Concerns are being raised that all religious symbols could be abolished from schools following the removal of Bible studies from an Auckland school timetable. Some parents are worried that New Zealand could follow the lead of France and enforce a strict secular educational environment. It comes two weeks after St Heliers School announced it would Read more
An American archbishop has been heavily criticised for plans to add large extensions to the home he uses as a weekend getaway. The 418 square metre home, used at weekends by the Archbishop of Newark, John Myers, will be extended by nearly 278 square metres. The additions include a private lift hot tub, indoor pool Read more
A Wellington foodbank is being investigated for fraud, after it was deemed to be involved in “serious wrongdoing”. The Wellington Foodbank Service – not associated with the one run by the Wellington City Mission – has also now been stripped of its charitable status, with the Department of Internal Affairs advising major donors not to Read more
The Vatican is looking at the possibility of Pope Francis having a Facebook page. Technical experts are exploring ways to prevent offensive or inappropriate messages and other such material from being posted by users on the Pope’s page. According to La Stampa, this is the biggest obstacle that needs to be overcome. Continue reading
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has published its first Te Reo Māori version of the Lenten reflection programme, a booklet used for reflection, prayer and discussion of the Gospels during Lent. Julianne Hickey, Director of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand says the Catholic Church recognises the importance of ensuring that people can pray, discuss and listen to Read more
The world’s largest Buddhist charity is helping rebuild a Catholic Church in the Philippines that was badly damaged in Super-typhoon Haiyan last year. The Tzu Chi Foundation is donating US$670,000 for the reconstruction of the Santo Nino parish church in Tacloban City. This show of generosity has been warmly welcomed by the Church. As many Read more
Sex abuse litigation and settlements have cost Los Angeles Archdiocese more than US$740 during the past decade. According to the Los Angeles Times, the latest settlement was for US$13million for 17 victims of alleged abuse by Fr Nicholas Aguilar-Riviera in the 1980s. Attorneys for the victims allege Cardinal Roger Mahoney and an aide “actively thwarted” Read more
Rising economic confidence and “aggressive” marketing techniques are the driving factors behind an 8.9 million litre rise in alcohol availability last year, says one concerned health organisation. Latest figures from Statistics New Zealand, which compared figures over the last five years, show the total volume of alcohol available in New Zealand rose to 466 million Read more
Theologians have approved a miracle attributed to the intervention of Pope Paul VI. Experts at the Congregation for Saints Causes have recognised the healing of an unborn child through the intercession of the late Roman pontiff. This is another step on the path to possible canonisation as a saint for Paul VI, who was one Read more
Maria von Trapp, the last surviving member of the singing family immortalised in the Sound of Music, has died, aged 99, in Vermont. Maria, a devout Catholic, had worked as a lay missionary in Papua New Guinea after her musical career was over. Continue reading