The scathing assessment of Philadelphia's handling of sex abuse allegations against priests has wider implications for the church, say several experts. It exposes inherent weaknesses in the process that deals with allegations against Catholic clerics,
Australia's treatment of asylum seekers and social conscience issues were prominent. Archbishop Hart released a Lenten Reflection, Cardinal Pell launched a new Catholic intellectual journal and the NFP sector was told it needs a stronger voice. Archbishop
Violence in Sudan and Pakistan, and the ongoing aftermath of Japan's disaster drew attention over the week. On a brighter note, the legacy of John Paul II has been prominent in the lead-up to his beatification, and the Vatican wants to
Beloved Canberra surgeon
02-Apr-2011
One of Canberra's best-loved surgeons, John Buckingham, has died of cancer, aged 63.Renowned throughout Australia for his pioneering work in breast cancer surgery and diagnosis, Dr Buckingham was himself diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer in early
Benedict's Passion
02-Apr-2011
Jesus of Nazareth Holy Week: From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI Ignatius Press. 384pp $37.95 This volume is a sequel to Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration, in
Christopher Hitchens mellowed but not converted
02-Apr-2011
With Christopher Hitchens, it is not a question of Christianity having been tried and found wanting: it has simply never been tried – or understood, writes Francis Phillips in the Catholic Herald. In an interview with Mick Brown in the Sunday Telegraph
Depicting the history of salvation throughout the rebuilt St Patrick’s Cathedral in Bunbury is the highlight of internationally-renowned West Australian artist Robert Juniper’s career, reports The Record. Juniper has depicted stories from the
Jesus came to a Samaritan city called Sychar
25-Mar-2011
John 4:5-42 So Jesus came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. 7 A Samaritan
The true wisdom of Lenten readings is revealed
25-Mar-2011
As we move into Lent, it becomes obvious how carefully the Readings of the Liturgy have been selected to draw us deeper into the truth of our faith. They are not drum rolls to Easter but lessons about what it all means for us, what it means to be a
Africa's gift to the Church
25-Mar-2011
This discussion from Canada's Salt + Light TV examines Africa's gift to the Church. Host Pedro is joined by Sister Hazel Campayne from Our Lady of Lourdes Black Catholic Community Ministry and Father Stan Chu Ilo pastor at St. Therese Catholic
While the public face of the Apostolic Visitation of the Church in Ireland has shown the determination of the visitators to listen to those who have been abused by priests or Religious and to demonstrate the Church’s remorse, there has been another
Catholic moves on mental health sector
25-Mar-2011
Frank Quinlan -- Frank Quinlan has resigned from his position as Executive Director of Catholic Social Services Australia to take up a new appointment as the new CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia. Also in the social services sector, Monsignor
Archbishop Oscar Romero -- History was made this week when President Barack Obama visited the tomb of Archbishop Oscar Romero in El Salvador. Meanwhile the international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has launched a new report which
Mexican mediator Bishop Samuel Ruiz
25-Mar-2011
Retired Bishop Samuel Ruiz Garcia, known as the champion of the poor and indigenous in southern Mexico, has died at the age of 86.Bishop Ruiz headed the Diocese of San Cristobal de Las Casas from 1960 to 2000, and from 1994 to 1998 mediated a commission
How to live the compassionate life
25-Mar-2011
Karen Armstrong, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, Random House Australia, 240P $29.95This volume is a departure for Karen Armstrong. Known for an impressive series of studies of world religions and the history of religious ideas and practices, Armstrong
The Gospel concept of stewardship permeates Catholic teaching. it is therefore entirely fitting that the Vatican is seeking to become the world's first carbon neutral state and that the Holy Father has laid such emphasis on our moral responsibility to battle
Up close with the Camino
19-Mar-2011
Pilgrims have been walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage for over 1000 years. Its history and significance make it a spiritual epicentre for the Christian faith after Jerusalem and Rome. This episode of Catholic Focus on Salt + Light speaks to an
Aussie with a special Irish ethos
19-Mar-2011
Frank Clarke strolls around the inner sanctums of Clongowes Wood College, effortlessly explaining the history of oil portraits and hidden doors concealed as fake bookcases, like a star graduate of the school; someone who has been ingrained in its culture for
Jesus led them up a high mountain
19-Mar-2011
Matthew 17:1-9 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.
Putting others before our own goals
19-Mar-2011
In 1994, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photo showed a frail little Sudanese girl crouched, head bowed, struggling to make her way to a feeding centre with a large vulture behind her, ready to claim her body when she died, writes Rev Peter Ingham, the Bishop
From Parish of Our Lady of The Way, North Sydney & Lavender Bay. The first Mass of the day on YouTube. 
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