Grief is a complicated emotion, as Kerry Weber discovered when her infant niece Marian Elizabeth died after only a few hours of life. She explores her family's reaction to the loss of the new-born for Faith in Focus in America magazine.
Pope Francis reflects on the essence of marriage
Amid the splendour of St Peter's Basilica in Rome, 20 Italian couples were married during last weekend - and their celebrant was no ordinary priest, but Pope Francis himself. So what does the Holy Father have to say on the essentials of marriage?
Bishops on this sporting nation, Iraq deployment
Leunig mocking Christ? Canberra cathedral precinct, Labor wants refugee increase, Govt asylum boat record, Sydney prayers for Middle East, marriage celebrated in Wollongong, Bunbury Catholic College, singer Paul Kelly becomes a doctor.
What does mercy mean for the life and mission of the Church, asks Cardinal Walter Kasper, whose work on the subject has captured the imagination of Pope Francis. Cardinal Kasper will take part in next month's Synod on the Family.
Oh aging grace - how sweet the sound
The oft-outspoken Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister is one of America's best known religious women. U.S. Catholic has this interview discussing her book, The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully, about the spirituality of later life.
Judge Slattery mourned, Tony Abbott on the return to Iraq, Jesuit schools gather to commemorate Restoration, Bishops urge Govt to provide refuge to IS victims, mental health crisis in bush, Archbishop Porteous on joy of Gospel.
Cardinal Dolan on the Pope who takes the dare
What makes Pope Francis a master communicator? On a recent visit to Australia, the Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, took time to record this relaxed interview with XT3 TV and share his insights on the "Francis Effect."
One of the minorities in the gunsights of IS has been the Yazidi people. It was the harrowing story of their retreat up Mt Sinjar that helped galvanise world opinion for the new intervention in Iraq which Australia has joined. But who are they?
IRA ceasefire 20 years on, Pope on Iraq
Scottish independence? Russian invasion, Filipino earthquake victims await Francis dinner, Patriarch of Constantinople announces Environment Summit, Benedict and the Tridentine Mass, Myanmar Catholics celebrate.
How to find Jesus, by Pope Francis
Pope Francis has resumed his daily Masses at Santa Marta after a summer break. In his first Homily he called on us to proclaim the Gospel with humility, because only those with an open heart can receive Jesus.
Matthew 18:15-20 : Jesus sets out some of the rules for living in the Kingdom, knowing that human nature will inevitably lead His followers into disagreements.
The mysterious appeal of Father Brown
One of the most enduring creations of the the eccentric English poet-philosopher GK Chesterton was the whimsical Father Brown, who breaks several of the rules of the detective-fiction genre, writes Raymond Edwards.
Camino pilgrims lift Spanish spirit and economy
The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain dates from the ninth century, but its booming modern appeal has invigorated not only local economies but also debate over how to balance tourism and spiritual reflection, writes The New York Times.
Pauline's lifelong mission
Growing up in Kurri Kurri in the NSW Hunter region, Pauline Randall wanted to work with Aborigines as a missionary. She has been ‘on mission’ for the past 45 years – but not where she imagined. Aurora carried her first-hand story.
A summer stroll at Castel Gandolfo
The gardens at the Pontifical Villas at Castel Gandolfo are open to the public. This video from the Catholic News Service takes us on a tour of this idyllic papal retreat, and explains something of its history and how it came to be open to the public.
Melbourne Response "empowered" victims, provocative Anglican signs of the times, World Congress of Families controversy, Father's Day for priests, extraordinary women, Notre Dame jubilee.
Dominican sisters in Iraq cry out to the world
US bishops marks civil rights anniversary, Benedict celebrates special liturgy, Dawkins shocker, South Sudan famine, King of Bahrain offers aid to Christians, cold water poured on ice bucket challenge, Pope Francis says don't be a gossip.
Former Irish prime minister and peacemaker dies
The Pope sent condolences for the death of former Irish Prime Minister Albert Reynolds and "gratitude for his efforts in promoting peace and reconciliation in Ireland". His requiem Mass was held at the Sacred Heart Church in Dublin.
Evolution of divine understanding
The conclusions of Charles Darwin are often portrayed as incompatible with Christianity - but Catholic theologians and scientists beg to differ, seeing Evolution as evidence of God's creative dynamism, writes Fr Daniel O'Leary.
Take up your cross and follow me
Matthew 16:21-28 In this passage, Jesus appears angry because although his disciples have acknowledged that he is the Messiah, they have not worked out what kind of Messiah he is to be.