Record crowd for papal coronation
A quarter of a million people, the greatest number ever to witness a papal coronation, witnessed Pope Paul VI being crowned with the triple tiara in St Peter’s Square. The magnificent sunset ceremony was also seen by millions of television viewers in Europe and the USA by Telstar relay. The first act of the newly-crowned pontiff was to give his solemn benediction to the city of Rome and the world.
Vatican council to continue
The Second Vatican Council will reconvene on September 29, after Pope Paul VI declared its continuation “the pre-eminent part of Our pontificate”. On the death of Pope John XXIII in June, the council was automatically suspended.
Season of ordinations
Several men were ordained to the priesthood in late June. In Durban, Frs Noel Peters, Cyril Pakati and Patrick Akal received Holy Orders; in Johannesburg Frs Patrick Kolisang and Melville Holmes; in Pretoria Fr James Manning; and in Grahamstown Fr Michael Coleman [the future bishop of Port Elizabeth].
Editorial: The Christian life
In his editorial, Fr Louis Stubbs warns: “Unless our life is integrated, of one piece, Christian in thought, action and word as well as in prayer and worship, we have not succeeded in being truly Christian, we have not, in fact, given Christianity a true trial and the impact of our pseudo-Christian life on others will be feeble.”
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
