In 2001 Pope Francis, then Cardinal Bergoglio, presented one of Don Luigi Giussani's books, "El atractivo de Jesucristo" to a Book Fair gathering in Buenos Aires. Â Here...
john oconnor
Pope Francis – another way
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Pope Francis interviews
A couple of interviews with Pope Francis, (2012 and...
a pope from our hemisphere
Dear Brothers and Sisters,Full Text Of Pope Francis' Speech"Good evening.As you know, the duty of the conclave was to appoint a bishop of Rome, and it seems to me that...
discernment and conclave
Autumn’s hope-filled path
We usually think of the beginning of March as the start of Autumn here in New Zealand. On Saturday I was at Waiau for confessions at the Church. Autumn has arrived in...
Mass beginning the Conclave
It is now 10.00am Tuesday in Rome and the Mass for the Election of the Supreme Pontiff is just beginning in St. Peter's Basilica. Â You can follow bits & pieces on CNN &...
conclave websites and app
I discovered an app that will make sure I get a text message or an email as soon as white smoke goes up. Just remember that there is a chance that the news will come...
all for our divine friend, Jesus
A large obelisk stands in the centre of St. Peter's Square in Rome. Â Until the 16th century (around the time of the building of the new St. Peter's basilica) this...
the conclave factor, is God
This week, the Cardinal electors of the Catholic Church enter conclave to elect a new pope. During this time they will be separated from the outside world. Without TV,...
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gift for children
A few weeks ago I was in a Catholic gift shop when a number of customers were searching for gifts for children preparing to receive communion for the first time. A number of the shoppers were at a loss about what gift to buy and asked my advice. If you want to hear...
a new thing
When I am leading a session I often discourage those in the group from taking notes. Schools probably still teach that it is helpful to write while listening, but I'm not so sure. At times I have encouraged students, if they have to have a pen in hand, to doodle while...
come with me
Hidden in the heart of today's Office of Readings is the episcopal motto of the first bishop of Christchurch John Joseph Grimes. Bishop Grimes was born in East London in 1842 and was educated in England, France and Ireland before his ordination as a priest when he...
power-full prayer
Mount Carmel was a significant place for the prophets of Israel, especially Elijah 900 years before Christ. (you can read more about this in the first and second book of Kings, especially 1 Kg 18-19).  The section that is today's first reading is one of the many great...
hope in suffering
Perhaps it was being in the presence of so many Jesuits over the past weekend that stirred a deep gratitude in me for the Jesuits who have had a hand in my own formation. Each of them in their own way and using their own abilities, have communicated something of the...