October 4, Pope Francis signed his new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti during a visit to Assisi. The encyclical calls for a new kind of politics and emphasises social friendship as a way to build a more just and peaceful world. It encourages the contribution of all people and institutions and seeks to build a global movement Read more
On October 2, former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger was convicted of murdering Botham Jean in his own home. Guyger claims she entered Jean’s apartment by accident (she lived on the floor above) and, mistaking him for a burglar, shot him dead. Jean was eating a bowl of ice cream. Following Guyger’s sentencing, Jean’s 18-year-old Read more
Forgiveness stands out among religious virtues because it one of the most difficult to put into practice, particularly in the terms that Christ put it: love your enemies; turn the other cheek; forgive those who have wronged you. It’s also one of the most unfashionable virtues going around, at least in the public discourse, as Read more
Bishop Enrique Figaredo addressed the Assembly of Catholic Professionals in Brisbane last week, during an Australian tour that included his attendance at Proclaim 2018. Born in Gijon, Spain in 1959, he joined the Society of Jesus he was stationed at refugee camps near the Thai border from 1984-1988. Since 2000 he has been the Apostolic Prefect Read more
The pastor at an Indiana church says he forgives a vandal or vandals who painted vulgar images and curse words on the walls of a building, which stands next to the church sanctuary. Continue reading
It is said that God walks behind us, picking up those parts of our life that we choose to discard. The imperfection, failure, shame we try to leave behind in our desire to live “good” lives, is God’s treasure, the true gold of our life story. It is the precisely that part of us, and Read more
Pope Francis says he is saddened by people who consider themselves perfect Catholics and despise others who don’t reach their high standards. “How many people continue today in a wayward life because they find no one willing to look at them in a different way, with the eyes—or better yet—with the heart of God, meaning Read more
In the middle of the current wave of political unrest, hunger and death, Venezuelan people are finding forgiveness is possible and there is hope for a better future. Violent demonstrations and attacks since the end of March have seen 92 people killed and over 1,500 injured. The new change in Venezuelan people’s attitudes began with Read more
Forgiveness is needed, says the Pope. Speaking during a visit to Assisi, Italy last week, Francis told the faithful “The path of forgiveness can truly renew the Church and the world. “The world needs forgiveness,” he said. “Too many people are caught up in resentment and harbour hatred, because they are incapable of forgiving. They Read more
A US woman who spoke at Auckland’s Eucharistic Convention this month has forgiven the ISIS killer who beheaded her son. Diane Foley, whose son James was executed in 2014, said she took no satisfaction from the killing by drone strike of her son’s killer, the man dubbed “Jihadi John”. “How can it give me joy Read more