When Pope Francis addressed a group of top international comedians on June 14, 2024, he called them “artists” and stressed the value of their talents. To many Catholics, this meeting came as a surprise. Traditionally, the themes of detachment, sacrifice, humility and repentance appear far more frequently in religious writing and preaching than the spiritual Read more
Observing the Lenten season is a challenging task, and giving up something for 40 days is not an easy feat. However, a sense of humour can make the journey more bearable. So, here is a collection of Lent memes for 2024 to add some laughter to your dedication. Whether you are a seasoned Lent observer Read more
According to the Rev. Mike Atkins, humour has the power to heal and provide relief in our dark world. He shares that he grew up attending a church where humour was not encouraged and the atmosphere was always serious. However, he later realised that God does indeed have a sense of humour. To prove this Read more
A Catholic Guide to Ashes hilariously describes how Ash Wednesday ashes appear on foreheads after receiving them. Bill Donaghy, a senior lecturer for the Theology of the Body Institute, designed the graphic. He explained why he created it. “Humour is the ability to see through things, even the darkest or most sombre of things, to Read more
A new book called The Sacred Art of Joking examines why jokes often go wrong and are considered offensive. James Cary suggests that Jesus was funny and used offensive humour to mock religious authorities. He gives instances in the Bible of Jesus highlighting hypocrisy by using imagery that wouldn’t look out of place in a Read more
If you are my age, then you will probably agree that our childhood coincided with the golden age of television situation comedies — “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “My Favorite Martian,” “Gomer Pyle,” and the under-appreciated masterpiece, “My Mother The Car,” in which Jerry Van Dyke discovers that his beloved mother has been reincarnated as a 1928 Read more
Religious jokes are (sacra)ment to make you grin for what might seem like an eternity and bring some laughter (and possible good-natured head shaking) to your day. Here are 45 Christian jokes and puns about the Bible, religion and dad jokes about faith. Read more
Can we talk about something other than Covid19? What about Catholic jokes? Will that do? I usually enjoy religious humour. It seems to come from solid faith that is without doubt or fear. And sometimes the laughter it evokes, unwraps a little parable that stays with me. I still carry an old Marist Messenger confessional Read more
Celebration colours; photos or other mementos that recall happy times, fun and laughter. Prayer O God, creator of all. I see you at the birth of time excited and joyful, thrilled by the splendour and beauty of what was about to be. Even before that moment you could not contain your delight, knowing the gifts Read more
What comes to mind when you think of requirements for someone who is to become the pope? A strong prayer life? Wisdom? Leadership skills coming out of their ears? How about a sense of humour? Many popes have had great senses of humour. Read 13 humorous Papal quotes.