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A problem prayer
An unfortunate off-shoot of Pope Benedict’s apostolic letter “Summorum Pontificum” on the Tridentine rite has been the negative reaction by Jewish commentators, who expressed concern that a prayer in the 1962 missal they regard as offensive might damage relations between Judaism and the Catholic Church. Read more…
Amy Winehouse – Back To Black
CD REVIEW
Amy Winehouse does not quite live up to all the hype, and she is not a “soul sensation”. But this doesn’t mean that Back To Black is mediocre. Indeed, it is an entertaining and pretty accurate pastiche of ’60s soul and reggae, which might even have the benefit of inspiring the listener to seek out the real thing (especially the Stax, Atlantic and Motown back catalogues).
The wildly popular lead single, “Rehab” — which has Winehouse denying alcoholism, saying that circumstances, not addiction, drive her to excessive drink (which is not a brilliant excuse at all) — is not really representative of the album’s remaining plaintive ten songs. Read more…
The old Mass now
Pope Benedict’s moto proprio “Summorum Pontificum” may be seen as a pastoral masterstroke which will solve some thorny problem. But it might also create new predicaments. Read more…
Ban Christmas? Why not?
Let us assume for a moment that in the spirit of the Vatican’s policy of engaging with other religions, we Catholics were instructed by the Holy See to show our respect for those religions by observing their sacred holidays.
I have no doubt that Catholic businessmen would be outraged at having to be away from work so often, and that conservative Catholic laity would be incensed to the point of apoplexy. Read more…
More than words
This week an opinion writer makes the pertinent point that calling out God’s name when God is not being addressed is a habit best dropped by Christians. The writer stops short of calling the misuse of God’s name blasphemous, but does draw our attention to the injunction in the second commandment. Read more…
Is your joker a joker?
Here I am into TV commercials again. Who doesn’t know the line, “Is your tracker a tracker?” My question: “Is your joker a joker?” A humourist, a genuinely fun person, or is he or she more a disillusioned cynic or sad clown.
The present time for me is full of memories as I celebrate different anniversaries, so naturally we have been thinking and sharing about the days of our lives. Read more…
Youth ministry with Jesus at the centre
As representatives of the world’s Catholic youth gather in Cologne next month, those who are concerned about the future of the Church should realise that a key strategy for ensuring the survival of the Church is investing in the youth (ages 15-20) and young adults (21-30). Read more…
The rules of the road
Drivers in South Africa have a deserved reputation of being among the worst in the world, and road fatality statistics bear this out. The numbers likewise suggest that South African pedestrians tend to be a danger to themselves and others. Read more…
Looking after ourselves, and others
Home at last. It is Sunday. Four men joyfully carry a new couch on their shoulders to the altar. The excited Lesotho-born priest receives the gift. Women ululate in thanksgiving. The home of the parish priest, Fr Ambrose Maqebo, looks immaculate and splendid. Read more…
