Sometimes the darkness of the world, not to mention of our personal lives, can overwhelm us. When we hear of children killed unrepentantly, for example, human rights routinely denied, the cooking of the world locked in, and nations entrusting power to wilful children. How do you deal with such a dark vision? After the ABC’s Read more
Discernment of how the Spirit is leading the church is at the heart of Pope Francis’ plans for the Synod on Synodality, but anyone who thinks discernment is easy is bound to get into trouble. It is very easy for us to believe that our desires and opinions are inspired by the Spirit and that Read more
Sometimes, an author of children’s books is invited into schools far beyond the tourist’s world. The richness of such an experience can be life-changing. The would-be teacher becomes a learner as an understanding of God grows beyond cultural boundaries. I’ve learned that other cultures do not have a different understanding of God: they simply use Read more
The good news: Pope Francis named Xaverian Sr. Nathalie Becquart as undersecretary to the Vatican’s office of the Synod of Bishops, possibly with voting rights. The other news: the second undersecretary named, Augustinian Fr. Luis Marín de San Martín, will become a bishop. The more things change. … Still, it is important to have a Read more
The youth ministry is an important feature of the Church and the real meaning of “synodality” is well understood by young people, Pope Francis says. Young people have lessons they could teach the Church about synodality, Pope Francis says. “They have asked us in a thousand ways to walk alongside them — not behind them Read more
Lack of prayerful discernment is the reason Pope Francis said no to the Amazon synod’s suggestion that the Catholic Church should allow priests to be married. The question of addressing a priest shortage in the Amazon by ordaining older, mature and married men (viri probati) from local communities was one of the issues raised at Read more
Church teaching comes as a “one size fits all” but at the same time, the Church recognises that God calls us as individuals. Through the sacraments, gospels and prayer, Jesus helps me to discern what is more life-giving and what is less life-giving. Ignatius of Loyola saw discernment as very important in spiritual life, and Read more
As a teacher in our parish school, I often ask the kids what they want to be when they grow up. The most popular answer is a sports star (I’m not alone!). Veterinarian, scientist, and doctor are also frequently mentioned. Asking questions about why you’re here and what will make you happy is too often neglected. When planning for the Read more
In a new document, Pope Francis has called for renewed efforts to strengthen marriages, while being compassionate and close to people in their frailty. The 325-paragraph document, Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), draws together almost three years of consultation with Catholics around the world, including synods in 2014 and 2015. Among the many topics Read more
The number of women entering religious orders in England and Wales has reached a 25-year high. Forty-five women chose to pursue their vocations last year, the highest number since the 1980s. The number for 2014 was up from 30 the previous year. The figures, released by the National Office for Vocation in England and Wales, Read more