News in Activities

Pope invites Catholics to join Caritas 'Together We' campaign

Bishop Mario Grech: An interview with the new secretary of the Synod of Bishops

Pope speaks out against populist politics

“Democracy requires participation and involvement on the part of all; consequently, it demands hard work and patience. It is complex, whereas authoritarianism is peremptory and populism’s easy answers appear attractive. In some societies, concerned for security and dulled by consumerism, weariness and malcontent can lead to a sort of scepticism about democracy.”

Sisters open 'house of hospitality' for asylum seekers and refugees

The Sisters of St Joseph of Peace have opened their first UK house of hospitality for asylum seekers and refugees in Nottingham, just a few miles from where the congregation was founded in 1884. St Joseph’s House of Hospitality, built within a renovated church and presbytery dating from the late 19th century, will be home to three sisters, as well as short and long-term guests referred by the Nottingham charity Host. The house is also the congregation novitiate.

COP summit 'disappointing' says bishop

The outcome of the COP26 Climate summit in Glasgow has been described as “disappointing” by the lead bishop on the environment for England and Wales. Bishop of Salford John Arnold, who was in Glasgow for the conference, said: “Having seen the enthusiasm of so many people, expressing their hopes for the COP26 conference, having read so much about the science that has accurately explained what damage we have done to our climate and our world... the plan is not there.”

Cardinal Nichols warns PM of 'devastating consequences' of climate change

Writing an open letter to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson ahead of the COP26 UN climate summit, Carinal Nichols offered a stark warning about the consequences of failure to act against climate change, and represented the hopes of the Catholic community of England and Wales.

Dioceses across UK launch synod 'listening' process

The diocesan phase of the groundbreaking 2021-2023 synodal process has launched across the British Isles. The Archbishop of Southwark has followed Westminster in launching a diocesan consultative process with an appeal to “deepen our understanding of what it means to live together in union with Christ”. Many other dioceses across the UK have also now followed suit.

Bishops divest from fossil fuels in run-up to COP26

Christ the Redeemer is 90 years old today... so how was it built?

It is one of the most iconic vistas in the world and was unveiled nearly a century ago – on 12 October, 1931. Brazil's statue of Christ the Redeemer sits on top of the 700-metre (2,300ft) Corcovado mountain overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro. Standing 30 metres (98ft) high, with arms stretching 28m (92ft) wide, the world-famous statue has become a cultural icon and was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

‘With a sorrowful heart …’ - the scandal of abusive priests

The scandal of abusive priests has devastated thousands of lives and exposed a crisis of faith. Addressing an international conference on the issue in Warsaw last month, one of Europe’s leading Catholic intellectuals argued that only profound reform can save the institutional Church. In a spirit of humility and with a sorrowful heart – in spiritu humilitatis et in animo contrito – I want to touch on one of the most painful wounds of the Church.

Top Catholic school opens new 'Rome' building

Catholic pupils at All Saints Catholic College in west London have begun lessons in the school’s new £4.25 million Rome Building. The building, built to meet the needs of the needs of a school that has grown in popularity over the past three years, includes a drama studio, two music classrooms, three music practice rooms and a rehearsal room with a full recording studio. The headteacher Andrew O’Neill also has his office in the Rome Building.

Canadian Bishops apologize for ‘grave abuses’ at residential schools

The Catholic Bishops of Canada join their voices in issuing a formal statement of apology to indigenous communities who suffered in “Indian Residential Schools”, with Bishop Poisson emphasizing the importance of an upcoming meeting of First Nations peoples with Pope Francis.

Catholic medics do God's work on the Covid-19 front line

 A young Vietnamese doctor says her personal pain and fear are nothing compared to those of patients. As a volunteer, I work with many Catholic doctors and nurses in the intensive care unit of a field hospital. I see them be assiduous in their duties without complaining, try their best to save patients' lives from critical situations, and silently pray for patients who are about to stop breathing.

Fears grow of 'devastating' cut in Universal Credit

Caritas Westminster is among more than 1100 church leaders and organisations protesting to Prime Minister Boris Johnson about plans to cut Universal Credit. Caritas Westminster warned of increased demand on food banks if the Government cuts Universal Credit. Emergency food relief projects in the Diocese of Westminster have shared their concerns about the cut with Caritas Westminster.

Philippine Church turns three brothers into fathers

An ordination ceremony in the Philippines’ Mindanao region proved to be a real family affair when three brothers were ordained into the priesthood at the same time. Jessie, Jestonie and Jerson Avenido,  were all ordained priests by Archbishop Jose Cabantan of Cagayan de Oro on Sept. 8.

Freedom comes at a price

The Prime Minister has announced that in England legal restrictions, for instance enforcing the wearing of masks in crowded public spaces, should be replaced by voluntary advice, leaving it up to every individual whether they comply or not. This is not going to work.

Hong Kongers rush to archive democracy movement

Hong Kong activists are working in the shadows to preserve digital backups of their democracy movement as the physical symbols of their resistance, including an opposition newspaper and a museum, are purged from the city's streets.

Afghanistan: Christianity’s survival on a knife edge

For Afghanistan’s small and already precarious Christian community, previously estimated to number up to 12,000, the return to power of the Taliban has brought fear and uncertainty. Reports received by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) and other agencies working closely with religious and other minorities leave us in no doubt about the scale of the crisis facing Christians in Afghanistan. 

Catholic schools in England have a problem – a top headteacher explains his solution

At present, Catholic state education in England is at a critical impasse. Over the past ten years we have seen the decimation of local authorities as the guardians of schools and the rise and rise of academy trusts. This shift has also seen a change in the way schools are marketed.

Britney declares she has become a Catholic

In a post on Instagram yesterday Britney Spears wrote: “I just got back from mass...I’m Catholic now...let us pray.” The 39-year-old pop star was raised in a strict Baptist household and is a regular churchgoer, but has had a troubled relationship with her family and her fame.