Challenging this terrible reality, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a heartfelt appeal for a global ceasefire. Inspiringly he said, “Our world faces a common enemy: COVID-19. The virus does not care about nationality or ethnicity, faction or faith. It attacks all, relentlessly. “Meanwhile, armed conflict rages on around the world. The most vulnerable — women Read more
Singapore’s government is often praised, domestically and internationally, for its planning and foresight — and, in the past few months, particularly for its response to the coronavirus pandemic. But recent developments have demonstrated that you can’t have the foresight for things you refuse to see. A sharp increase in COVID-19 cases among the country’s migrant Read more
One of the strange constants of the tumultuous persecution/prosecution of Cardinal George Pell was that, no matter the latest fantastical development, the Holy See Press Office would always express its “utmost respect” for the Australian justice system. At first, this seemed like the routine lies that press offices tell. During the recent visit of the Read more
This week Thomas is present when Jesus appears in the Upper Room. Thomas, as we know was not there the previous week and had refused to believe the other disciples’ account of them seeing the risen Lord. Traditionally, Thomas gets a bad rap for what is described as his disbelief; he had not seen so Read more
About four weeks ago, facing imminent gathering bans, my partner and I eloped with 20 hours’ notice, marrying in Central Park with our priest and two close friends, standing 6 feet away, serving as witnesses. The decision, I’ll admit, had something to do with the way that life has changed here in New York, indoors, Read more
The great English poet John Milton was struck blind at the age of 44 in 1652, years before he would publish his epic poem, “Paradise Lost.” While grappling with his sudden loss of sight, he penned the last line of a sonnet that seems most relevant to a world in quarantine: “They also serve who Read more
The traditional church wedding is in danger of dying out, according to official figures out yesterday. Fewer than one in four brides now opt for a traditional ceremony, the lowest total on record. At the same time, the number of weddings celebrated in hotels, stately homes and even football grounds has surged. A total of Read more
Three months ago, if you had asked who are the most important people in the U.S. economy, the response would have been investors, CEOs, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, bankers and others who are well rewarded by the marketplace. They all make scads of money. The response is much different today. Essential workers are now nurses, doctors, Read more
In the Catholic tradition, 14 ‘stations’ represent Christ’s journey to the cross. Many artists have depicted Christ’s journey to Calvary. These depictions portray Jesus’ final hours and particularly come to the fore during Lent. Called the Stations of the Cross, or the Way of the Cross, ‘the Stations’ are part of church life. On the Read more
When the human soul becomes aware of itself, it develops a marvellous desire to grow. It seeks spiritual food. In the early stages, most of us seek sweetness – what I sometimes call “Spiritual Pavlova.” I fed on righteousness, beauty, goodness, affirmation holiness. The amazing grace I sought was very sweet indeed. I read positive Read more