Tom Heneghan, the Reuters ‘Religion Editor’, reports on the comments of Cardinal Maradiaga, a member of Pope Francis’ kitchen cabinet’ of advisers: first published on Reuters, under the heading ‘Top papal ally urges Vatican doctrine chief Müller to loosen up‘ (read original article here).
Eugene Cullen Kennedy presents Pope Francis as the personification of the Second Vatican Council, following in John XXIII’s footsteps (first published in the National Catholic Reporter on 16 Jan 2014).
Seamus Ahearne reflects on his parish experience of the Christmas and Epiphany liturgies and muses on the liturgical texts he had to use, the Francis effect, the ACP’s role and how the language and ritual of the Church affect people — or don’t.
Brendan Hoban delights in Pope Francis’ efforts to control careerism in the clergy, seen most recently in his decision to restrict the creation of new monsignori. He suggests those currently holding the title should also resign it. (Article first published in the Western People).
Joshua J. McElwee presents Pope Francis’ dialogue with the leaders of the international umbrella group for men’s communities, published on Friday 3 January in an Italian Jesuit magazine (this account is from the National Catholic Reporter: read original version and comments here ).
Brendan Hoban rejoices in the renewal Pope Francis has brought in his first year as bishop of Rome (first published in the Western People).
Joan Chittester reacts to Pope Francis’ committment to develop “a profound theology of the woman”, asking what contributiom women will be allowed to make to this. (Article comprises remarks made at a conference aiming to give a snapshot view of Pope Francis and the challenges he faces: first published in the NCR on 11 December 2013 — see www.ncronline.org.)
Joshua J. McElwee reports in NCR on the pope’s ad limina meeting with the Dutch bishops, where pope and bishops sat in a circle together. Read original article and comments here
The ACP Leadership Team reports that the German Bishops are taking the Pope at his word, and acting accordingly — and they ask: “what are the chances that Irish Church authorities might do the same?”
Take the Survey Now In preparation for the Extraordinary Synod on the Family to be held 5th – 19th October 2014, the Vatican has asked national bishops’ conferences around the…
James Martin SJ gives an enthusiastic welcome to Pope Francis’ letter on “The Joy of the Gospel”. First published in America: read original article and comments here
Brendan Hoban reviews Untying the Knots by Paul Vallely, the celebrated biography of Pope Francis (first published in the Western People, 24 November 2013)
William Grimm believes that the large majority of priests are unhappy with the new English translation of the Missal. He suggests that bishops should make the 1998 translation available, and allow their priests to use it — imitating the robust approach of the German bishops.
Tony Flannery rejoices in the difference Pope Francis is making in the Church, but fears that local church leadership may not have the capacity to implement the change the pope wishes for.
Sean O’Conaill gives a layman’s response to Evangelii gaudium. He hopes that the decentralisation that Pope Francis encourages might overcome ‘deeply embedded Irish clericalism’
Pat Moore reacts to Pope Francis’ letter, asking if Francis is allowing Christianity to reinvent itself in and through him — at a time when the adventure seems to have gone out of Christianity.
The ACP Leadership Team share this brief summary of Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, Evangelii gaudium, published on 26 November 2013 (taken from the Vatican Information Service).
Brendan Hoban takes issue with Breda O’Brien and David Quinn’s praise for Pope Benedict and dismissal of Pope Francis. He finds their evidence of green shoots in the Irish Church unconvincing (first published in the Western People, 18 November 2013).
The Leadership Team of the ACP share the latest document from the Vatican, in preparation for the Synod on the F amily to be held in 2014. This contains a questionnaire that is meant to be widely circulated. The principal document, the Lineamenta, which includes the questionnaire, is now available as a PDF file on the Dublin diocesan website
Robert Mickens, the Vatican correspondent of the Tablet, will speak at an event, jointly sponsored by the ACP and the ACI. He will speak about Pope Francis, and the possibility of renewal and reform in the Church under his papacy.
Select a category in the sidebar for more posts
Select a category in the sidebar for more posts
