What Does the Church Say About Visionaries?
Question: On the Internet, I have come across many private revelations and prophecies from several different sources. Many claim to have been given messages from God, from...
Category: Simmermacher
Enough of the Sneering!
As people of faith, we are used to the mocking of those who reject religion. Günther Simmermacher says he is getting bored with it. Few things are...
Martyrs of Africa’s First Big Persecution: St Charles Lwanga & Companions
In the 1880s, a king in what is now Uganda launched a persecution of Christians. Günther Simmermacher tells the story of St Charles Lwanga, St Kizito and...
Does the Catholic Church Allow Aquamation?
Question: I read that after his funeral, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s body was aquamated, not cremated, as had been reported. It seems the Anglican Church allows it,...
Since When Do Brides Wear White Dresses?
Question: I know that this is not a question about Catholicism, but maybe you have an answer for me. I have heard that the tradition of brides...
Interview with “Jesus”
On May 14, the famous Oberammergau Passion Play begins its 2022 season. Günther Simmermacher spoke to one of the two actors playing the role of Jesus. Next time...
Saints of Communication
Dear Reader, In most parts of the world, the Catholic Church will observe World Communications Day on May 29. In Southern Africa, we used to mark Social...
Oberammergau’s Season of the Passion
The Bavarian village of Oberammergau performs the world’s most famous Passion Play, as it will this year — and only locals may take on roles. Günther Simmermacher...
What is the Cross on Our Cover?
Question: I’ve noticed that each month, the cover of The Southern Cross features a cross with four smaller crosses. What do these crosses denote, and why are...
To See Our Good News
Dear Reader, When The Southern Cross was still a weekly newspaper, we would invite guest editorialists for our Christmas and Easter editions, drawing from bishops and clergy,...
Did you know THIS about Pope Francis?
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as Pope Francis on March 13, 2013 — but he might have been pope already in 2005, when the conclave chose...
Why We’re Staying Catholic
Dear Reader, Our Saint of the Month in this issue will be popular with many people. Even 42 years after he was assassinated while celebrating Mass, Archbishop...
