Synodal feedback identified the need for liturgical experiences that are life-giving and accessible to Catholics. Because many New Zealand Catholics no longer identify with symbols and signs used in the Sacred Liturgy, the liturgy has become a foreign land. People who feel this way might describe the Liturgy as boring, clericalist and formal and themself Read more
Sister Mary Lembo says the sexual abuse of women religious by priests in Africa is a “gaping wound” in the Church. A native of the West African nation of Togo and member of the Sisters of St. Catherine of Alexandria, she’s done extensive research on this taboo subject, including her doctoral dissertation. Lembo is a Read more
Theology is not a bundle of facts. Theology is the possession of a Christian skill which can enhance life for the individual and the communion of which that person is a member. It has a vital role to play in a synodal church. I have tried to look at this in various ways in previous Read more
On many occasions unknowingly, and on other occasions quite knowingly, Christian prayer has become a contest. Have I chosen the right place? Am I in the right posture? How often? For how long? Each becomes part of the criteria for prayer efficacy. Luke’s Gospel (18: 9 – 14), often has the heading, The Parable of Read more
These days, Catholic intellectuals open the op-ed pages of the New York Times with the same dread they once had for the threatening, unsigned editorials of the official newspaper of the Vatican, L’Osservatore Romano. Except that we’re not talking about condemnations emanating from the pope. Instead, the condemnations found in world beacon of the liberal Read more
The most substantive change in the last sixty years has been the renewal of the Sacred Liturgy and its sacramental rites adapted to our languages and cultures. We have two great gifts from the Council: first, the treasury of the Sunday and weekday lectionaries so that God’s Word will fill our days and minds; and Read more
Among the many incongruities of life, there are few more odd and charming as the Hillbilly Thomists. Perhaps you know a bluegrass band or two, but have you ever heard of one composed of Dominican friars and priests? What else could possibly be so odd, yet so perfect, as a group of guitar and banjo-wielding Read more
The Andrew Thorburn case is “far more concerning” than Israel Folau or other high-profile cases, according to the principal lawyer of Australia’s only religious freedom law firm. John Steenhof, (pictured) who heads the Human Rights Law Alliance, said that in Mr Folau’s case the footballer had posted material online, had a code of conduct and Read more
Living alongside other religions might appear to be far from the issues we are discussing now in terms of synodality. However, if we do not keep in mind that we share this planet with many faiths, then we might just become a little sect rather than be witnesses to the Good News. Here is where Read more
As the supreme governor of the Church of England, King Charles III is expected to continue his mother’s friendship and esteem for the Catholic Church, but it will form just part of his broad interest in all Christian denominations, other world religions, and his seeming religious fervour for environmental concerns. The new monarch, who immediately Read more