Evaluating beauty... In today's commentary Andrew Kania was partly stimulated by the recent discussion here on self-esteem and self-respect. His commentary is exploring the ways in which we value the beauty to be found in others. He explores a number of places where writers such as Balzac, St John Chrysostom, Naomi Wolf and others have written on the matter. [more]

On Cardinal Ruini's lecture on Pope Benedict's vision... Sister Phoebe is Ruth's sister. She's been a professed nun since Eve was a little girl and she's forever writing letters to God — some of which we are able to bring you from time to time in the pages of Catholica. In her first contribution we reproduce the letter she's written commenting on the vision of Cardinal Ruini and Pope Benedict. [more]

Remembering those who cannot be with us at Christmas Rosemary invites us, amidst all the joy and celebrations, to remember those who cannot be with us. [more]

Jack exchanges Christmas Greetings with Pope Benny. Jack's Back and this week in his chat with Pope Benny they've got a bit to talk about besides swapping Christmas cheer. [more]

Celebrating Christmas Peregrinus, in his usual style, really does present a different twist to the usual sort of reflections and homilies we can expect at this time of the year. [more]

On the image of Jesus we present to the world... Our cloistered quartet are engrossed in a vigorous discussion about what sort of image of Jesus we present to the world at Christmas, or any other time. [more]

The beginnings of the crisis in authority Tom has prepared a special presentation based on a segment from Edward Stourton's 1998 book and television documentary, Absolute Truth – The Catholic Church in the World Today, which explores the crisis in authority that the Church has experienced beginning with the promulgation of the encyclical letter, Humanae Vitae, soon after the Second Vatican Council. Click the headline image above or HERE to proceed directly to the commentary and presentation. PLEASE NOTE: the foregoing links contain heavy multi-media content and are only really suitable for readers with a broadband connection. We have provided an alternate text only page which can be found HERE.

"God With Us!" We welcome Dawn back to the lead commentaries today with this very personal reflection on the meaning of Advent. [more]

On seeking forgiveness for the abuse scandals... Ruth supports the Pope's preacher in his call for a worldwide day of penance to ask forgiveness for the abuse scandals. [more]

Self-esteem or self-respect? Hugh Mackay's opinion piece in this weekend's Sydney Morning Herald has caused Tom Scott to re-think one of the homilies he's been preaching for a long, long time. What value should we promote more: self-esteem or self-respect? [more]