Odd Spot

A funeral like any other in Japan for 114 robotic dogs

Thursday, July 5th, 2018

It must have been a source of comfort for the owners of 114 Sony Aibo robotic dogs when their beloved pets were given a Buddhist send-off at a ceremony at Japan’s 450-year-old Kofukuji Temple.  Read more

Carmelite Monks into roasting coffee

Monday, July 2nd, 2018

We all know that monks and nuns are famous for brewing some of the finest beer and working wineries. But did you know that now your coffee (or tea) addiction can benefit the church as well? Read more

Indian priest tells House of Lords about benefits of yoga

Thursday, June 28th, 2018

A Catholic priest had a chance to tell the British House of Lords of the benefits of yoga to mark International Yoga Day 2018. Fr Joe Pereira told AsiaNews that he has been practising Iyengar Yoga for 50 years, adding that his Kripa Foundation has used it “to help in the rehabilitation of people with Read more

Catholic fitness training and theology of the body

Monday, June 25th, 2018

Brenda Sigmund and Jordan Friske are trainers at Catholic Fitness Training, who boast athletic builds as well as Catholic convictions. Their program is a fusion of fitness — very popular in their hometown in California — with the Theology of the Body, which Pope John Paul II introduced to the world. Read more

Catholic priest changed surfing culture forever

Thursday, June 21st, 2018

Fr Christian Mondor arrived in the Huntington Beach, Southern California in the 1960s. He started surfing almost immediately after arriving. When Mondor spoke about surfing, it mostly focused on the spiritual side of the sport: “it can be very contemplative. When you’re out alone, between waves, you experience a beautiful calm.” Continue reading

Hermit Carmelite has not spoken for 16 years but she has a message

Monday, June 18th, 2018

Sister Miriam belongs to the community of nuns in the Carmelite Convent of Merciful Love in the Polish city of Szczecin. She is a hermit and she has not spoken for 16 years. What is her message? We can read it in her publications and learn about it from those who have met her? Read Read more

Weeping statue of Mary being investigated

Thursday, June 14th, 2018

The Las Cruces Catholic Diocese, the governing body of all Catholic churches in southern New Mexico, is investigating a statue of the Virgin Mary at a Hobbs church that appears to be shedding tears. Continue reading

Nuns help to save the axolotl

Monday, June 11th, 2018

Conservationists from Chester Zoo have formed an unlikely partnership with an order of nuns – in a project that could save a critically endangered amphibian from extinction. A salamander that is unique to Mexico – has almost been wiped out of its freshwater habitat by pollution and over-fishing. Read more

Cassocks made from recycled from bottles

Thursday, June 7th, 2018

The Church of England has joined the war on plastic as vicars buy cassocks made from recycled bottles. A clerical clothing manufacturer has launched the first-ever plastic cassock in a bid to make priestly clothing more eco-friendly. Read more

Ninja priest unlikely contestant on a hit TV show

Thursday, May 31st, 2018

Among the contestants on season 10 of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, there’s one who stands out. In addition to being a physical trainer, Father Stephen Gadberry is also a Catholic priest. He hopes that his participation in the upcoming season of American Ninja Warrior will make the clergy appear more human and available. Continue reading