News in Activities

Commentary to the 5th Sunday of Easter - A -

Commentary to the 5th Sunday of Easter - A -

by: Fr James Gilhooley in Activities,

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

Why Protestants are more popular than Catholics in China

by: Fr Michael Kelly SJ - UCA News in Activities,

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.

Traditional values are secret of our success, say Scouts as membership soars

Traditional values are secret of our success, say Scouts as membership soars

by: John Bingham - The Telegraph in Activities,

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!

Pope Francis and the Chinese Connection!

by: Fr. Alberto Rossa, cmf in Activities,
"Pope Francis is going to live to 140 years," says the Chinese doctor For years, Liu Ming who treated the then Cardinal Bergoglio. Ming is a 45-year-old Taoist monk who moved from China to Argentina 10 years ago. He took care of Card. Jorge Bergoglio’s health problems for the eight years before he was elected Pope. 
Two pontiffs made saints as two look on.

Two pontiffs made saints as two look on.

by: HANNAH ROBERTS and MARK DUELL - Mail Online in Activities,

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

Kindness is the theme for Kate Fox's Great North Passion play

by: David Whetstone - The Journal in Activities,

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

Vatican, Civil Authorities Join Forces to Oppose Human Trafficking

by: Reporters - Catholic News Agency in Activities,

“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

Bless me, Father: Pope leads by example, goes to confession

by: Carol Glatz - CNS in Activities,

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

New Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Westminster

by: Reporters in Activities,

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.

The Queen meets Pope Francis on visit to Rome

The Queen meets Pope Francis on visit to Rome

by: Nick Squires - The Telegraph in Activities,

 “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.

The Internet and Solidarity

The Internet and Solidarity

by: Pope Francis in Activities,

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.