Our prayers for 2009
As we leave behind the year 2008 and enter 2009, we reflect on a year of political and social trauma in Southern Africa, an economic crisis, and...
Category: Editorials 2008
Liturgical anger
The sheep are not happy with their shepherds. In recent weeks, The Southern Cross has received a flood of letters, many published this week, concerning the recently...
This is Christmas
Guest editorial by Bishop Stephen Brislin Awake, mankind”, says St Augustine. “For your sake God has become man. Awake, you who sleep, rise up from the dead,...
The bishop’s load
The late Archbishop Denis Hurley had many friends and admirers, yet he would sometimes complain of the loneliness his position brought. It can indeed be lonely at...
Guiding the voters
As South Africa’s political parties are launching their election campaigns—and in at least one instance, themselves — the pastoral letter issued by our bishops on the electorate’s...
AIDS: A new strategy
When a decade ago the experts drew up their worst-case scenario for HIV/Aids in Africa, they failed to anticipate the furious extent of the disease. Whatever worst-case...
Better preaching
History may well record Barack Obama’s acceptance speech after being elected the 44th president of the United States as a classic in public oration. If so, it...
Fit for the priesthood
When the Church accepts a young man for training towards the priesthood, it must be vigilant that the candidate is well equipped to live what he believes...
A new market
The experts are telling us that economics may never be the same again after the consequences of the recent collapse have played themselves out. If so, then...
Ballots, not blood
For South Africa’s young democracy, the split in the African National Congress represents a major test for the country’s capacity of tolerating political challenges. Our democracy may...
Pius XII: Cutting it both ways
The historic moment of a rabbi addressing the Synod of Bishops this month was diluted by his use of that platform to rebuke Pope Pius XII for...
Our mission today
ON World Mission Sunday, this year on October 19, Catholics are asked to reflect on and pray for the Church’s evangelising missionary endeavours, as well as to...
