Open the Church to Celibacy Debate
I find it quite strange that when there is debate about whether the Catholic Church should ease its compulsory celibacy discipline, many protest against it. But maybe it is time that the Church evolves...
Category: Priests
Fr Werner Stafflinger, Rest in Peace
By Sydney Duval – Father Werner Stafflinger died aged 83 at Nazareth House in Cape Town on January 12. Fr Stafflinger was among those whose Church ministry was characterised by deep humility and steadfast...
Pope Francis: Optional Celibacy for Priests “Not a Good Idea”
Many people were surprised when Pope Francis told reporters flying with him from Panama that he did not think optional celibacy for priests in the Latin-rite church was a good idea. “Personally, I believe...
Pope: Priests Must Be Men of Joy
A priest must be able to see the people around him as his children, as brothers and sisters, and must be willing to risk everything for them out of love, Pope Francis said in...
Fr Larry McDonnell SDB Rest in Peace
Salesian Father Larry McDonnell of Manzini, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) died on December 25 at the age of 83. Born in Ireland in 1935, Fr McDonnell was ordained in 1962. He spent 48 years of...
What Are Stole Fees? Why is There Such A Fuss About Them?
In recent weeks the question of fees charged for services by priests has been discussed around the world. CHRISTEN TORRES interviewed Bishop Edward Risi to seek explanations. Firstly why are they called “stole fees”...
The Joys of a Reverent Priest!
Merrilyn de Gersigny, Durban – It is inspirational, beautiful and awesome to attend a Mass celebrated by a deeply devoted priest who obviously believes in what he is doing. It certainly lifts my mind...
Artist-Priest, Fr Wilfried Joye OMI Dies
A well-known and prolific artist and Oblate of Mary Immaculate priest who has died at 79 was recalled as a man who used most of the income from his paintings to build churches and...
The Celibacy Debate
When he announced that the bishops of Germany are opening a discussion about the option of changing the discipline of mandatory celibacy for Latin-rite priests, Cardinal Reinhard Marx kicked off 2019 with a topic...
Fr Natalis Majoli: 65 Years of Priesthood and 91 Years Old!
Father Natalis Majoli (centre) celebrated the 65th anniversary of his ordination as well as his 91st birthday. Bishop Thadeus Kumalo of Eshowe (right) conducted the jubilee Mass in St Benedict’s cathedral, with many priests...
25 Years for Fr Davis Alappat!
Fr Davis Alappat (left) of St Kevin’s parish in Windvogel, Port Elizabeth, celebrated the 25th anniversary of his priesthood with friends, parishioners and fellow priests. Seen with him are Bishop Vincent Zungu (centre) and...
Fr Richard Stonier Ordained and ‘Guided by Mary’
By Lebo WA Majahe – When Fr Richard Stonier was ordained to the priesthood in December, his godfather Fr Ignatius Fidgeon OMI was present. Fr Stonier was ordained by Bishop Duncan Tsoke, auxiliary bishop of Johannesburg,...
