‘Judgmental’ Means What?
Theresa from Johannesburg – Michael Shackleton in his “Open Door” column equates the Holy Father with the actions of the pastoral care group for gay Catholics and their families in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, who he...
Category: Letter of the Week
CWD Collapse: Who Will Be Held Responsible?
Eric Consani, Cape Town – I am writing as a shocked and disillusioned regular donor to Catholic Welfare & Development (CWD), which was a prestigious Catholic institution in the archdiocese of Cape Town, but...
Disrespect Kindles Rape and Murder
Antoinette Padua, Cape Town – We women are angry. I can hear the men laughing already. Who would not wish to stand up to say or do something to express the horror of what...
Is Marriage a Cultural Concept?
Tony Meehan, Cape Town – Your report “Church reaction to amended polygamy law” details the recognition of the Customary Marriages Act and agrees with the sentiments of providing the equal treatment of women in...
Cardinal Pell: A Conspiracy Victim?
Gail Ramplen, Benoni – I am very disappointed that many are quick to accept Cardinal George Pell’s guilt following his conviction in Australia for sexual abuse and ever ready to join those who therefore...
Building a Peaceful City
Sr Angelika Laub OP, Pretoria – The environment on the outskirts of Johannesburg and of any big city is changing quickly. Large areas that used to be covered by grassland, bush or pastures are...
Prepare Now for Christmas Charity!
JM Thomson, Johannesburg – With Christmas approaching quite soon, individuals or Church groups will want to do extra to help the needy. Shelters for street children or homeless people need soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, face clothes,...
Is the Priesthood Really that Royal?
Lucy Moll, Pretoria – So we are told the priesthood is royal. When will men live up to what they wear? The latest scandal: Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta, one of Pope Francis’s first episcopal appointments...
Without Divine Mercy, There’d Be No Easter
Moira Gillmore, Durban – Some people still feel that celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday detracts from the greatness of Easter. This actually shows a lack of understanding as the Divine Mercy Sunday celebration deepens the...
Saintly Newman!
Peter Onesta, Johannesburg – Melissa Villa-lobos experienced the approved miracle that will see Bl John Henry Newman canonised in October. An ultrasound during her pregnancy had shown that she had a bloodclot on the...
Memories of My Dear Friend, Jean Vanier
Moira Gillmore, Durban – Jean Vanier, the founder of the L’Arche communities and Faith and Light, who died on May 7, and I became friends after he had visited South Africa in the...
The Southern Cross: Excellent and Exciting Reading
Fr Ralph de Hahn, Cape Town – Reader Tom Kent called for real substance in The Southern Cross and not for content which is “of little interest to many readers” which, he alleged, shows...
