Stephen Selbourne – To experience growth in all areas of Church life, I suggest that every priest take a seminarian or two under his wing—a Timothy if you will – not for the last six months of his training but even earlier.
Our Catholicism has always been very international — from the missionaries passing but not disembarking at the Cape to the later generations from France, Ireland and Germany who were our primary missionaries
Pope Francis has endorsed an approach of “zero tolerance” toward all members of the church guilty of sexually abusing minors or vulnerable adults. The pope said he has decided whoever has been proven guilty of abuse has no right to an appeal, and he will never grant a papal pardon – meaning that the offending priest or bishop will be laicised or similar.
What is the common good? According to Catholic teaching the principle of the common good to which every aspect of social life must be related if it is to attain its fullest meaning, stems from the dignity, unity and equality of all people.
Meeting with an association of travelling circus and street performers, carnival workers, musicians and magicians, Pope Francis thanked the artists for their dedication in bringing joy to men, women and children.
The pope’s interview covers sin, marriage, the Church, war, women and himself. Carol Glatz gives us the highlights.
As the Church in Southern Africa anticipates the 200th anniversary of its foundation next June, the celebration of Heritage Day on September 25 offers an opportune time to reflect on how far Catholicism has come in those two centuries.
People should hope, love, believe and follow their dreams, never despairing because Jesus is always with them, Pope Francis said.
Without prayer, a leader risks serving his own selfish desires or political party, closing himself or herself in a “circle from which there is no escape,” the pope said during morning Mass at Domus Sanctae Marthae.
