Even the greatest believer goes through the tunnel of doubt John the Baptist, hearing of Jesus’ works, is seized with doubt as to whether he is really the Messiah or not. In fact, he imagined a stern Messiah who would come and do justice with power by chastising sinners. Now, on the contrary, Jesus has…
French bishops set up ‘comprehensive’ national Church court
France’s Catholic bishops have set up what they believe to be the world’s first major national church court, replacing a previous network of local tribunals, although sexual abuse cases involving children will still be referred to the Vatican. “As a community of believers, the Church has developed a comprehensive legal system, which includes the right…
Spanish Catholics plea to Pope to save monastery from government
A group of Spanish Catholics sent a petition to the Madrid cardinal and Pope Francis’ ambassador, asking help to prevent the removal of a giant cross and a Benedictine monastery from a civil war cemetery and memorial outside Madrid. “These Benedictines carry out an invaluable task: They pray for the people buried there, for peace…
America’s first deaf priest still inspiring
by Barb Umberger Parishioners at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Minneapolis, about half of whom are deaf, had the chance to attend Mass celebrated by the first deaf man ordained a Roman Catholic priest in the US, Fr Tom Coughlin. About 80 people attended the Mass last month at the small church, a…
‘We Christians are staying here in Bethlehem, hoping for peace’
Pilgrims are breathing fresh life into the city of Christ’s birth, writes Judith Sudilovsky On the third Sunday of Advent the pews of St Catherine’s Church were overflowing, with families and young children, teenagers and older parishioners attending Mass in anticipation of Christmas. We go out, we go shopping, we have places where we eat…
‘Nigeria is waiting’ for justice in Pentecost church massacre
Six months after the Pentecost Sunday attack on Sts Francis Xavier Owo Catholic Parish in Ondo Diocese, which left 39 Catholic worshipers killed and more than 80 injured, there have been arrests and promises but no prosecution, Bishop Felix Femi Ajakaye has lamented. “December 5, 2022, is the sixth month of the evil attack, the…
The enchantment of the Christmas crib
Pope Francis reflects on the origins and wonder of the nativity scene The enchanting image of the Christmas crèche, so dear to the Christian people, never ceases to arouse amazement and wonder. The depiction of Jesus’ birth is itself a simple and joyful proclamation of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God.…
Pope’s 2022: A year dominated by war and problems walking
by Cindy Wooden While 2022 finally saw the publication of Pope Francis’ constitution reforming the Roman Curia, the biggest news and the biggest changes in his ministry came from Russia’s war on Ukraine and from the Pope’s own problems walking. Knee problems forced the Pope, who celebrated his 86th birthday on December 17, to postpone…
Vatican Roundup
Church must take workers’ problems seriously, Pope says All workers should feel welcomed by the Church and know that their needs and problems are taken seriously, Pope Francis said. In fact, labour and employment are experiencing “a phase of transformation that needs to be accompanied,” he told members of Italy’s Movement of Christian Workers during…
Facilitating the wickedness of NI abortion
Dear Editor, Westminster has continuously proven to disregard the wishes of the people of Northern Ireland by pushing ahead with plans to bring in abortion ‘services’. Fuel prices soar and people are cold in their houses, yet for some reason the biggest priority for them is abortion. Once again, due to the inability of the…