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Sexuality one of several issues
Your editorial of November 12-18, “Fit for the Priesthood”, seriously misrepresents the document “Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in the Admission and Formation of Candidates for the Priesthood” issued by the Congregation for Catholic Education. Read more…
Our prayers for 2009
As we leave behind the year 2008 and enter 2009, we reflect on a year of political and social trauma in Southern Africa, an economic crisis, and a momentous opportunity for the United States and the world as Barack Obama assumes the US presidency.
Read more…
Year-end Review 2008
The big Christmas party communication breakdown
Last year at this time I bemoaned the fact that Christmas had become so commercialised, and added my hope that business in particular would consider the real meaning of Christmas and perhaps channel some of those vast amounts they spent on frivolous corporate handouts to meaningful Christmas gifts and dinners to those less fortunate. Read more…
Mass translations: A missed opportunity
By Judith Coyle IHM
Now that all English speaking worshippers have been exposed to the new liturgical responses at our local parishes, a few comments are in order. The one that comes most immediately to mind is, what a significant opportunity has been missed. How sad it is that we are given texts that only confuse and serve no purpose save that of imposing authority. Read more…
What should I say on TV?
During Advent I was listening to a radio programme on Christmas and commercialism. Some panellist had no problem with Rudolph and snowy Christmas songs being played in hot stuffy, or cool air-conditioned shopping malls, but didn’t think “Silent Night” and such other religious songs were appropriate. Read more…
Liturgical anger
The sheep are not happy with their shepherds. In recent weeks, The Southern Cross has received a flood of letters, many published this week, concerning the recently introduced changes to Mass responses. Almost all of them are angry; none gave the revised version unqualified support. One correspondent, in a passage excised from the published version, went as far as writing: “I hate you, hierarchy.” Feelings are running deep indeed. Read more…
Harmful text changes
The first two Sundays of Advent gave us an experience of the new translation of some of the liturgical texts for the celebration of the Eucharist. Read more…
A role model of love and courage
By Sean Collins CSsR
An ex-gangster saw me at the post office in Eden Park on the East Rand and approached me with a friendly greeting and offered the following testimony. Read more…
Of Wise Men (and Women)
As a child I always looked forward to Christmas. Other days, even my birthday, did not have such significance. On Christmas Day I was certain my parents would offer me a gift — a new school uniform.
I would be allowed to go to the Holy Mass in my new clothes. After church the school regalia would be hidden somewhere in a kist until the first day at school. Otherwise, throughout the year, I covered my small body with second hand clothes. Read more…
