A fledgling movement of social justice and environmentally conscious young Catholics is emerging in Europe. Among the movement is a group of doctoral students and young activists in Belgium. In common with young people in other countries, they’re concerned about the various crises the institutional Church is facing. It is also intended to oppose the Read more
The Auckland Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, Te Komihana Rongomau, Paetika, is complimenting Budget 2022. In a statement, the spokesperson for the Commission, Ms Loraine Elliott acknowledges some of the worst economic times for New Zealanders in many years and is commending the government’s efforts. Elliott is pleased that Budget 2022 is looking to address Read more
Mena Antonio, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand’s new Chief Executive’s impressive background ideally fits her for leading the Catholic social justice agency. She has 20-plus years working on and with boards and executive teams, combining leadership in strategy, risk management, legal and financial compliance and people-management here and in the UK. Of Samoan and Tokelauan descent, Read more
Dear Pope Francis, ‘The purpose of the Synod, and therefore of this consultation, is not to produce documents, but to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another, create a bright resourcefulness that will enlightened Read more
When Richard and Angela Wolohan created the Wolohan Family Foundation in 1986, they sought to use their wealth, derived in part from the sale of a successful lumber company, to support organizations and charities that appealed to their shared Catholic faith. Nearly 25 years later, both the founders had passed away and their seven children Read more
Lil Nas X, Bad Bunny and Princess Nokia all work their spirituality into their music, but you’re not likely to think of them as virginal. They are nonetheless helping to spread a craze for Mary, mother of Jesus, wearing designer Brenda Equihua’s splashy coats made from San Marcos cobijas: blankets found in many Latinx homes that Read more
Bishop Robert Barron’s recent piece detailing the “evangelical path” of his organization Word on Fire has provoked heated debate over his use of the term “beige Catholicism” to refer to the faith of liberal or progressive Catholics. It’s not the first time he’s used the term. He coined the phrase 25 years ago, to critique Read more
On Ash Wednesday, or perhaps ‘Ash Sunday’ this year in New Zealand, with dust-like ashes crossed upon our foreheads we were each invited to call to mind that this mortal body, this earthly life, is passing away – sooner than we realize – and that you and I would be wise to diligently prepare for Read more
Pope Francis spoke of his solidarity with the people of Myanmar and appealed to its leaders to show willingness to serve the common good “promoting social justice and national stability”. Myanmar is “a nation that I carry in my heart with much affection, ever since my apostolic visit there in 2017,” he said after the Read more
I’m voting no on the End of Life Choice (EOLC) referendum. I have many concerns about this legislation, including around the technical aspects and operation of the law. But I’m also very concerned about its impact on the vulnerable and marginalised in our society. Here are my top four reasons. 1. It devalues and risks Read more