News in Activities
Church attacks in Israel 'poison' before pope's visit, cleric says
The top Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land said on Sunday a spate of attacks against the Church had poisoned the atmosphere ahead of this month's visit by Pope Francis, and urged Israel to crack down on the perpetrators.
Bede's Bible to take centre stage as treasures return to north-east birthplace
Some of England’s most precious historical and religious treasures are to return to their North East birthplace as part of a major project highlighting the region’s heritage and identity. Throughout the Middle Ages South Tyneside was at the heart, not only of English Christianity, but of learning and culture.
Commentary to the 5th Sunday of Easter - A -
Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was hanged in 1945 by the Nazis. Before his execution, he told a fellow prisoner, "This is the beginning of a new life." Said the prisoner, a British officer, "Dietrich knew the WAY he was going."
Why Protestants are more popular than Catholics in China
Questions abound over the recent vicious actions of the Chinese government towards Christians in the prosperous Zhejiang Province just south of Shanghai. The actions of the government during the fortnight after Easter against both Protestants and Catholics are unprecedented in recent decades and, justifiably, have received world attention.
Vatican Plans to Take on Church of England and World Religions — in Cricket
The newly formed St. Peter’s Cricket Club also hopes to play Muslim, Hindu and Sikh teams, as well as those from other religions and cultures, to promote dialogue and virtue.
Meet the women behind the miracles credited to John Paul II and John XXIII
Floribeth Mora Diaz fought back tears on Thursday (April 24) as she claimed that the late Pope John Paul II had saved her from an inoperable brain aneurysm three years ago. Floribeth Mora Diaz, who says she survived a brain aneurism due to Pope John Paul II’s intervention.
Traditional values are secret of our success, say Scouts as membership soars
Holding on to traditional values – including keeping God in its promise – has helped the Scouts see a dramatic increase in members, the organisation’s chief commissioner has insisted. New figures show that the number of Scouts in the UK has jumped by almost a quarter in the last decade and membership is now at its highest level for a generation.
Pope Francis and the Chinese Connection!
'Atheists' handbook' sent to every secondary school
An 'Atheists' Handbook' is being sent to every secondary school in England and Wales to be placed in their library, amid a continued furore over the role of religion in educational establishments.
Two pontiffs made saints as two look on.
A million pilgrims bear witness on day of four popes: Two pontiffs made saints as two look on. Francis and Benedict XVI have today honoured John XXIII and John Paul II by declaring them saints. Polish pilgrims carrying the red and white flags of John Paul's homeland were among the first to arrive.
Kindness is the theme for Kate Fox's Great North Passion play
This is the contemporary re-telling of the Bible story of Christ’s last hours which is building towards a dramatic event to be broadcast live on BBC1 on Good Friday. Kate and youngsters from South Shields Community School, along with local community groups, are working together on a poem that will feature as part of the event in Bents Park, South Shields.
Vatican, Civil Authorities Join Forces to Oppose Human Trafficking
“Human trafficking is an open wound on the body of contemporary society, a scourge upon the body of Christ. It is a crime against humanity,” says Pope Francis. Gathered in Rome to discuss methods for the eradication of human slavery, both law enforcement and Vatican officials exchanged ideas on how to collaborate in combating the issue and caring for victims.
Bless me, Father: Pope leads by example, goes to confession
Leading a penitential liturgy in St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis surprised his liturgical adviser by going to confession during the service. After an examination of conscience March 28, the pope and 61 priests moved into confessionals or to chairs set up against the walls to offer the sacrament to individual penitents.
New Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Westminster
Pope Francis has appointed as the new Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, Mgr Nicholas Hudson, until now Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart, Wimbledon. Mgr Nicholas Hudson’s episcopal ordination will take place at Westminster Cathedral at 11:00 on 4 June.
Crowds flock to see 'holy grail' in Spanish church
A new book says the goblet is the mythical chalice from which Christ sipped at the last supper. San Isidro basilica, a church in León, Spain, located on the site of an ancient Roman temple.
The Queen meets Pope Francis on visit to Rome
“It’s for the little boy,” the Pope said as he pointed to the orb - a traditional emblem of the power of Christian monarchs. For centuries, royal dynasties have used orbs to represent their dominion, while the cross on top of it symbolises their Christian faith - a fitting gift for a child who will one day be King and Defender of the Faith.
Durham University establishes Catholic Social Teaching post
The University of Durham has established a new academic role focused on Catholic Social Teaching, believed to be the first of its kind in any secular higher education institution.
Archbishop of Canterbury spends a night with Ipswich Town Pastors
During that visit, he donned a yellow jacket and spent a night with the Town Pastors, a 570-strong volunteer project which sends Christians out onto the streets across Suffolk to help vulnerable people – mostly on Friday and Saturday nights.
The Internet and Solidarity
In a world like this, media can help us to feel closer to one another, creating a sense of the unity of the human family which can in turn inspire solidarity and serious efforts to ensure a more dignified life for all. Good communication helps us to grow closer, to know one another better, and ultimately, to grow in unity.