India: Experiencing Silence in India’s Ashrams
A Dominican friar shares his experience of spending his yearly vacation in an ashram in India. Under the guidance of a guru and following an exigent daily schedule, the retreatants embark on an inner pilgrimage of contemplation and self-knowledge. One of my habits, which fortunately I have been able to practice recently, is to spend […]
Colombia: The loss of an elder amongst indigenous communities
Elderly people are the preservers of the historical memory of a community and the carriers of medical knowledge and the secrets of the jungle. A reflection on the threat posed by the Coronavirus pandemic in the Amazon. The telling of stories passed down from generation to generation is a primary way to communicate wisdom amongst […]
Sr. Thea Bowman: “To be black and Catholic means that I bring myself, my black self”
She was the granddaughter of a slave, an advocate for racial justice, and the first African American woman to address the U.S. bishops’ conference. Two years ago, her sainthood cause was opened. “Sr. Thea was an outstanding teacher and she was an outstanding speaker. And she had a voice like an opera star, and she […]
Brazil: The magic and colour of movement
A school of dance for the blind, the only one of its kind in the world, located in the outskirts of São Paolo. The challenge of a young woman. Innovative methods. Working against prejudice. A liberating dance. “I have learned to cover my eyes and open my heart.” On the tips of her toes she […]
Sudan: Mission among the Nuer people
Comboni Missionaries have been living with the Nuer people for almost twenty-five years. They have been entrusted with the pastoral care of Saint Joseph the Worker’s Parish in Leer, which is under the Diocese of Malakal. This parish comprises four counties: Leer, Mayiendit, Panyijiar and Koch all within Unity State. Their pastoral priorities: formation of […]
United Kingdom: No place for racism
The Bishops of Southwark, led by Archbishop John Wilson, have just issued the following message to Young People in Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Southwark, in the south of London. The events surrounding the death of Mr George Floyd have caused outrage and anger, not only in the United States, but also in cities […]
USA, Black Catholics: Words are not enough
Black Roman Catholics are hearing their church’s leaders calling for racial justice once again after the killing of George Floyd, but this time they’re demanding not just words but action. “As a Church, we’re very good with words. The Church has made clear it stands against racism,” said Father Mario Powell, a black priest who […]
Witnesses: Edel Quinn, Irish Missionary
In spite of ill health and weakness, Edel Quinn spent many years of her life working strenuously to help spread the faith in Africa. She has been described as “one of the greatest Irish missionaries in the history of the Church, and an inspiration to millions of people worldwide.” On 14 September 1907, Edel was […]
African Tradition and Religion: The Sacredness of Nature
Man is aware that he did not create nature. Earth, with all it contains, was created for him, but without him. Nature is that ‘other than us’ which has its own rules, order and needs. If we respect them, nature will continue to be our caring mother. For some traditional Africans, nature meant the entire […]
World Campaign: “Sowing Hope for the Planet”
The Union of Superiors General of Catholic Religious Sisters launched the “Sowing Hope for the Planet” campaign two years ago. Sister Sheila Kinsey, its coordinator, spoke to us about the project. Sister Sheila, an American, has clear ideas, and she knows exactly what ‘interconnection’ means. She tells us: “The world is interconnected. The exploitation of […]