Italy’s singing nun, Sr Cristina Scuccia, has chosen Madonna’s controversial hit “Like a Virgin” as the first single in her debut album. Earlier this year, Sr Cristina achieved worldwide fame when she won Italy’s version of The Voice. Sister Cristina, 26, says her version of Madonna’s pop song is a “testimony of God’s capacity to turn Read more
Catholics in England and Wales are allowed to eat meat on Boxing Day this year, even though it falls on a Friday, their bishops say. In England and Wales, Catholics are usually required to abstain from meat on Fridays. A spokesman for the bishops noted that Boxing Day, or St Stephen’s Day, falls within the Read more
A last-ditch fight to protect one of Hamilton’s most distinctive historic buildings has failed – with the Environment Court rejecting an appeal to save Euphrasie House. It’s feared the outcome could hasten the demolition of other heritage buildings as owners try to avoid costly earthquake-strengthening fix-ups. In a 32-page decision, the Environment Court upheld a Read more
The Forsyth Barr Stadium will temporarily become the House of God this weekend, as hundreds of Dunedin residents gather for a combined Catholic Mass. The Mass on Sunday will be part of Kavanagh College’s 25th jubilee celebrations and will attract all schools and parishes in the city. Continue reading
A Dunedin minister is ”quite humbled” to be named as the next leader of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. On Tuesday the Rev Richard Dawson was announced as moderator-designate, and will become moderator in late 2016. Mr Dawson (56), who is minister at St Stephens Leith Valley Presbyterian Church, said he was surprised Read more
The Sistine Chapel has been opened to a corporate function for the first time, in order to benefit Pope Francis’ charities. Porsche enthusiasts paid 5000 Euros each for a multi-day tour of Rome, which included an exclusive concert inside the Sistine Chapel and a dinner in the Vatican Museums on Saturday. The “Art for Charity” Read more
An investigation has been ordered into the events that led to the resignation of English Bishop Kieran Conry last month. The inquiry, to be headed by an independent investigator, was ordered by Archbishop Peter Smith of Southwark. A diocesan spokesman said the investigation would “be undertaken in respect of Bishop Conry’s relationship with potentially vulnerable Read more
An Indonesian scholar says Muslims who believe the term “Allah” is exclusive to Islam are “confused”. Ulil Abshar Abdalla said the word predates Islam and is a general Arabic term used to refer to God. Malaysia has declared the word “Allah” should only be used by Muslims, exclusively. Ulil was denied entry into Malaysia earlier Read more
Monsignor Vincent Hunt died on October 8 at Mercy Parklands Hospital in Auckland New Zealand. His requiem Mass was celebrated by the Bishop of Auckland, Bishop Patrick Dunn, on October 13. Five other bishops and dozens of other priests were present. In his homily Fr Stuart Sellar said, “I’ve met three saints in my life Read more
An American church with links to the Church of Scientology will be heading to Ngatea next month to promote the use of a cure containing the same ingredients as industrial bleach. The founder of Genesis Church II – Church of Health and Healing, Jim Humble, former member of the Church of Scientology, published a book Read more