Based on a review of more than 60 studies related to the mental health of adolescents, the American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) has concluded that social transition, puberty blockers, and cross-sex hormones “have no demonstrable, long-term benefit on psychosocial well-being of adolescents with gender dysphoria.” ACPeds President Dr. Michael Artigues said the organization’s review of Read more
On 24 January we learned of six decrees presented by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints and promulgated by Pope Francis. I count three Italians, one Spaniard, one Pole and one Canadian. No doubt every single one was a person of great faith. Indeed, one was martyred “in hatred of the faith.” What strikes Read more
The environment in which Religious Education is taught in Catholic schools in Australia today has changed dramatically over the last sixty years. Culturally, this reflects the significant changes in society globally and the impact of religious affiliation locally. Gone is much of the tribalism, homogeneity and compliance that so identified the Catholic faithful pre-Vatican II Read more
Are you wondering what to fast from this Lent – sweets. alcohol, or just simply eating less? This kind of fasting has its place. However, if you want to discover what fasting is especially meant to achieve, fast in a way that will bring about a holy change; change for the better for you, change Read more
Birds of a feather flock together, says the old English proverb. But when it comes to the Church’s cardinals, is that really the case? More specifically, are all the men who got the red hat from Pope Francis moving with him in the same direction? Recent events suggest yet again that not all of Francis’ Read more
The home I grew up in had an open fire, with many a chilly winter’s night gathered around its warmth. There were two rituals attached to the winter fire. One was setting the fire with crushed newspaper, strips of kindling, and pieces of larger wood. Setting the fire so it lit readily and well was Read more
One of the surprises to come out of the Synod on Synodality was a call for better liturgy. The final report of the October 2023 session of the synod referred to “the widely reported need to make liturgical language more accessible to the faithful and more embodied in the diversity of cultures.” The English-speaking church Read more
Soon we’ll be celebrating Ash Wednesday, when Christmas was just 7 weeks ago. The contrasts couldn’t be more startling. Christmas being so engagingly delightful with a cute newborn baby boy, animals, angels, stars and visitors with gifts. Now as we mark Ash Wednesday we are going to have imprinted on our forehead’s ash in the Read more
Euthanasia and assisted suicide are now legal in all Australian States. In each State, however, there are conditions and restrictions. Advocates for euthanasia are currently calling for a review of some of these restrictions. There has been, for instance, a call that advice on euthanasia and assisted suicide should be available via telehealth. It should Read more
In a December reflection, I mentioned of my plan to ignore the rush of Christmas. I was going to sit in the stable in silence and prayer with the holy child. It was going to be a personal retreat. But it didn’t happen. There were too many wise men and women, too many shepherds. The Read more