The Catholic bishops of Austria have stipulated that the only currently permitted translation of the Latin words “pro multis” in the Eucharistic Prayer is “for all”. Last year Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI told the German-speaking bishops that their new translation of the Missal — due to come into use on the first Sunday of Advent Read more
A revitalised liturgy has been the key to reviving a rundown parish in downtown Omaha, Nebraska, which was impoverished with dwindling numbers until Father Damien Cook arrived. Now there is a vibrant Catholic culture, with liturgies celebrated both facing the people and facing the altar, Eucharistic adoration, a host of parish organisations, a music ministry, Read more
A Brazilian priest has been excommunicated for his promotion of extra-marital sexual activity, including homosexual relations and open marriage. Father Roberto Francisco Daniel, 48, promoted his views in YouTube videos, a radio broadcast and a newspaper column. In a response to the announcement of his excommunication, he said: “I feel honored to belong to the Read more
The Salvation Army says it may lose a third of its budget advisors when a government fund set up because of the recession ends in July. Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says she is aware of the current pressures on organisations such as the Salvation Army and will be making an announcement about budgetting services Read more
A converted church in Napier is looking to cash in on the new same-sex marriage laws. The Marriage Amendment (Definition of Marriage) Bill was passed by Parliament almost a fortnight ago, and becomes law on August 19. Continue reading
Tui has defended its latest billboard, which some have called insulting and homophobic, saying it was a “topical spin” on a parent’s new partner. The billboard between Wellington and Petone on State Highway 2 reads, “Dad’s new husband seems nice. Yeah right”. Continue reading
A Catholic monastery and convent in a secluded valley outside Bethlehem has lost a seven-year legal battle against the building of Israel’s separation wall on its land. The Society of St Yves, a Catholic human rights group which argued the case on the monastery’s behalf, said an Israeli appeals court had endorsed a plan to Read more
In an address to a Planned Parenthood fundraising event, United States President Barack Obama has accused pro-life activists of being engaged in “an assault on women’s rights”. Hailing Planned Parenthood’s work, the President criticized “those who want to turn back the clock to policies more suited to the 1950s”. Obama, the first sitting president to Read more
A German court has ruled that a man who renounced his faith cannot claim a right to retain his job with a Catholic charity. The plaintiff had been dismissed by Caritas Germany after he changed his legal registration as a Catholic, in a public protest against Church policies. He said that his dismissal was a Read more
Catholic bishops’ spokeswoman Simone Olsen said: “No Catholic priests will be conducting same-sex marriages, and no Catholic church will be used as a venue.” A Herald survey has found that five of the top 10 – Catholics, Baptists, Ratana, Mormons and Muslims – are unlikely to bend their strict opposition to gay marriages despite last Read more