Yes, there was a Saint Valentine. In fact it seems there were many early Christian martyrs named Valentine. But people do not think of these saints when they celebrate...
john oconnor
powhiri
It is early in the morning here in Hamilton New Zealand, and I am appreciating the opportunity while in the city for Bishop Steve Lowe's ordination to stay with my...
living vocationally
Thirty-five years ago this morning (12 February 1980) I woke for the first time as a seminarian discerning a call to diocesan priesthood for the diocese of...
grace at Lourdes
After my ordination to the priesthood my first appointment was as assistant priest to the parish of Greymouth on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. I...
keep in prayer…
Keep in your prayer, especially this week, Bishop-Elect Steve Lowe who will be ordained as Bishop of the diocese of Hamilton New Zealand on Friday evening 13 February...
hope in suffering
Over the weekend I was a bit preoccupied by the many ways in which those I love, (friends, family and parishioners), suffer. It was yesterday's first reading from the...
FFF on F’book
For some time I have been posting a link on Facebook whenever I update this Food For Faith page. It is a way of reaching out to those who might be interested but have...
Waitangi 175
School is back after our NZ summer break, and on Friday of this week we mark 175 years since the first signatures were put to the Treaty of Waitangi on Thursday 6...
totality of reality
In our southern part of the world this week sees return to school for primary and high school students. Some young people will be excited at the prospect and others...
family
For most of the history of human civilization the term family has been used to speak of a community of love, parents and children, and a complex and diverse range of...
Latest Posts
Holy Thursday
In our roles with the National Liturgy Office Catherine Gibbs and I are co-ordinating a Good Friday online liturgy with people throughout New Zealand leading us in prayer.
to listen
Listen for the silence. Then stand within that space. For often, it is only within that silence that we can truly hear.
turning tables
We loved the informality and simplicity of that weekly meal, often cheese on toast (for some reason called “mousetraps”) – in the lounge in the winter and often outdoors in the summer.
guided meditation
Here is the first of the prayer podcasts – 15 minutes of gentle reflection with a lot of silence, beginning with the sound of church bells, a traditional call to prayer.
prayer & reality
In this reflection I share some of the most helpful advice ever given to me about prayer. I hope you find it as encouraging as I have.