The Broad Concept of Restorative Justice in Laudato Si’

September 26, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

In several countries around the world, their justice systems rarely show mercy towards incarcerated offenders. Rehabilitation measures and policies that exist within some justice systems oftentimes do not promote a healthy environment for offenders. In his encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis offers a deeper meaning and broader implications of restorative justice. Writings such as Laudato Si’ invite people to be responsible about the decisions they make and to base them on their personal experience of faith and civic ethics. Everyone... Read more

The ‘Yes’ of Mary and the ‘Yes’ of Joseph

September 22, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

The story of Mary and Joseph is one of the most fascinating accounts in the Bible, yet it remains shrouded in mystery. From ancient vows spoken in a humble village to the enduring lessons the world can glean from their journey, the timeless legacy of this couple is nothing short of extraordinary. In an era where relationships are often fleeting and the true meaning of commitment is often lost, their unwavering devotion serves as a beacon of hope. Jewish Background... Read more

From Secretary to Confidante: The Untold Story of Madre Pascalina Lehnert

June 20, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

In the world of the Catholic Church, there are many stories of noteworthy individuals whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the faith. One such individual was Madre Pascalina Lehnert, who served as the personal secretary to Pope Pius XII for over years. While her name may not be as well-known as some of the other key figures in the Church’s history, her story is both remarkable. From her early days as a young nun to her rise to... Read more

What Is The Carmelite Monks Wyoming Scandal?

May 16, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

Mystic Monk Coffee (MMC) is a coffee brand founded in 2007 by the Carmelite Monks in Wyoming, USA. For years the monks relied on the profits they were receiving from the coffee sales to support their monastery and religious activities. The brand gained popularity and it received praises and endorsements from coffee influencers and connoisseurs. MMC had a strong consumer base for several reasons. Firstly, they provided high quality coffee made from Arabica beans to their consumers. Secondly, the monks... Read more

Celebrating Mother’s Day and the Month of Mary: A Sacred Connection

May 15, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

In the month of May, two significant festivities occur that share a profound connection – Mother’s Day and the Catholic Church’s devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus. The link brings together the celebration of earthly mothers and the veneration of the ultimate spiritual mother. As people around the world honour the nurturing, selfless love of their mothers, Catholics also pay homage to Mary’s exceptional role in the Catholic faith. Understanding the historical and spiritual significance of both celebrations helps... Read more

From the Pulpit to the Earthquake: The Jesuits’ Surprising Impact on Seismology

April 27, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

The Jesuits are known for their contributions in various fields, including education, astronomy, and cartography. However, their involvement in seismology is often overlooked. For centuries, Jesuit Catholic priests have been recording seismic activity and studying its effects on buildings and structures around the world. Their meticulous observations and data have helped the world to understand the science of earthquakes and the mitigation of their impact. The Jesuits and their involvement in science Ignatius of Loyola founded the Jesuits, also... Read more

Pope Francis Celebrates 10 Years of Walking in the Footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi

March 14, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio, SJ) was elected by 77 votes on 13 March 2013 as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church. He became the first Jesuit to be elected as a Pope, the first Pope from South America (Argentina), and the first non-European Pope since the papacy of Pope Gregory III who was from Syria. When he was elected as Pope, Francis had been a priest for 44 years – ordained on 13 December 1969 (ordained a priest on the 13th day of... Read more

“Christ Is Your Lantern” – A Legacy Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Leaves To The Catholic Clergy

January 11, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

“When you think of your death, seek not your rest in the hardened ground. But do so in the breast of men where heartbeats can be found.” – Jason Versey, A Walk with Prudence Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI became the head of the Catholic Church at a time when grievances of sexual abuse by the clergy were threatening the Church`s global moral standing. The abuse indignities hounded most of the late Pope`s papacy but he received credit for starting... Read more

Pope Francis Bids Farewell to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

January 8, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

Pope Francis`s homily at the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on 5 January 2023 “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Lk 23:46). These were the final words spoken by the Lord on the cross; his last breath, as it were, which summed up what had been his entire life: a ceaseless self-entrustment into the hands of his Father. His were hands of forgiveness and compassion, healing and mercy, anointing and blessing, which led him also to entrust... Read more

Fare Thee Well Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

January 1, 2023 By Laurika Nxumalo

On Saturday, December 31, 2022 the Vatican announced to the world the passing away of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at age 95. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger was born on April 16, 1927, in Germany’s Bavaria. Through pastoral training, Pope Benedict was a theologian. He became the first Pope from Germany since the 11th century. In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI became the first Pontiff since the 15th century to resign. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was ordained a priest June 29,... Read more