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Film Review - Kung Fu Panda
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OPINION
Beyond knowledge to wisdomI believe this is one of the crisis points for contemporary Christianity. Put bluntly, its representatives do not seem wise. Yes, those representatives can give you any amount of information, some of them can even speak knowledgeably of Christian teachings. Wisdom is another thing altogether. - Fr Michael Whelan [More] - Aquinas Academy
FEATURE
Connected across bordersIt is time for leaders of nations to see their national interests as connected with the interests of people on the other side of the globe. We have reached the point where human existence is at stake and our destiny is inextricably linked. If we are to overcome this crisis of climate change we need to think beyond the confines of national states. - Just Comment [More] - Edmund Rice Centre
FEATURED CATHOLIC WEBSITE
Catholic Education Diocese of ParramattaReturning to our education theme, we shine the spotlight on arguably the most innovative Catholic education website in the country. In addition to all the standard features of any CEO site, Parramatta's includes some interactive opinion polls and a competition for students to attempt to ''Become the Executive Director for the day''. The site is also well regarded for its RE and curriculum resources.
- www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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Pope enjoys fireworks display
Pope John Paul, at the end of a long day in which he beatified Mother Teresa, made a surprise appearance at his window in St Peter's Square to thank Romans for a spectacular fireworks display in his honour.
"Thank you, beloved Rome," the Pope, who appeared in better shape than he did earlier in the day, said in clear Italian on Sunday.
The fireworks show from the Gianicolo hill near the Vatican lit up the night sky over the city as part of weeklong celebrations marking his 25th anniversary last Thursday as head of the Roman Catholic Church.
The 83-year-old Pope watched from his window in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace overlooking the square and then made his brief address
On Sunday morning, when he beatified Mother Teresa of Calcutta before a crowd of some 300,000 people, the Pope, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, appeared weak and aides had to read his entire sermon for him.
Yesterday he welcomed hundreds of nuns of the Missionaries of Charity order to the Vatican on Monday, telling them at a special audience a day after beatifying Mother Teresa that a life of charity was the true life of a Christian.
He again struggled to get through his remarks, slurring his words and occasionally getting lost in his text. But he did greet dozens of prelates and nuns, and gave a particularly warm welcome to Sister Nirmala, the new superior of the order.
"The message of Mother Teresa, now more than ever, appears like an invitation to everyone," John Paul said. "Her entire existence reminds us that being Christian means being witness to charity."
Mother Teresa, the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize winner, was particularly beloved by this pope for her life of service to the poor and steadfast adherence to church teaching on opposing contraception and abortion.
"She always spoke out in defence of human life, even when her message was unwelcome," the pope's text said. "Her daily encounters with death, leprosy, AIDS and every kind of human suffering made her a forceful witness to the gospel of life."
As they did on Sunday, the crowd attending Monday's audience applauded whenever John Paul stumbled over his words, encouraging him to continue on.
SOURCE
Reuters
Associated Press
LINKS
Fireworks at the Vatican (Independent Catholic News)
A measure of greatness (Commonweal)
A remarkable presence (Commonweal)
21 Oct 2003
