The Southern Cross

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Baptism / Pope Francis

The Gift of Baptism is to be Cherished!

Children have a right to be brought up in the Christian faith, Pope Francis said. Parents and godparents must make sure they “feed the flame of baptismal grace in their little ones, helping them persevere in the faith

Christian Living / Feast Days / Fr John Allen Green / Jesus

Reflection on The Feast of the Ascension

The view I have of God and the view I have of myself are intricately entwined. Knowing our original source gives me a firm direction towards my ultimate goal; gives me also the wisdom by which I come to direct my life. Without this there is a great emptiness in our hearts that nothing, no experience or possession, and no other human can ever fill.

Church / Pope Francis

Pope: The Church, like a Bike, Balances Best when in Motion

The church is like a bicycle – it stays upright as long as it keeps moving, Pope Francis said. The first disciples “were not a closed group of the elect, but a missionary church,” boldly undertaking new initiatives prompted by the Holy Spirit, the pope said  during his early morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae.

Church / Pastoral Care / Preaching / Priests

Good Preaching Needs Listening and Learning

Homilies must be relevant to those who hear them, and there are ways to achieve that, as KELVIN BANDA OP explains. Religious orders or congregations tend not to train their members on how to give a good homily. It is the people whom we serve who aid us in preparing and giving our best homilies.