In a case that has divided India, Mumbai Bishop Agnelo Gracias has appealed to a fifteen year old pregnant girl not to abort her pregnancy. Times Now reports that Niketa Mehta has been waging a battle seeking permission to abort her 25 week foetus
Bishop runs, Pope prays for Olympics
Vatican recognised Bishop Peter Fang Jianping represented the Catholic Church in the Olympic torch relay last week while Pope Benedict has sent a message to Chinese games organisers and athletes calling on them to do their best in the "Olympic
Okolo returns to Africa
Nigerian born Monsignor Jude Okolo from the Apostolic Nunciature in Canberra has been appointed as the Nuncio for Chad and the Central African Republic, the Holy see has announced. Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President, Archbishop Philip
Templars sue Pope
Spanish Templars are suing Pope Benedict seeking restoration of the medieval Knights Templar Order. Russia Today reports the Templars, who consider themselves to be the inheritors of the knight order destroyed in the 14th century, want the
Opinion - Cautious start but more reform needed
The changes to Australia's asylum policy announced last week by the immigration minister, Chris Evans, were as inevitable as they were sensible. They are also incremental: they remove some of the worst aspects of a cruel system but leave intact much of the
Feature - WYD blessings still open
It is a credit to the thousands of pilgrims, that as the week went on, what happened was so amazing and so authentic, that Sydney and those reporting on it, began to realise that negativity could not crush the momentum of good will, in the knowledge of
Featured Website - ACU National
It is Open Day season for universities across the country and ACU National is no different. Indeed with its multiple campuses, the challenges of holding an interesting and informative "open house" in an increasingly competitive market for
Television - The Boys of Baraka
A potent mixture of heartbreak and crushing irony, The Boys of Baraka documents the lives of several 12 year old African-American boys who were transported from the harsh streets of Baltimore in the US to an experimental boarding school in rural
Polish pilgrims at Penola
Polish WYD pilgrims visited the Penola birthplace of the Sisters of St Joseph this week as the community prepared for the feast of founder Mary MacKillop. Led by Polish born Canberra priest, Fr Mietek Markowicz, the pilgrims visited wineries as well
Former GG backs bible garden
Former Governor-General Sir William Deane has opened a new Bible Garden in Canberra that will feature all 148 plants mentioned in the Bible. The Canberra Times reports Sir William Deane described himself as an enthusiastic ''convert'' to the concept
Knotz workshops booked out
Weekend retreats for couples promoting "divine sex" given by Polish Fr Ksawery Knotz are booked solid for the next year following publicity for the Capuchin Friar's counselling work. The Sydney Morning Herald reports Fr Knotz has been dubbed
Plenty of new songs for composer Dan
Releasing his latest album, St Louis composer and singer Dan Schutte says the recent emphasis in the Church on Gregorian chant represents a natural swing of the pendulum and is not a cause for pessimism. The composer of "Here I Am Lord,"
Jesus kept his word: Betancourt
Reflecting on her release from captivity former French-Colombian hostage, Ingrid Betancourt, says that Jesus kept his promise to her when she was released in June after she consecrated herself to the Sacred Heart. The Catholic Herald reports after she
What's On - Mary Ward Symposium 2008
This year's Mary Ward Symposium is being held in conjunction with the Carlton/Fitzroy Spirituality in the Pub series and features well known Melbourne writer and academic, Morag Fraser on the topic Inventing the future:new models for women's
Featured Website - Brigidine Sisters
The Brigidine Sisters were founded in Ireland in 1807 and have two provinces in Australia in addition to provinces in the United States, New Zealand and the United Kingdom/Ireland. The sisters have been active in Australia for much of their history
Feature - Full of joy to the end
Dad's joy consoled my mother as she lovingly and heroically poured out her life to care for him for more than a dozen years. And it solidified my belief in the truths Dad had taught me as a girl: that the human person has an inherent dignity no disease or
Opinion - Diplomatic intention raises questions
There is something disquieting about the decision to significantly upgrade Australia’s relations with the Holy See. It is clearly one that was made by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. He’s not actually running for sainthood - well, we don’t
Home a human right
Describing homelessness as human rights abuse, Society of St Vincent de Paul President Syd Tutton has called on the Australian government to enshrine the right to housing in a Bill of Rights or other legislation. "Homelessness is a human rights
New Norcia wins
The New Norcia Museum in Western Australia is celebrating after winning second prize in an ABC Radio museums competition. Staff at the New Norcia Museum and Art Gallery are celebrating their success in the annual ABC Radio National Marvellous Regional
Beijing sending positive signals: Bertone
China is sending positive signals to the Vatican that should not be overlooked, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone says. Beijing has sent positive signals on the right to worship during the Olympic Games as the Chinese capital