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Doctrinal dicastery explains how, when gay couples can be blessed

By OSV News | December 19, 2023 | 5 Comments

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – A Catholic priest can bless a gay or other unmarried couple as long as it is not a formal liturgical blessing, and does not give the impression that the Catholic Church is blessing the union as if it were a marriage, the Vatican doctrinal office has … Read More about Doctrinal dicastery explains how, when gay couples can be blessed

NZ Catholic bishops urge Government to reduce stress on young families to counter rising abortion numbers

By admin | December 18, 2023 | 0 Comments

New Zealand’s Catholic bishops say the rise in abortion numbers since a 2020 law change is a tragedy and they want the new coalition Government to promote policies that reduce stresses that can lead to mothers opting for abortion. The number of abortions peaked at 18,511 in 2003 before falling … Read More about NZ Catholic bishops urge Government to reduce stress on young families to counter rising abortion numbers

Synod hui starts with leadership, inclusive community

By NZ Catholic contributor | December 18, 2023 | 1 Comment

By JEFF DILLON The Dunedin Diocese synod hui struck a bit of initial turbulence at its startup at St Patrick’s Basilica, South Dunedin, on November 18. The keynote speaker, Dr Therese Lautua, a theologian from Auckland, missed her flight to Dunedin earlier in the morning, and had to arrange a … Read More about Synod hui starts with leadership, inclusive community

Pope condemns attack on Gaza parish where Israeli sniper killed 2 Christian women

By OSV News | December 18, 2023 | 1 Comment

ROME (OSV News) – Following the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s denouncement of a series of attacks on Christians in Gaza by Israeli forces on December 16, including the killing of a mother and daughter at a Catholic parish, Pope Francis and numerous bishops across the globe also condemned the attack, calling … Read More about Pope condemns attack on Gaza parish where Israeli sniper killed 2 Christian women

NZ bishops give copy of ethics document to all MPs

By Michael Otto | December 14, 2023 | 1 Comment

By NZ CATHOLIC staff New Zealand’s Catholic bishops have given a copy of their new ethics teaching document to all 123 members of the recently elected 54th Parliament. The bishops published “Te Kahu o te Ora: A Consistent Ethic of Life” in September. Bishop of Auckland Bishop Stephen Lowe, the president of … Read More about NZ bishops give copy of ethics document to all MPs

Pope says he’ll be buried outside the Vatican, is simplifying funeral

By OSV News | December 14, 2023 | 1 Comment

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis has said that he has decided to be buried in Rome’s Basilica of St Mary Major instead of in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, and that he has simplified the rites for a papal funeral. In a December 12 interview with Mexican news outlet N+, … Read More about Pope says he’ll be buried outside the Vatican, is simplifying funeral