Hamilton bishop Richard Laurenson expressed his sadness over the passing of King Tuheitia. On behalf of the Catholic bishops of Aotearoa, New Zealand, Laurenson extended his sympathies to the king’s family and assured the family of the bishops’ prayers for the repose of the King’s soul. Kingi Tuheitia became Māori King 18 years ago, and Read more
Great reads
Orthodox churches boomed during pandemic, study finds, but calls growth ‘mixed bag’
Thursday, August 29th, 2024
Almost half of US Orthodox churches remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to only 12 percent of all religious congregations. Most American churches navigated the patchwork of COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings by periodically closing their doors and broadcasting services online instead. But for almost half of U.S. Orthodox Christians, whose liturgy involves processions, Read more
Breathe your spirit into the dry bones of your church
Thursday, August 29th, 2024
I was struck by the gospel reading on Sunday (Aug. 25) in which John, speaking about Jesus’ followers, wrote that “many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.” The image made me sad, because it seemed to reflect what is going on in the Catholic Church and Read more
Ukraine Nuncio urges Catholic aid after prisoner ‘horror stories’
Thursday, August 29th, 2024
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, has urged for increased Catholic aid to support prisoners of war and civilians freed from Russian captivity, following reports of “horror stories” from those released. The archbishop wants more international support in areas where the Ukrainian government struggles to provide adequate resources. Archbishop Kulbokas highlighted three critical Read more
Latest trend sees young Catholic women wearing veils at Mass
Thursday, August 29th, 2024
Young Catholic women have started wearing veils at Mass – just as their grandmothers did before the Vatican II reforms of the 1960s. Those who attend the Traditional Latin Mass are most likely to have adopted the practice. What’s driving the change? Madeleine Kearns, associate editor at The Free Press and a Catholic, says there Read more
Local Government Bill is offensive and unjust to Māori
Monday, August 26th, 2024
The Catholic Worker Movement appreciates the opportunity to submit a response to the Local Government Bill (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies ) Amendment Bill. We do so on behalf of the Catholic Worker Movement (Ōtautahi), a branch of a world-wide organisation of the same generic name. Justice is built on love We Read more
Diocese reveals new Synodal Church strategy
Monday, August 26th, 2024
The Parramatta diocese in Sydney NSW has unveiled a new Pastoral Plan for 2024-2028. The plan focuses on fostering a synodal Church aimed at strengthening inclusivity, collaboration and active participation within the diocese. Bishop Vincent Long (pictured) launched the plan at an event which more than 220 attended. Central to the plan is the emphasis Read more
AI decodes image from Shroud of Turin to reveal Christ’s face
Monday, August 26th, 2024
A recent AI-generated image of the Shroud of Turin shows a wide-eyed man gazing straight at the viewer. Long narrow marks, as though from bleeding cuts, stream down his face and upper torso. His hair is long, his beard trim. This is the latest in numerous attempts since the 19th century to draw the authentic Read more
Bishop Adams doubles down on new safety in Catholic Church
Monday, August 26th, 2024
Palmerston North bishop John Adams is doubling down on a culture change in the Catholic Church and its efforts to make the Church safe. Adams had commented earlier in response to a letter to the editor published in the Manawatu Standard by Dr Christopher Longhurst, leader of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests Read more
Dame Lyndsay Freer reflects on working with Denis O’Hagan
Monday, August 19th, 2024
Denis was a man with a large heart, a great capacity for friendship, and a deep love and commitment to his faith and the Marist charism. It has been a pleasure and privilege to have known and been inspired by him. I began working with Denis in 2002 when he became Provincial of the Society Read more