Controversial Anglican, Bishop John Gray, says he can offer a Christchurch family, who sought refuge in a church to avoid deportation to Chile, a home within his church’s grounds. The Ravet family have lived in New Zealand for 11 years, but the parents’ work permits have expired, and they face deportation to Chile. They had Read more
A St John’s College, Hamilton, student has topped NZ Scholarship economics for the second year running. Huon Fraser, 18, had the highest score for the subject in the last round of the challenging NZQA exams. He was under the tutelage of Shaun Healy, who also taught the year before’s winner. Fraser, also the school’s 2014 Read more
All churches in a French diocese have been ordered to keep consecrated hosts in secure places, rather than tabernacles in some cases, after thefts. Bishop Pascal Roland of Bellay-Ars diocese told priests to leave tabernacles open to show they contained no valuable ciboria. But hosts could be left in a tabernacle if it is made Read more
The head of a papal commission to protect minors has warned Catholics not to behave as if the clergy sex abuse crisis is over. Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston told a press conference in Rome that some prelates were still reluctant to deal with the problem openly. “It would be perilous for us, as leaders Read more
Two Irish priests and a parish administrator have started a trans-Atlantic church-based network which aims to attract American industry to Ireland. Frs Sean Heaney and Shane Crombie, with Tom Whelan, from Tullamore, have been writing to parishes in the United States. Fr Crombie said the Church is a ready-made network. The trio’s motivation is not Read more
She’s done a lot of acting, been classically trained as a singer and has sung at weddings and funerals. She took the lead in Mozart’s Magic Flute in Hamilton, directed some big productions at Sacred Heart Girls’ College in Hamilton, where she studied and later worked, and for Riverlea Theatre – shows like The Wizard Read more
An immigration lawyer says a Chilean family seeking sanctuary in a church in Christchurch to avoid deportation is wasting their time and should consider heading back to Chile. The priest at the church where the family sought refuge declined to be interviewed and asked that the name of his church not be reported. The Ravet Read more
A collection of theological writings by Vincent Hunt is now available. Hunt, who died recently at the age of 90 led a remarkable life. His varied career in Aotearoa New Zealand since his arrival from Ireland in 1952, sees him stand out as friend, priest, teacher, formator, philosopher and theologian. The Publisher, Accent Publications says, Read more
Calls were made by some cardinals at the Vatican last week for qualified professionals from all over the world to work in the Roman Curia. Some of those who spoke at a consistory said there is a need for an enhanced role for laity, particularly women. Dozens of cardinals spoke about the work of the Read more
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has never regretted or doubted his decision to resign two years ago, says his personal secretary. Archbishop Georg Ganswein said Benedict is certain and serene about his decision, made for the good of the Church, because of his waning strength. Archbishop Ganswein said the retired Pope’s usual routine these days involves Read more