Election of Bishop Sithembele Sipuka And Synod on Synodality

October 29, 2024 By Laurika Nxumalo

In October 2021, Pope Francis opened the Synod on Synodality; a 3-year cycle of listening, discernment, and dialogue, which is set to conclude this month. As this cycle comes to a close, it opens a new chapter in South Africa. On Wednesday, 16 October 2024, Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka, the current President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) was elected, unopposed as the new President of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) The election took place at... Read more

Ethel Kennedy – A Matriarch Of Strong Faith

October 12, 2024 By Laurika Nxumalo

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The late Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, was well known for her strong Catholic faith in addition to her position in one of the most powerful political families in the United States of America. Born into a deeply religious Catholic household in 1928, Ethel’s faith shaped her values and choices over the course of her life. The Upbringing Ethel Skakel Kennedy was raised in Chicago, Illinois, as part of a big Irish Catholic family. Her parents... Read more

The Trauma of Israel – From Exile to Exodus

October 10, 2024 By Laurika Nxumalo

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On 7th October, Catholics commemorated the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. The Blessed Virgin Mary is referred to as Our Lady of the Rosary in relation to the Holy Rosary devotion. This title has special significance on October 7, the feast day honoring the Christian armies’ victory at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. After Pope Pius V urged Catholics to pray for victory, the triumph was credited to the Virgin Mary’s intervention through the recitation of the... Read more

St. Francis of Assisi’s Spirituality and Global Warming

October 4, 2024 By Laurika Nxumalo

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Saint Francis of Assisi whose feast day is 4 October, was born in 1181 – he is one of the most popular and enduring characters in Christian history, known for his unwavering devotion to God and great love for creation. His life is a timeless example of humility, simplicity, and compassion for all living things. Though St. Francis lived before present scientific understanding of environmental deterioration and global warming (climate change), his spiritual legacy is relevant to today’s ecological catastrophe.... Read more

Embracing Deaf Culture: Understanding For Inclusion

September 29, 2024 By Laurika Nxumalo

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The International Day of the Deaf is celebrated annually on the last Sunday of September. It reminds society of the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and the recognition of the rights of deaf people around the world. The day recognizes not only the obstacles that the deaf community faces, but also their contributions to society and development in areas such as activism and inclusion. The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) established the day to raise awareness of the challenges that... Read more

James Earl Jones’ Catholic Life

September 12, 2024 By Laurika Nxumalo

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James Earl Jones, best known for his deep and powerful voice and an illustrious acting career, was made popular by his role as Darth Vader in “Star Wars” and Mufasa in “The Lion King.” Jones also starred in movies such as “The Great White Hope” and “Field of Dreams.” Apart from his professional accomplishments, Jones was a deeply spiritual individual. This led to his conversion to Catholicism, a decision influenced by his background, personal experiences, and the search for the... Read more

Ignorance, Misunderstanding, Power, and the Crucifixion

April 2, 2024 By Laurika Nxumalo

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“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” – Luke 22:42 The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is a pivotal event in Christian theology and history, with deep theological, political, and social significance. There are several factors that contributed to Jesus’ crucifixion, each shedding light on the complex circumstances surrounding his death. To begin with, Jesus’ teachings and actions challenged the religious and political authorities of his time. He preached about... Read more

Walking Away From Surrogacy

March 14, 2024 By Laurika Nxumalo

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On Monday, 8 January 2024, in his “state of the world” address where he addressed Vatican-accredited diplomats, Pope Francis called for the global ban of surrogacy calling it “deplorable”. For couples who struggling with infertility, they probably felt as if the Church does not see or feel their pain. However, that is not the case – as a Mother, the Church does recognize the pain of these couples. The Church empathizes with the couples in the Catechism of the Catholic... Read more

Love Does Not Judge

February 16, 2024 By Laurika Nxumalo

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On Wednesday, 14 February, it was Valentine’s day, it was also Ash Wednesday, which marked the beginning of Lent for Christians. Love was celebrated in a peculiar way just like the LGBTQ+ community celebrates love in a peculiar way. The Catholic Church, often scrutinized for its stance on various social issues, including homosexuality, has faced accusations of being homophobic. However, it is essential to recognize that the Church’s teachings emphasize compassion, understanding, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their... Read more

All Souls’ Day – Praying for the Souls in Purgatory

November 3, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

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All Souls’ Day, celebrated on November 2nd, is a significant observance in the Catholic Church. It is a day dedicated to honoring and praying for the souls of the departed, particularly those in Purgatory. This solemn occasion offers Catholics the opportunity to reflect on the concept of life after death, the communion of saints, and the importance of intercessory prayer. Historical Background The history of All Souls’ Day can be traced back to the early Christian tradition of commemorating the... Read more