As a new Catholic, I was enthralled by the beauty of the liturgy. I wanted the priest to slow down so every word could be savoured fully; but the pace was such, I felt like a hungry woman being rushed past delicious food. I’d glance at the people near me: some would be attentive; others would Read more
It is common knowledge that the homilies offered in many Catholic parishes (how can one say this charitably?) often have a lot of room for improvement. The quality of Catholic homilies, of course, varies widely according to the specific parish and priest involved. I have actually heard some of the best sermons of my life Read more
Carl Anderson, leader of the Knights of Columbus, is undeniably a polarizing figure. Directing what he calls “the strong right arm” of the Church, he is a champion for many conservative Catholics for many of the same reasons the Catholic left considers him deeply problematic. One major, longstanding reason for such polarization is his prioritization Read more
The Vatican seems poised to publish a theological investigation into the diaconate that does not look kindly on women deacons. On the other hand, reports that the Vatican has outlawed women deacons are not true—at least not yet. The International Theological Commission approved a study on the diaconate during its meeting in Rome from Sept. Read more
It is a windy Wellington day and the sea is magnificent, great waves rolling into the shore with heads of foam, some waves exploding against rocks, others falling over themselves and dissolving on the sand. Clouds too are moving and between sea and sky, gulls teeter on outstretched wings, as though fearful of a crash-landing Read more
Wednesday night’s ABC 7.30 program [aired in Australia] carried allegations against Cardinal George Pell. If true, the allegations are devastating: life ruining for victims like Damian Dignan and Lyndon Monument; confronting for all citizens committed to the wellbeing of children; and earth shattering for Catholics who still have faith in their church. The ABC report Read more
A Facebook reminder from 2008 popped up in my husband’s newsfeed last week. It was a photo from World Youth Day in Sydney. He sent me the link with a note, “Hard to believe that this was just eight years ago.” Just eight years ago, Australia’s Cardinal George Pell walked the streets of Sydney unencumbered, Read more
When a Muslim kills in the name of Islam, only the most bigoted among us would condemn all Muslims. When a mother kills her child, only the most misogynist among us would condemn all women. When a black man rapes a white woman, only the most racist among us would blame all black men. When Read more
At any moment, you could be within 30 minutes of being incinerated from nuclear weapons! You are in harm’s way if you live in or near a large U.S. city or major military installation. And considering that radiation fallout from a nuclear attack would hurt virtually everyone, and cause irreparable harm to our earth-home, we Read more
No one wants to have – or to be around – demanding, selfish, spoiled children; those who throw tantrums or sulk when they’re not given everything they want immediately. Paradoxically, the parents of such children encourage this demanding behaviour in the mistaken belief that if they give their children everything they can, their children will Read more