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...
Blog
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...
up up and away?
A couple of years ago I led a retreat for priests in a beautiful part of the Australian countryside. I had a few hours in Sydney on the way over from Christchurch so I...
Ascension
This weekend in New Zealand, and in many other parts of the world, we celebrate the feast of the Ascension of the Lord. In some other places the feast is still marked...
Latest Posts
wonder-full
A few years ago I was walking across the North Quad of the Christchurch Arts Centre as a mother was hurrying her toddler pulling him by the hand as he resisted and gazed into the sky.
finding faith
Without a doubt one of the greatest highlights of the year for me has been finding faith in the most unexpected of places and in people who say they have no faith or very weak faith.
busy ?
In the midst of the extra demands of this month, the Season of Advent beginning today offers a timely way to stay happy and centred when everything else threatens to steal our healthy perspective.
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”