Now ANC must deliver
The African National Congress’ landslide victory in this month’s elections could be a good thing if the party went on to improve the lives of the majority of citizens, according to Archbishop Wilfrid Napier of Durban. “If they do start delivering, as [President Thabo] Mbeki promises, then a lot of good can come out of the party’s vast majority,” he said. This year’s poll was largely peaceful, unlike the first all-race election in 1994, according to Ashley Green-Thompson, who directs the bishops’ Justice & Peace Commission.
Pope John Paul II in Poland
Thousands of people thronged around Pope John Paul II wherever he went during his visit to Poland from June 5-17. The pope, on his longest and possibly last visit to his homeland, stopped at 21 Polish cities.
Southern Cross veteran honoured
Directors and staff of The Southern Cross celebrated the 30th anniversary of service of Gene Donnelly who joined the newspaper in 1969 as managing editor. For his long years of service to the Catholic media he was awarded a Bene Merenti papal medal in 1998. [Gene, father of Mgr Simon Donnelly of Johannesburg, retired in 2010. He died in 2013).
Editorial: Focused sermons needed
At a time when “Christians are shown no favours”, writes editor Michael Shackleton, “it is now that faith must grow stronger, hope deeper and love broader. It is now that our people need focused sermons…to stimulate and revive their fervour and their fidelity to Christ and his Church.”
Previous “From The Vaults” articles at www.scross.co.za/category/from-our-vaults
- 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
