When magicians are asked as to who qualifies as a Magician’s Magician, the first name that comes up is Br. Hamman. Most magicians are incredulous when they find that the standard by whom all card tricks are judged was not only a devout Catholic but, in fact, a consecrated brother. He went by the stage Read more
Apodaca prison in Monterrey, Mexico, was the the scene of a violent uprising in 2012 now it is a place of peace and stillness. A quarter of the 2000 prisoners, guards and management in the overcrowded prison regularly practise meditation It has transformed life in the prison. Suicides are down 40 per cent; there have Read more
Many people, Catholic or not, are unaware that the city of Los Angeles is dedicated to and named after the Virgin Mary. On September 4, 1781, Spanish governor Felipe de Neve, with the assistance of two Franciscan priests, gave the village its official name, El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Angeles del Read more
As the congregation at Wellington Cathedral sang about all creatures great and small several dogs joined in with yelps and howls. The annual service at the capital’s central church in honour of the patron saint of animals welcomed a host of pets and their owners on Saturday morning. Continue reading
A couple of Whanganui flatmates have turned to Facebook to offload an unwanted homemade coffin. Jesse Hosie made the coffin last year while he was student at City College. It was intended for his nana but she didn’t want it so it sat lying around his flat until now. Continue reading
The National Catholic Register’s Matt Archbold went back and looked up some movies in which the pope and the Church were portrayed. What he came up with was not encouraging. Many Catholics are rightly upset about the scandalous anti-Catholic new HBO show called “The Young Pope.” But Hollywood has been attacking the Church for years. Read more
September 18 was the feast day of St. Joseph of Cupertino, who was famous for levitating and is therefore the patron saint of pilots. Elaborate legends about him flying developed: He flew up into a tree to talk with birds, he flew up to help workmen place a memorial cross into the ground; he flew Read more
“Jesus and Beer” and it’s part of an effort by some Christian groups throughout the United States to recruit parishioners, connect with people struggling with faith or provide a relaxed outlet to talk religion. Angela Caddell started struggling with her Christianity 14 years ago when she came out as gay. But a gathering at a Read more
“Black stones” are the key treatment for snake and scorpion bites in a hospital managed by the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in central India. The “stone” is made from herbs found deep in the forest. In the process they help end certain superstitious practices among villagers. Continue reading
The people of St. Mary of Gostyn Parish in Downers Grove, Ill., a part of the Joliet diocese, found out about the Francis effect via the impact of a paper photographic cutout that was a hit at a local Rotary outdoor festival June 23-26. At the town event, scores lined up to take photos with Read more