News Shorts

Bollywood actor-producer follows Jesuit’s lead

Monday, May 21st, 2018

Bollywood actor-producer Aamir Khan is leading Indian water conservation efforts. He’s helping fight a drought using methods a Swiss-born Jesuit pioneered. Read more

Caritas NZ supports non violent protest in Gaza

Monday, May 21st, 2018

For many years, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has promoted human dignity, peace and development in the Holy Land. This has been demonstrated via our partnerships with Bethlehem University and Caritas Jerusalem. The recent violence near the Gaza-Israel border pains us. However, we find encouragement in the words of Pope Francis, “[we need to redouble our Read more

The morality of the global market system questioned

Thursday, May 17th, 2018

The morality of the global market system is being evaluated in a new Vatican document. The publication “Oeconomicae et pecuniariae quaestiones: Considerations for ethical discernment about some aspects of the current financial-economic system,” is said to be an effort to give more theological weight to Pope Francis’ criticisms that “this economy kills.” The Congregation for Read more

Caritas welcomes Budget direction – but lasting results will be the real test

Thursday, May 17th, 2018

In welcoming the government’s Budget announcement today, Caritas says it heralds proposed changes that could help families, people on low incomes and the environment. The government will, however, still need to demonstrate how money reaches those at the grassroots and most impacted by poverty. They are still keen to hear how the Government will report Read more

Chilean bishops open to Pope’s proposals

Thursday, May 17th, 2018

Chilean bishops say they are open to whatever Pope Francis proposes to overhaul the Chilean church. This includes removing bishops, reforming seminaries and paying financial reparation to victims of a clergy sex abuse and cover-up scandal. Representatives say they are humbled, pained and shamed for their own errors in handling abuse cases. Read more

Six Anglican churches in Christchurch shortlisted for post-earthquake heritage awards

Thursday, May 17th, 2018

More than half of the finalists in an award recognising “commitment, investment or a unique solution to earthquake strengthening which has saved or will now protect a heritage building” in Christchurch, New Zealand, are Anglican churches and a school. Continue reading

Pastor Robert Jeffress – arch anti-Catholic – led prayers

Thursday, May 17th, 2018

Pastor Robert Jeffress, who led the blessing of the new American embassy in Jerusalem is said to believe Satan is behind Catholicism. The Texan, who was invited to lead the blessing by President Donald Trump, has a history of strongly disliking a range of individuals and groups. According to recordings from his radio show “Pathway Read more

Te Rūnanga o te Hāhi Katorika ō Aotearoa website has a new face

Thursday, May 17th, 2018

Te Rūnanga o te Hāhi Katorika ō Aotearoa has given their website a new face, a new name and a revitalised content. The comprehensive site includes liturgy music written by Richard Puanaki, Mass in Māori, te reo pronunciation guides, information on wāhi tapu (sacred places), liturgical calendar, links to Pope Francis’ communication direct from the Read more

Help with legal fees for Cardinal Pell sought

Monday, May 14th, 2018

Help to pay the legal fees for Cardinal Pell is being sought. An article seeking contributions has been posted in the Catholic Weekly. Pell is fighting historical sexual assault offences charges. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney posted an article. It includes bank details for people to Read more

Boy’s miraculous recovery – he died, saw Jesus, then returned

Monday, May 14th, 2018

The miraculous recovery of a 13 year-old boy has his mother singing praises to God and sharing her story. Doctors had already declared Trenton McKinley brain-dead and were set to harvest his organs to donate to five other children. McKinley says he was in Heaven walking with Jesus and a sibling who died before he was Read more