Author: wmc

After lunch, on a freezing winter’s day, we walked to the hilltop where, in 1818, the newly appointed Fr John Vianney had met the young boy who showed him the way to the village.

The new testament picture of the ‘disciple’ (one who follows and learns) is influential in shaping the spirituality of priesthood as conforming to the lifestyle of the model of Christ. Yet it is the role of the apostle that has shaped so much Christian understanding of the priest’s ministry to others.

John Carde is an inspirational preacher. A tall, angular figure with a resonant voice, he has a deceptively simple delivery as if he’s talking to the child in you. But he’s not. It’s wisdom with a generous smile, devoid of cliche. He’s a searcher himself, full of questions which he likes to share with you. […]

Former prison chaplain, Sr Josepha O’Connor RSJ, in reflecting on her time caring for the inmates in three Wellington prisons, says more rehabilitation and education rather than longer sentences will help reform prisoners.

‘The implications for us all’and particularly for you here in New Zealand, surrounded by millions of vulnerable people’are truly worrying. A global solution is urgently needed.’

‘Even with issues like at the moment climate change, the economic crisis, the voice of Caritas must come in as a voice of justice.’