A happy birthday from us here at Catholica...

Dear Friends,

Well, Milly (wife of the editor), is 50 today and we're having a party here tonight so busy in preparation. Much to talk about, particularly from my conversations with young people in the last 24 hours, but it will have to wait until next week. In the meantime, here's today's latest from Kaiser...

In today's excerpt from Robert Blair Kaiser's novel "Cardinal Mahony" the testimony against the Cardinal (against the bishops in general?) is laid on the table...
<Link to today's excerpt from Kaiser's novel, "Cardinal Mahony">
<www.catholica.com.au/gc3/rbk/005_rbk_190909.php

What sort of ecclesial leadership do we need? The rumours are circulating again of changes at the senior leadership level of the Church in this country. In today's commentary the editor of Catholica, Brian Coyne, poses questions regarding both the leadership and what, precisely, they are seeking to teach or preach... <more>

The Psychology of Priesthood #11 Tom McMahon in his commentary today returns to the central themes of this series seeking to explore the psychology of priesthood down through the ages. Where do we find a priesthood that can again lead the people spiritually? Most people in the Western world have abandoned the practice of their religion and stopped listening to the Church hierarchs. Tom McMahon today continues his exploration of what went wrong with the idea of priesthood. His commentaries might seem negative but, at heart, his is part of the search to find the new form of priesthood and spiritual leadership that does respond both to the call of the Spirit and the Sensus Fidelium of where the Spirit is calling the world. <more>

An adult exploration of the meaning of Christian humility… This is another grounded, beautiful reflection today from Sr Mary Cresp rsj exploring the Christian spirituality of humility and trust in Providence. "The response of humanity to Divine Providence is thanksgiving." ...Brian Coyne (Editor) <more>

21.4: The Authorised Version of Scripture... Today in Tom Lee's study of the Origins of Christianity we take a look at three iconic figures in the history of Christianity — Ambrose, Chrysostom and Jerome. Each in their own way made decisive contributions with key ideas that became part of the collective wisdom of Christians and Catholics. <more>

A lifetime spiritual journey #12… Francis is such a hope-filling writer. Today's excerpt from his book is a sort of transition chapter as he explains in the first paragraph. At the end of everything we can't take our money with us, we can't even take our hopes, our dreams and our disappointments with us. At the end of everything our hope is Oneness with the Divine — peace and equilibrium. Francis argues, it is Here, Now! Sieze it... <more>

Best wishes for a great day wherever you happen to be ... in life or in our world.

Brian Coyne
Editor and Publisher