Four Haikus for Advent, a journey of anticipation
- Written by: Chris McDonnell
La Croix International
Four Haikus for Advent, a journey of anticipation
Advent through poetry: Reflecting on the journey of anticipation and preparation leading to Christ’s birth, these short verses capture the season of waiting, the hardship of travel, the warmth of light in darkness, and the sacred moment of Christ’s arrival on earth.
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Advent Calendar
- Written by: martin bennett
Advent Calendar: the road to and from Bethlehem to your door. Each day there are notes that can be read or listened to (a 5 minute listen) relating to the Mass readings for the day which, over Advent, give a better understanding of the effects and potential of the first Christmas in our lives, individually and collectively
Part1: Look around at the world as it is and as it can be
- 1st Don’t let life make you coarse
- 2nd Get ideas above yourself
- 3rd Mind the gaps
- 4th Always want more
- 5th Check your foundations
- 6th Blinkers off, see the world
- 7th Help is at hand
(Part 2 theme: Look again at your place in the world. Part 3theme: Look back at the people involved in Jesus' birth. Part 4 theme: Look ahead to the effects of Christmas).
The readings are available at martinbennett.substack.com (no cost, no adverts!).

The Selection of Bishops
- Written by: Frank Callus
Cardinal Elect Timothy Radcliffe Meditations
- Written by: Alex Walker
2024 Meditations
Synod Retreat Meditation 1: 'Resurrection: Searching in the Dark' - Text HERE >>
Synod Retreat Meditation: ‘The Locked Room' - Text HERE >>
Synod Retreat Meditation 3: ‘Resurrection Fishing’ - Text HERE >>
Synod Retreat Meditation 4: ‘Resurrection & Breakfast Conversation' - text HERE >>
The Practical Implications for a Synodal Church
- Written by: Frank Callus
The next phase of our synodal journey begins at the start of October, in Rome. It is too easy to become distracted by the multiplicity of stages, reports, syntheses. Some have become disillusioned with the process and fear that nothing will change, at least in the short term. For the average person in the pew, there may be too little evidence of progress for the length of discussions involved. The fact that there are representatives of the laity involved and that women delegates have the right to vote, is insufficient to win over those who have spent half a lifetime waiting for some sign of progress towards the aggionamento promised by the Second Vatican Council.
But this is only part of the story of our journey.
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