Pope Francis is opening the doors to an earthly paradise: the working farm at the papal summer residence here that produces the dairy, meat and vegetables for the pope and his staff. The Vatican is planning to open the farm at Castel Gandolfo to the public next year, after finding success with its guided tours Read more
God is like a mother, He loves us unconditionally. However, too often we want to take control of this grace in a kind of a spiritual book-keeping, Pope Francis said during his homily at Mass this morning in the chapel at Casa Santa Marta. “God’s closeness is such that he is presented like a mother, Read more
Pope Francis expressed in a message at the major U.N. climate change summit in Peru this week that the consequences of environmental change represent a “serious ethical and moral responsibility,” and warned that the time for action is running out. Francis warned Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, Minister of the Environment of Peru and President-Designate of the conference, Read more
Theological differences do not impede the witness of a shared love of God and neighbour. The comment made by Pope Francis came during a first private audience with a Salvation Army delegation led by General André Cox. Catholics and the Salvation Army, together with other Christians, recognise that those in need have a special place Read more
A bill which would legalise voluntary euthanasia has been dropped by Labour MP Iain Lees-Galloway at the request of his leader Andrew Little. Mr Lees-Galloway had been canvassing support for his End of Life Choice Bill before deciding whether to return it to the private members’ bill ballot. But Mr Little confirmed yesterday that he Read more
With the festive season upon us, and as a service to our readers, The Press is providing this cut-out-and-keep song sheet of contemporary Christmas carols. Enjoy! Good Kim Dotcom Good Kim Dotcom once looked out Shocked and disbelievin’ FBI men all about, helicopters even So began a tale of cash, Parties, spies and drama But Read more
Falling parishioner numbers, costly repairs and “changes in strategic direction” are behind a rash of for sale signs on churches across the country. From Southland to Northland, Trade Me is listing more than 20 as-is-where-is churches or completed residential conversions, and real estate agents say interest is high. Offerings range from a $150,000 original 1926 Read more
Responding to an invitation from Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera to seek reconciliation with Christ during the season of Advent, nearly 5000 Catholics stood in line for hours to receive the Sacrament of Confession. According to the Archdiocese of Mexico City’s News Service, some 30 priests spent 12 hours in shifts hearing confessions at the Cathedral Read more
A German newspaper is reporting that retired Pope Benedict XVI says he would have liked to be known after his resignation as “Father Benedict” — a title that would have distinguished him more clearly from the current pontiff. The German-born Benedict has been known as Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI since retiring last year. The Frankfurter Read more
The Legion of Christ (Legionaries) is being sued by Mary Lou Dauray, who says her late aunt, Gabrielle Mee, would not have given over US$60 million if she knew its founder, Marcial Maciel, secretly fathered three children and molested seminarians. She argues her aunt, a devout Catholic, was manipulated into donating tens of millions of dollars Read more