Previous “From The Vaults” articles. See larger images from the issue
Another attempt on pope’s life
While giving thanks at Fátima, Portugal, for surviving the 1981 assassination attempt, Pope John Paul II was stabbed by a Spanish traditionalist priest who shouted: “Down with the pope, down with the Second Vatican Council.” The 61-year-old pope’s immediate response was to give his assailant a blessing.
Southern Cross veteran dies
Mary Singleton, who wrote the “Home Circle” column in The Southern Cross from 1932-47, died on May 3 at 81. The daughter of Southern Cross co-founder William Egan was awarded the papal cross Pro ecclesia et pontifice in 1948.
Workers march in the Vatican
Vatican City’s first-ever labour protest action took place on May 3 when 110 lay workers and employees staged a march in the tiny papal state at the beginning of a new round of labour negotiations. In a resolution, the workers’ assembly sharply criticised the Vatican administration for delaying tactics in talks with their union.
Editorial: Muted conscience
Looking at the upcoming Synod of Bishops on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, editor Mgr Donald de Beer notes that “the voice of violated conscience has become muted among us. We find it hard to believe that anything we really want to do could possibly be a serious sin.”
Previous “From The Vaults” articles. See larger images from the issue
- At the heart of Jesus’ teachings lies the mystery of the Kingdom of God, which today’s Gospel likens to treasure and a pearl (cf. Mt 13:44–52). The parables convey the surprise of those who find something far beyond what they could have hoped for, so much so that selling or leaving everything behind no longer seems a sacrifice, but a gain. - July 26, 2026
- R to @Pontifex: Let us #PrayTogether for all those peoples throughout the world who are suffering because of war. May the Lord touch the hearts and enlighten the minds of those in power, so that reconciliation and #peace may soon prevail. - July 26, 2026
- R to @Pontifex: I likewise renew my plea regarding the situation throughout the #MiddleEast, where the intensification of military operations has again wreaked violence and destruction, endangering the lives of countless civilians and further aggravating the shortages of drinking water and electricity. From the depths of my heart, I exhort all parties involved to suspend the attacks and urgently reopen paths of dialogue and diplomacy, so that the longed-for peace for the entire region may be achieved without delay. - July 26, 2026
