Spokesman of 22 years for St. John Paul II, Dr. Joaquin Navarro-Valls, has died. He was 80. Navarro-Valls is said to have been a legend in the Vatican – for his keen professional abilities and insight into the Pope’s mind, and his genuine kindness and deep spiritual life. Read more
The merger of the four parishes in Invercargill will take place about the first Sunday in Advent this year, according to St Mary’s parish priest Fr Chris O’Neill. In preparation for this, the number of Masses in the city will be reduced in mid-June. The most significant effect will be that at several of the Read more
A former professional footballer from Northern Ireland, Philip Mulryne, has been ordained a priest in the Dominican Order. Mulryne, who is reported to have once earned £600,000 a year, has also taken a vow of poverty. He made his debut in 1997 with Manchester United and won 27 caps for Northern Ireland. Read more
The Cook Islands’ government has given a handout of $US360,000 to the Catholic church to rebuild a college and secure land on which a lease is about to expire. Some criticised the government for spending large amounts of money helping churches, suggesting there are greater priority areas. Continue reading
The Pope’s favourite art works are the subject of a new documentary – ‘Pope Francis – My idea of art’. It explores what art means to Francis through a series of his favorite works. Read more
Property developer Mark Dunajtschik has gifted $50 million to build a new children’s hospital in Wellington, in an act described by the Government as “unparalleled” generosity. The new hospital for the Wellington region is expected to be around 7,000 square metres, three floors, and include 50 inpatient hospital beds. Continue reading
Silicon Valley may not be where you’d expect to find a group of investors keen to protect the environment. That’s just where Pope Francis has found them, though. The Laudato Si Startup Challenge, launched earlier this year, offers money and mentorship to entrepreneurs working to make the world a better place. Read more
Hollywood star Tom Cruise has been spotted in Auckland visiting the Church of Scientology premises. Cruise was seen entering the building in the suburb of Grafton, which opened in January, Newshub reported. Continue reading
The Australian Institute of Theological Education says it is “proud to be partnering again with the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference” to host the 13th Annual National eConference next month. They say the eConferences have attracted growing interest from communities across the world and this year’s event will be streamed live. Read more
Ongoing health and safety concerns have forced the closure of a Catholic church in the Wellington suburb of Newlands. Parishioners of St Andrew’s Church were notified during Sunday mass on June 25 that from the following day their place of worship would be closed indefinitely. Read more