Australia has much to be proud of in terms of its Indigenous and multicultural traditions. While the First Australians have been on this continent for more than 60,000 years, more recent arrivals have come from the four corners of the globe.
Wear orange for Harmony Day Read More »
The ancient texts in the book of Genesis, which speak to us of creation and then our fall from grace, provide us with the most marvellous insights into our nature and the nature of the world about us. Creationists who insist only on a literal interpretation of such biblical texts do themselves and us a great disservice, precisely because they fail to grasp the depth of meaning that lies within them.
Having faith in the dark times Read More »
It may be trite to say that St Patrick was a larger-than-life figure, and yet, that is what he was. There is Patrick the saint whose life is a guide for living by the spirit and values of the gospel of Jesus; and then there is Patrick of the folk tradition which is the focus of this article.
St Patrick in Irish folklore Read More »
Over the next couple of weeks, we move from the Gospel of Matthew to the Fourth Gospel. Often described as the “spiritual gospel,” this gospel presents Jesus’ teachings in the form of long theologically-charged speeches or his many-levelled interactions with various characters representing key groups within first-century Roman Palestine.
Finding God amongst the outcasts Read More »
To commemorate International Women’s Day today (March 8), Majellan reports on a group of Melbourne women who got together to support grandmothers in Africa whose families were torn apart by HIV/AIDS.
Women rally for African cause Read More »
SeaWeek 2023 is being celebrated throughout Australia from March 4 to 12. This year’s theme is Ocean Literacy Principle #1: Planet Earth – The ocean and its interconnected systems. The week coincides with Clean Up Australia Day which was held on Sunday.
Seeing the importance of the sea Read More »
Maypole dancing has been part of various European folk festivals for centuries.
The festivals usually occur on May 1 or at Pentecost, although in some countries the maypole is erected between June 20-26. In some places, the maypole is a permanent feature that is only used during the festival.
Beatification for Spanish woman Read More »
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is held each year on May 29. It is an opportunity to honour the contribution of the uniformed and civilian personnel who work for the organisation.
The festivals usually occur on May 1 or at Pentecost, although in some countries the maypole is erected between June 20-26. In some places, the maypole is a permanent feature that is only used during the festival.
Playing their part for peace Read More »
About fifteen kilometres east of Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina is the small village of Surmanci in the municipality of Capljina. The church at Surmanci, which is dedicated to the Divine Mercy, sits deep in a valley near the Neretva River. It has a tall steeple and a bell tower with a cross on top of the tower.
There are family reunions, and then there are BIG family reunions. Thanks to Luisa Franchina from Coburg, Victoria (and her daughter Alexandra) for sending in a photo of their extended family (Sciuto) get together late last year. Far too many people to name personally but no doubt it was a grand affair and enjoyed by one and all.
