Priests and parishioners have barricaded themselves in a Catholic church in the Chinese province of Hebei. According to reports, the Catholics are attempting to prevent the Chinese government from tearing down the Church. The protest began at 6am Thursday morning at the church in Wu Gao Zhang, part of the Guantao district of Hebei, on Read more
Last week, the Royal Commission into Historical Abuse in State Care and faith-based institutions announced it had signed a memorandum of understanding with New Zealand Police, allowing incidents of abuse to be referred to police for investigation. However, responding to Otago Daily Times questions, an inquiry spokeswoman confirmed the ability to refer alleged abuses to Read more
A Florida priest has gone viral for busting out his dance moves. The Cardinal Gibbons High School’s cheerleaders and dance team were practicing for their homecoming performance during an assembly when the Rev. Ricardo Rivera, who works at the Fort Lauderdale school, joined them on the basketball court. Rivera slowly walks toward the performers in Read more
Kavanagh College is named after the late Bishop John Kavanagh, who has been criticised for his handling of a predatory priest. Pressure has been growing for a name change following revelations the late bishop sent Dunedin priest Father Magnus Murray to Australia for counselling instead of contacting the police Read more ALSO Read Kavanagh College Read more
The Vatican Secret Archives, containing millions of documents spanning 12 centuries, are no longer officially “secret”. Pope Francis has renamed the priceless archives, which include letters concerning King Henry VIII’s request to divorce Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn, which led to the English church breaking away from Rome in 1534. They also hold Read more
Former Prime Minister Bill English has criticised many of the proposed changes at a select committee hearing on Wednesday. He launched into a fierce defence of the right of medical professionals to conscientiously object to carrying out abortions if the changes were made. Read more
A new gadget aimed at getting more young people to pray has been hacked at least three times in the days since its launch. The Vatican unveiled its “smart” Rosary bracelet in mid-October. It is activated by making the sign of the cross and connects to the “Click to Pray” eRosary app, which is designed Read more
As reports of theft are on the rise at a famous Marian shrine in France, Lourdes authorities have increased security and encouraged pilgrims to be more aware of their belongings. Pierre Aurignac, a local prosecutor, told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the town has had a “statistical explosion” of pickpocketing. So far this year, he said, Read more
Two charities under Destiny Church have been allowed to operate again, including having tax exemptions, after earlier having their charitable status removed. The High Court on Tuesday ordered that both charities – the Destiny International Trust and Te Hāhi o Ngā Mātāmua Holdings – be reinstated their charitable status. They were taken off the Charities Read more
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference (NZCBC) has two new staff members – Kate Aduna and David McLoughlin, looking after administration and communications. Newly appointed Administrator, Kate, comes to the organisation after several years volunteering with her local Wellington Catholic primary school, having been at home with her daughter. Previously she held a support role Read more