The Niwano Foundation awarded the 41st edition of its much-coveted Peace Prize to Prof Mohammed Abu-Nimer, a Palestinian-American who has distinguished himself for his “holistic contribution to the cause of peace.” A scholar and an active and committed person, he spent a life working for peace and interfaith dialogue, with involvement and dedication to his Read more
News Shorts
Niwano Peace Prize goes to a Palestinian advocate for peace and interfaith dialogue
Thursday, February 29th, 2024Outrage in Poland prompts Vatican to give reason for Catholic bishop’s resignation
Thursday, February 29th, 2024The announcement that Pope Francis had accepted the resignation of Archbishop Andrzej Dziega of Szczecin-Kamien with no explanation caused a bittersweet reaction in Poland, once viewed as the testing ground for the 2019 Vatican document on bishops’ accountability. Dziega was known for ignoring the victims of sexual abuse for years in his archdiocese. Still, in Read more
Cardinal Hollerich: More vocations possible for priests through marriage
Monday, February 26th, 2024Jean-Claude Hollerich, Cardinal of Luxembourg and member of the Council of Cardinals, has spoken out in favour of the possibility of marriage for priests. “There are people who find it difficult to live a celibate life. If you gave them the choice, you could attract a few more to the priesthood,” Hollerich told the Luxembourg Read more
Father David Dowling appointed Rector at Holy Cross Seminary Auckland
Monday, February 26th, 2024
Father David Dowling has been appointed the new rector of Holy Cross Seminary in Auckland. The appointment has been confirmed by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelisation. Fr David is at present the Human Formator at Holy Cross. He will take over the role in April from the present Interim Rector, Bishop Emeritus Colin Campbell. Holy Read more
Russian Catholics stage ‘quiet commemorations’ for deceased dissident Navalny
Monday, February 26th, 2024A senior Russian Catholic has urged church leaders abroad to commemorate the opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, as armed police dispersed citizens mourning his death at age 47 in a remote prison camp. “When I heard he was dead, I recalled the words of St Luke’s Gospel, ‘Now, Master, you may let your servant go in Read more
Warm and furry welcome
Monday, February 26th, 2024Patrick was pretty pleased to see his “mother” — even if he was unaware she was now a world champion. It was clear the bearded collie missed Erika Fairweather over the past month as he leapt towards her for a cuddle outside Dunedin Airport yesterday morning. Fairweather, 20, was thrilled to be reunited with him Read more
Cardinal Dolan: ‘We don’t do FBI checks on people who want to be buried’
Monday, February 26th, 2024Priests at St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City were surprised by the “irreverence and disrespect” that occurred during a funeral for a transgender activist last week, Cardinal Timothy Dolan said in his first public comments on it. “We didn’t know the background. We don’t do FBI checks on people who want to be buried,” Read more
Catholic university installs crucifixion artwork by imprisoned Catholic Activist Jimmy Lai
Monday, February 26th, 2024The Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, DC, has installed a drawing of the Crucifixion by imprisoned Hong Kong Catholic and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai. Father Robert Sirico, a supporter and friend of Lai’s, said during the installation ceremony on Thursday that the sketch is a testimony “not just of Jimmy’s struggle but the Read more
Amazon rainforest could reach “tipping point” by 2050
Thursday, February 22nd, 2024A critical section of the Amazon rainforest, a key climate regulator and a precious reserve of biodiversity, is at risk of crossing a “tipping point” by 2050 due to drought, fires, and deforestation. The study, published February 14 in Nature by an international group of 20 researchers, suggests that “between 10 and 47 percent” of Read more
Timaru’s historic basilica getting new copper on domes
Thursday, February 22nd, 2024Copper has been shipped from Italy to replace Timaru’s Sacred Heart Basilica domes damaged in a fierce hailstorm in 2019. Holy Family parish priest Father Christoper Friel said work had begun with scaffolding going up around the historical landmark, Catholic church. “I can’t give you the extent of the damage and I don’t know the Read more