The life and genius of Michelangelo is examined through six of his masterworks in this new biography by art historian, Miles Unger.
Pope Francis states his case for unity
Catholic and Orthodox have been estranged since 1054, but Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew are showing fresh determination to end the schism. Francis' case for unity is different to those of his predecessors, writes John Allen.
One pilgrim soul, three pilgrim paths
Fr Patrick McInerney SSC is the Director of the Columban Mission Institute. This year, he joined the pilgrim trails in Rome, Spain, and Jerusalem, providing him with a greater appreciation of the commonalities of the Abrahamic faiths.
'A voice calling in the wilderness'
Mark 1:1-8 In Sunday’s gospel, St Mark presents John the Baptist. Noting the message of Isaiah, he indicates that his a prophetic vision is being fulfilled.
The social justice legacy of St Francis Xavier
This week, the Church celebrated the Feast of St Francis Xavier, the great Jesuit missionary. Vatican Radio delved into its archive to produce a special remembrance: Pope Pius XII addressing newly independent India in 1952 on the legacy of Xavier.
This year marks 150 years since the death of JJ Therry, who was "virtually the first" Catholic chaplain to the colony of New South Wales. Fr Therry confounded his colleagues but won the hearts of the common people, writes Bishop Bill Wright.
When I grow up I want to be... alive
This video takes us to the ghettos of Jamaica and the work of Catholic Mission in helping children grow up to achieve their dreams, in communities where the threat of a violent death is all to real.
Duchess who didn't have to kneel before the Pope
The 18th Duchess of Alba was Spain's richest woman and known for an exuberant lifestyle. But her lineage also passed to her the right to ride a horse into Seville cathedral, and an exemption from having to kneel before the Pope.
Pope on Egypt, Ebola band aid critics
Six saints for Christ the King, St Francis Xavier's body and relics on display in India, man who shot JPII wants meeting with Francis, Vatican honours former Lebanese president, Church and State in Greece, Middle East Christians.
Nativity: Cattle are lowing again outside St Mary's, Bishop Comensoli's message to Broken Bay, Bethlehem Community anniversary, Geelong fundraiser, improvements for hearing and vision impaired.
You do not know the hour
Mark 13:33-37 In this Gospel passage, Jesus perhaps challenges his disciples to see that the process of God's judgement will happen in God's time, not ours.
Europe, arise from your slumber
Pope Francis delivered a blunt wake-up call to Europe in his address to the EU Parliament this week. Here is the full text of his message of admonishment, hope and encouragement.
Totally radical Pontiff?
This new book by Austen Ivereigh offers an affectionate examination of the making of a Gospel radical, whose electrifying pontificate has stunned the world, writes Kathryn Jean Lopez for the National Review Online.
Courage under fire
Serge Rosato, the principal of a Blue Mountains Catholic primary school, was hailed as a hero for leading his pupils and staff to safety in the face of a raging bushfire and honoured by the Pope. Here he is interviewed by Richard Fidler on ABC.
Advent and a marriage divine
As we enter the season of Advent, the Archbishop of Brisbane offers us this pastoral message, reflecting on the profound issues raised by the process of the Family Synod, in light of the pastoral teachings of Pope Francis.
Australia's pastor of pop
Rob Galea is an assistant priest in Victoria's Diocese of Sandhurst. The young Maltese-Australian is also a music sensation who plays to hundreds of thousands each year. The Sydney Morning Herald shines a light on the apparent paradox of Fr Galea.
Venice: A sea of troubles
Lovers of la Serenissima, the Venetian Republic, know you cannot round a corner in Venice without finding one of its almost 150 churches. Prayers might well be needed for the modern city, according to author RJB Bosworth.
The wisdom of St Francis
St Francis of Assisi is perhaps the world’s most well-known and best-loved saint. But the popular postcard perception of the man doesn't quite tap the true worth of his wisdom for our modern times, writes Br Samuel SSF.
Catholic ethics voice silenced
The bioethicist Nicholas Tonti-Filippini died this month, aged 58, after a long battle against chronic auto-immune disease. The Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher OP, offers a personal remembrance.
Pope on abortion and euthanasia, US and Philippines excitement at Papal visit, supporting Christians in Holy Land, interfaith conference, Francis's tone echoed by new Chicago Archbishop.