John Allen has reported here on the surge of Pentecostalism across Africa and the threat it presents to established Catholicism. Here is what he has to say: Today the primary competition stems from Africa’s sprawling galaxy of Pentecostal and Evangelical churches, some part of global denominations but most home-grown. In many parts of the continent, Read more
As with most bulk-billing clinics, there was an old TV in the waiting room. A lifestyle program blared at full volume, to drown out the wheezing pensioners and wailing toddlers. First, the panellists interviewed a washed-up pop star. Then, a demonstration of how to cook spaghetti in your microwave (hint: don’t). But it was the Read more
There is a saying, “Pray as you can, not as you can’t,” and I’m one of those people who can’t pray some of the words in the changed liturgy. The problem is not ‘consubstantiation’ and a sprinkling of clumsy English, but a couple of statements that have no meaning for me. For example, I can’t Read more
As we near the end of Lent, it’s a good time to stop and assess how we have done thus far. Before the revision of the Roman Missal in 1970, this coming Sunday, the Fifth Sunday of Lent, was referred to as “Passion Sunday” and marked the beginning of Passiontide. In his incredible fifteen-volume work Read more
Blaise Pascal once wrote: “Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from a religious conviction.” How true! This has been going on since the beginning of time and is showing few signs of disappearing any time soon. We still do violence and evil and justify them in God’s name. Read more
I went for a run in the Domain – well a schlep, really. Yes, I know, exercise is vile but turns out to be less vile than taking antidepressants. Anyway on this particular day I found myself in the midst of hundreds of teenage boys in matching kit being made to run around, disconsolately. It Read more
Once in a while, one of my kids fall into a funk, a period of negativity and difficult behavior which makes parenting a real challenge. When this happens, not only do I feel sorrow for my child, but I also feel discouraged and inadequate. And yet, I know that this experience is almost a universal Read more
Lent is a good time to examine our consciences regarding greed in all its forms: In faith, love, forgiveness, time, abilities, and finances. Greed can distort reality, manipulate truth, coerce sinful actions, and compromise virtue and a desire to follow the ways of God. This weekend, the Lenten journey continues but lightens up with “Rejoice Read more
Some self-declared Catholic traditionalists have been complaining bitterly that there is much confusion and division within the Catholic Church. They blame it all on Pope Francis and especially on the challenging program he has launched for ecclesial renewal and reform. In doing so, they are de facto opposing the pope—especially his more merciful and pastoral Read more
It’s taken me years, but I’m really learning to love St. Joseph. Part of it has probably been praying this novena, but a bigger part is art. I’m sorry, but I just can’t get that excited about an old guy with a lily. But with all the traveling I’ve done, I’ve seen a lot of Read more