I just read on MSNBC about the passing of one of the spiritual giants of the 20th century - Brother Roger of Taize. He founded an ecumenical religious community in the east of France out of the ashes of World War II, and it has attracted millions of young people seeking a spiritual […]
Last night, the television channels carried the funeral of Pope John Paul II live from Rome. It was the most highly publicized funeral I’ve ever witnessed. I’m not sure if its because the American media has deemed this to be of such import, or if the whole world has indeed turned its attention, […]
A few minutes ago, the Internet news sites carried the news that Pope John Paul II had passed away. It seemed appropriate that I should mourn the man who came to personify the Church and its teachings to me.
For most of my life, the Pope was a fixture and an institution we never questioned. […]
There’s a thousand things to be done for a wedding! When RD and I first decided to marry, it was July last year - it seemed almost yesterday. Now, the Day is a mere four months away.
After the initial rush of excitement, we booked our hotel, church and priest. Then, I sort […]
This weekend, I met two persons in need of healing.
The first was RD’s brother-in-law, who underwent surgery to remove portions of his colon which had been afflicted by diverticulum (a sac portruding from an organ) that was chronically infected. It manifested itself some years ago, and most recently struck just before Christmas.
He is now […]
Today, we (the Harvesters) started a 4-week study of the letters of St Paul to the Thessalonians. This Little Rock session was advertised in church bulletins and through email.
Given that we have just come out of the Christmas and New Years vacations, the organising team was not wholly prepared. We could have made […]
Philanthropist isn’t a term reserved for tycoons with more money than they (or their extended families) can ever use in their lifetime. In the spirit of Christmas, we are reminded to remember those who are in need.
Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and […]
Catholic churches all around the world organise penitential services before major feast days. The intent is that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is an essential part of our preparation to celebrate Christmas.
Confession is invariably the most daunting of all sacraments that Catholics are expected to receive on a regular basis. It requires humility and […]
This weekend, the Harvesters (a Scripture study group I’ve been attending) had our annual retreat. It was a preparation for Advent as well as a chance to reexamine what we’ve been doing to see how we could “Welcome Christ into Our Lives”. I prepared some reflections, and so did JL and AT. […]
Today’s Gospel reading was Luke 21:5-19, where Jesus foretold the destruction of the Temple. I attended Mass at the Cathedral, and Fr Adrian Anthony explained how the readings following up to the feast of Corpus Christi (the end of the Church Calendar) focus on the passing of this world. This Sunday’s reading was […]