On this day, the feast of All Saints, in the year 1541, Michaelangelo‘s Last Judgement was unveiled on the rear wall of the Sistine Chapel. There was no coincidence in the date: the feast of All Saints was a most appropriate day to dedicate this masterpiece of art. Michaelangelo’s ceiling tells the story…(Read More)
We can no longer assume that people know the meaning of Christmas. A child recently asked about the significance of Christmas replied: “it is when Santa Claus was born.” The child is right about the birth part, and birth is always a moment of rejoicing and wonder. Shepherds and kings were captivated by the helpless…(Read More)
As I write it has just passed midnight in New Zealand on the early morning of 29 June, the Solemnity of Peter and Paul, and the day on which Pope Emeritus Benedict was ordained to the priesthood 65 years ago. It is unfortunate that most people have never read anything that the emeritus pope has…(Read More)
I have a few great memories of earlier years’ celebrations of today’s feast of the Sacred Heart. Five years ago on this feast I was privileged to be in St. Peter’s Square in Rome with Pope Benedict and around 15,000 priests to celebrating the conclusion of the Year of the Priest. Today…(Read More)
I often re-read the books that I consider to be spiritual classics. Some of these were written decades or centuries ago. Others, including Pope Benedict’s second “Jesus of Nazareth” book are more recent. In the first volume, published in 2007, the emeritus pope reflects on Jesus’ ministry from his baptism in the Jordan…(Read More)
We can no longer assume that people know the meaning of Christmas. A child recently asked about the significance of Christmas replied: “it is when Santa Claus was born.” The child is right about the birth part, and birth is always a moment of rejoicing and wonder. Shepherds and kings were captivated by the helpless…(Read More)
a reflection based on the readings for Sunday 7 September 2014. Readings at this link. It is remarkable that eighteen months after his election, Pope Francis remains top of the media popularity stakes. Forbes business and finance magazine named him among the most powerful world leaders and the Rolling Stones magazine suggests that his “recognizable…(Read More)
It was one year ago today that Pope Benedict’s resignation took effect. This event opened the way for the conclave that elected Pope Francis. You can watch many of the events of that day at this link…(Read More)
Pope Benedict has brought a new style and manner to the papacy. Whereas earlier popes quoted only Saints and orthodox theologians, Pope Benedict in his significant written works is willing to quote anyone and everyone who brings intelligent thought and reflection to life’s issues. Benedict has broken new ground by initiating informal interviews on…(Read More)
