Christmas is often seen as the most magical, family-orientated time of the year where families revel in the warmth of gatherings and traditions.
When I look back on the hundreds of stories we have published this year, three stand out for me not only in terms of newsworthiness but because they represent who we are as a people of faith and hope with an inherent belief in the dignity of every human being.
No doubt the world is a complex place. Maybe it has always been thus. Yet it seems at the moment to be increasingly the case.
In a world torn by violence, dissension, ‘othering’ and hatred is there a role for dialogue?
As so many of us come to this Christmas time at the end of a busy year, the Australian cartoonist, Michael Leunig offers a promise that seems so very remote from the world of financial, relational, political and social challenges we’ve needed to engage.
The recent journey of Pope Francis to Asia and Oceania was widely reported, mostly in a positive way. Remarks he made about the religions of the world were particularly noticed.
It was both humbling and a privilege to be able to share the remarkable story of young Javale Morato this month.
When I grew up in Ireland, folklore and faith were intertwined in many celebrations.
At the end of October last year the siren sounded on the first half of the Synod of Bishops, Synod on Synodality in Rome.
Pope Francis may not have made it to Australia on his 12-day tour of Oceania and Southeast Asia but he entered the homes of many Australians through nightly news coverage.
The entrance hymn at Mass starts as the entrance procession begins and continues for as long as needed to allow the congregation to gather and prepare for the celebration (General Instruction of the Roman Missal #47).
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