Fr Larry Barnett offers this as the first of an occasional series of columns from his mission in Taiwan. Larry is a Columban missionary from Takaka.
Last week I wore gumboots to a funeral. It wasn’t the first time. In fact, with the frequent wet weat
I was taught that you are loving, compassionate and merciful, that you create only goodness and that you want nothing but the best for us. Right now none of this makes sense to me.
Someone I love is dying? That someone is my dad.
My dad is not j
Recently I was able to celebrate Sunday liturgy with a different community and had a good faith experience. So what did I find? Here is just a brief comment on the word of God, the prayers of the faithful, and the music.
Reflecting on the bread of l
We vehicle drivers know that headlights are to light up the dark. More importantly, Christians know that Jesus came to cast light into the dark. Further, many know that the true meaning of life is to cast light into darkness.
Likewise, drivers know t
The question across the crowded table in the pub last month caught me by surprise. Mike, the friend of a workmate, leaned across and suddenly asked
me: ‘Are you, or have you ever been, a communist?’
I had met Mike previously, and he was aware
West Papuan church leader, Reverend Socratez Sofyan Yoman, highlighted the need for urgent action on human rights in West Papua (formally known as Irian Jaya).
At a recent talk on his speaking tour of New Zealand, Reverend Yoman, the President of the
New Zealand’s quest for free trade agreements with the USA, China and Pacific Island nations and the detrimental effects this could have on workers, vulnerable groups and small economies would contravene Catholic social teaching.
The voices of those
How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?’ These words from 1 John 3:17 are strong and certainly very challenging to those of us living comfortably in New Zealand.
One of
Anaethetist Peter Lloyd, a panel member at the Hawke’s Bay social justice seminar, outlined the many environmental challenges facing our world to around 30 people gathered at St Mary’s parish Taradale on Sunday 20 August.
‘We are not just eating the
Is the environment better protected by personal lifestyle change or structural change? Perspectives on this question were presented by panelists at the Manawatu social justice seminar in Palmerston North on Saturday 19 August.
Lawrence O’Halloran of