Bayli Elliot, 18, died in the early hours of last Monday morning after drinking alcohol with about eight friends. The Timaru Herald understands she was comatose, but it is not known for how long before an ambulance was called. The situation was a reflection of the drinking culture in New Zealand, Youth Alley youth worker Read more
Worldwide gender equality in the workplace will not be reached for another 80 years, A new report suggests. While women are rapidly closing the gender gap with men in areas such as health and education, inequality at work is not expected to be erased until 2095, according to a report published by the World Economic Read more
The Society of St Pius X in Wanganui have been reported as being the only catholic church in New Zealand to hold a special parade for the Feast of Christ the King last Sunday. The parade left the Alma Rd church after a solemn High Mass, with papal flags fluttering, colourful robes and an embroidered Read more
Chicago’s new archbishop has elected not to live in the US$14million mansion which housed many of his predecessors. Instead, Archbishop Blaise Cupich will live in the rectory of Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. Archbishop Cupich acknowledged the mansion’s history, but said he wanted to live near the cathedral so he could celebrate Mass there was often Read more
The former head of the Church body set up to protect children in Ireland has attacked the Irish bishops’ efforts in this area. Ian Elliott has accused the bishops of “minimal responses and empty gestures” when dealing with clerical abuse. Mr Elliott headed the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland Read more
A plan by the French state to charge admission fees for tourists at famous churches has been denounced. The culture ministry and national heritage officials discussed the proposal without telling the Church. The rector-archpriest of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris said having a fee would make free access by believers almost impossible. Msgr Partick Jacquin Read more
Christchurch City Council will provide $43,000 for a damaged Little River church, despite the building’s long-term future being uncertain. The 89-year-old heritage-listed building, opened in 1925 and owned by the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch, was damaged by the September 2010 earthquake. It needed strengthening and weather proofing to prevent further damage, a council report said. Read more
The Catholic Diocese of Christchurch in New Zealand has sold a damaged church in Templeton to developers. St Brendan’s church is likely to be demolished and the diocese will use the proceeds from the sale to to upgrade facilities elsewhere. The original stained glass windows and door hinges will be used in an extension to Read more
Tu Taua, a military focused academy for school students will open at Hato Petera College in Auckland, New Zealand in 2015. It is aimed at senior students wanting to enter the army, navy or air force. It is a partnership project sponsored by the College, the Ministry of education and the Defence force. Continue reading Read more
A young chef from the Vatican’s Swiss Guards has published a cookbook featuring the favourite recipes of Pope Francis and his predecessors. David Geisser, 24, who joined the elite Vatican security corps only a month ago, released his book, titled “Buon Appetito”, this week. The cookbook includes recipes for Francis’ favourite dishes, such as empanadas; roast Read more