Synod on Synodality strives for consensus
A final synthesis produced by Pope Francis’ month-long Synod on Synodality offers no clear or concrete proposals on hot-button issues, but rather reflects a search for an ‘ample and convincing consensus’.
Author: Rose Miller
Pope pulls no punches in Laudate Deum
If Laudato Si’ was a gentle and pastoral invitation to care for creation, Laudate Deum is a visceral, prophetic call to conversion.
Eight years after Laudato Si’s initial publication, Pope Francis once again takes on the looming challenges of the climate crisis that have only worsened.
‘Fasten seatbelts for change’ – Archbishop Coleridge
New Zealand’s Catholic priests have been told to fasten their seatbelts for a journey of change and there is no going back.
In a keynote speech to the National Assembly of Diocesan Priests last month, Archbishop of Brisbane Mark Coleridge said the Catholic Church was in an Abrahamic moment, going somewhere with the destination unclear.
Fr Richard Laurenson appointed Catholic Bishop of Hamilton
Pope Francis has appointed Fr Richard Laurenson from the Diocese of Hamilton as the new Catholic Bishop of Hamilton.
The appointment was announced in Rome at 11pm New Zealand time, Wednesday 25 October.
First New Zealand priests’ gathering in five years
A national assembly of Catholic priests was held in October for the first time in five years.
One hundred and seventy five priests attended the five-day event, which was held in Rotorua and was described as ‘uplifting’ and ‘joyous’ by those who participated.
Prayers called for Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa
Bishop Steve Lowe, President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference advised, on 28 October, that the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Rugambwa had been taken seriously ill the previous day. Bishop Steve wrote: ‘Yesterday Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa, our Apostolic Nuncio, had a severe stroke. He is in a serious condition at Wellington Hospital. Please keep him in your prayers.’
Progress on re-emerging social justice commission
It is hoped the Palmerston North Diocese will soon have a Diocesan Justice Peace Development and Ecology Commission (JPDEC – Commission) up and running once again. Over the past 12 months a steering group (SG) has been working on the restoration and renovation of the PN JPDEC.
United call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
Concerned leaders across diverse religious communities joined by other individuals and organisations around the globe have been calling for governments to create a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT).
‘Life of Faith’ podcast
A recent interview with Br Kevin Dobbyn fms on Hamilton-based ‘Free FM’ has been made into a podcast. Br Kevin, a Te Kupenga lecturer and course co-ordinator based in Palmerston North, shares something of his interesting life story.
Forrestal House – a long way from convent days
Forrestal House and land has a long history with Sacred Heart Parish Inglewood. The future and ownership of the historic convent house and land is up for review as a committee of parishioners begins to explore possibilities. Sue March of Sacred Heart Parish, shares some of the history of Forrestal House history and invites WelCom readers to contribute ideas for its future development.