Today’s announcement by Pope Francis of the canonization of Blessed John Paul II was not a surprise. From the time of his death in 2005, when crowds shouted “Santo Subito!” in St. Peter’s Square, to Pope Benedict XVI’s waiving of the normal five-year rule (the process of canonization normally doesn’t begin until five years after Read more
Pope Francis has appointed eight cardinals to assist him in reorganizing the Vatican’s administration. One of them is the archbishop of Sydney, Australia, George Pell. Many think he was chosen simply because he is the only cardinal in Oceania and it appears that the pope wanted one from each continental region. When asked in an Read more
My mother used to say a phrase I’ll never forget. As a teenager, there were times that I would refuse to do as she asked, would stomp my feet in anger, or argue that she didn’t love me. But she would always reply, “Wait until you’re a mother and you’ll see why I worry about Read more
The battles over gay marriage are intense. And bitter. One must only look at the comboxes of Catholic blogs and websites to understand that. I have taken part in bitter debates as well. I probably shouldn’t even call them debates so much as exchanged accusations. Sometimes I’ll admit I sometimes opt for the witty verbal Read more
The horrific photographs of Charles Saatchi apparently strangling his celebrity chef wife Nigella Lawson have rekindled memories for Timaru Herald features editor Claire Allison. It was his explanation that was just about the end of the iPad. Charles Saatchi explained, suavely and confidently, that the photographs were misleading. That he and his wife, Nigella Lawson, Read more
Keeping our nation free from antiquated religious influences is a thankless task but someone’s got to do it. Dr Pita Sharples, Maori Party Co-Leader, supported Kelston’s initiative saying that ‘schools have to reflect and respect the culture of our kids to make them feel welcome and connected’ and noting that karakia, ‘is a vital part Read more
“A playful tiff”? Give us a break, Charles Saatchi. The hand around the throat, the pinching of a nose – in public view in a big city – you can’t help wondering what Mr Saatchi’s last wife meant when she divorced him for “unreasonable behaviour”. As painful as it must be for Nigella Lawson to Read more
This week Nigella Lawson was photographed with her husband’s hand round her throat. How can we make sure children never have to experience abuse from a partner when they grow up? Plus, the warning signs of a controlling relationship. When I became the mother of one, then two, girls I would occasionally think about the Read more
I am an anti-theist. I just don’t believe in God. I am pleased there isn’t one. Nothing would irritate me more than a supernatural force knowing everything and hovering above directing all that happens in the world. It would be like suffering a metaphysical Kim Jong-il without the farce or humour. I like the organ Read more
Given that the Vatican “gay lobby” story was back in the air this week, it may be hard for some to fathom that anything else is cooking on the church beat. Yet there is real news out there, including this: A new threat has emerged to the Christian community in the Gaza Strip, estimated at just 3,000 Read more