance. However, there has been little discussion about the shape of the church hierarchy, particularly with respect to accountability for performance. We often think of the accountability Read more
The Swiss Bishops’ Conference president has voiced strong support for the abolition of priestly celibacy, a tradition he believes no longer resonates with modern society. In a candid interview with the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) am Sonntag, Bishop Felix Gmür (pictured) also acknowledged past mistakes in addressing abuse cases within the Catholic Church and called Read more
Pope Francis strongly denounced body shaming among young people and revealed his past involvement in such behaviour during his childhood in Argentina. Francis commented on the issue while speaking to university students in Asia via a video link. The pope was moved by a young woman from India who shared her experiences of feeling embarrassed Read more
In a significant move, the NZ Catholic bishops are promoting open and informed life discussion through a modernised and broadened document, Te Kahu o te Ora – A Consistent Ethic of Life. The modernisation seeks to fill a twenty-six-year gap and reflect some of the modern challenges. Dr John Kleinsman, director of the NZ Catholic Read more
Fr Antony Sumich, a New Zealand priest and former international rugby player and coach, has spoken candidly about the profound impact of rugby on his spiritual journey. A member of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, Sumich has had a dual role as a club player in New Zealand and the coach of Croatia’s national Read more
Amid Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastating impact, a group of young volunteers emerged as unsung heroes. Without the help of young people, St Vincent de Paul Napier would not have been able to respond so positively, reports the Catholic charity in its most recent national newsletter. While the media focus has moved on, Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastation continues Read more