What is a Catholic, from a contemporary perspective? The stereotype is that he or she is a sort of reactionary simpleton, a bit mean, a bit senile, obsessing over abstruse texts, preferring Mass to sleeping in on Sundays, and insisting on obeying an antiquated sect whose main activity is covering up sexual abuse. This pious Read more
The Church does not need more sex abuse reports, but personal and ecclesial conversion. Powerful, pandemic experiences and images have stimulated new respect for first responders who work selflessly to save others from harm, even at personal risk. They have also shown the crucial need for research into the nature and causes of the harm Read more
There are many aspects to reform in the church. Different people and different reform groups, have their own take on what, or who, needs reform the most urgently. I must admit the recent article by Antonio Spadaro on Pope Francis has prompted me to think more about it.[1] I would like to share some of Read more
A former Australian governor general, Labor leader and avowed atheist says he has found God again at age 85. “There’s been a gnawing pain in my heart and soul about what is the meaning of life. What’s my role in it?” Bill Hayden says. Hayden has often been cited as one of Australia’s most prominent Read more
Conversion to Catholicism are on the increase in some unexpected places. In 2016, Fr Joseph Enkh Baatar was ordained in St Peter and Paul Cathedral in Ulaanbaatar. Like so many buildings in Mongolia’s capital, the cathedral is modeled after the yurt – a round tent made of animal skin in which the peoples of the Read more
In a recent Vimeo video produced by Spirit Juice Studios and the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Donald Calloway recalled his radical transformation from atheist, drug-addicted high school dropout to Catholic priest. One night, an almost-21-year-old Donnie was spending a quiet night at home in his room. Without the distraction of music or the noises of Read more
All Black Sonny Bill Williams has said he is most happy when he is saying his prayers. In an article in the UK Daily Mail, Williams admitted to having to fit his Islamic diet and prayer around an intensive rugby schedule. “When I’m most happy is when I’m doing my prayers,” he said. “When you Read more
Christians have a mission to convert all Muslims, according to one of Pope Francis’s senior aides. Cardinal Kurt Koch, who leads ecumenical relations for the Vatican, made the comments at an interfaith meeting in the United Kingdom, the Catholic Herald reported. Cardinal Koch also said that Christians should not try and convert Jews and should Read more
As someone who spends a lot of his time dealing with religious statistics, it seems to be my lot in life to be the bearer of bad news. I guess that’s why I don’t get invited to any of the razzamatazziest Catholic parties. In my defence, if there is bad news, then it’s much better Read more
Two top cardinals say that as Catholics engage in charity around the world, they must be careful not to put their desire to convert people to their faith ahead of their missionary work. Speaking at the “Charity will never end” conference organized by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council Cor Unum, an umbrella office to coordinate the Read more