Orvieto is a beautiful Italian hill-top settlement where all roads lead to the magnificent medieval Cathedral. The ‘treasure’ of this church is the corporal onto which...
john oconnor
gratefully
You may have noticed a quiet week here on the Food For Faith website. I have a good excuse. Last Tuesday, after spending a few days in pain and discomfort, I ended up...
compelling urgency
On Monday of this week the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Pope Francis met for the third time. In each of their reflections both the archbishop and the pope...
60 years at Kopua
A few years ago I made a retreat with the Cistercian monks at Southern Star Abbey in Kopua, New Zealand. The monastery is a beautiful place in a beautiful part of rural...
praying for peace
A powerful Pentecost image of peace (Pentecost Sunday evening Rome time) when, at the invitation of Pope Francis, the Palestinian and Israeli presidents met in the...
gay & Catholic
A New Zealand bishop (among others) is receiving some criticism for his promotion of this 38 minute video especially for those who are gay and Catholic. I wanted to...
peace & D-Day
It is 70 years since D-Day. The anniversary commemorations are remarkable for their bringing together of people from all sides of the conflict. German chancellor...
one foot outside?
You have heard me comment about Fr. Robert Barron’s wordonfire.com website, and his inspiring Youtube clips on a variety of contemporary topics. A few weeks ago I was...
kids or cats & dogs
At his early morning Mass (for Vatican workers & others) Pope Francis often uses vivid images in his preaching. Here's an example from his encouragement yesterday...
cousins
I arrived in the United States yesterday for a few days break before beginning another stint of study at the Liturgical Institute of Mundelein University. While in New...
Latest Posts
Advent online
FFF’s Advent Online daily email reflections begin Sunday morning 1 December, the first day of Advent. Make sure you’re signed up, and share this invitation with anyone you think might be interested.
easily pleased
It’s 56 years today since CS Lewis died. One of my favourite Lewis quotes is about the boy making mud-pies: “…We are far too easily pleased”
holy longings
Humans by design design are beings who are filled with desire, longing, hunger, yearning, restlessness. If we do not feel this deep and insatiable thirst then there is something wrong with us
the Father’s home
In these hours don Mario is returning to the home of the Father. Already we miss the beauty of his full-of-God gaze, his eyes alive with enthusiasm.
armistice
We are slow to learn that violence can never deliver the peace we seek.