In his short book, “Jesus of Nazareth – The Infancy Narratives”, Benedict explored the fact that there was no “room” for Jesus when he came into the world.

“He who was crucified outside the city (c.f. Hebrews 13:12), also came into the world outside the city,” Benedict wrote, citing Scripture passages along similar lines (John 1:11; Matthew 8:20).

“This should cause us to reflect – it points towards the reversal of values found in the figure of Jesus Christ and his message. From the moment of his birth, he belongs outside the realm of what is important and powerful in worldly terms. Yet it is this unimportant and powerless child that proves to be the truly powerful one, the one on whom ultimately everything depends. So one aspect of becoming a Christian is having to leave behind what everyone else thinks and wants, the prevailing standards, in order to enter the light of the truth of our being, and aided by that light, to find the right path.”

That right path usually involves living and working in the “city”, as it were, whilst not being of that city. The risen Christ gives Christians the grace, spiritual power and sustenance for this life.

Benedict also reflected on the fact that Mary wrapped the infant Jesus in swaddling clothes.

“Iconographic tradition has theologically interpreted the manger and the swaddling clothes in terms of the theology of the Fathers,” Benedict wrote.

“The child wrapped stiffly in bandages is seen as prefiguring the hour of his death; from the outset, he is the sacrificial victim . . . The manger, then, was seen as a kind of altar.”

The light of the manger at Bethlehem, likely in a cave in a hillside, is not without end – there is a shadow cast from the cross on the hill of Calvary.

But for believers, the shadow from Calvary is itself overshadowed, as it were, by the radiant light from the empty tomb, on the first Easter day. God has the last word as well as the first.

In the letter to the Romans, Benedict wrote, Paul calls Jesus the “first-born among many brethren” (Romans 8:29).

“Having risen, he is now first born in a new way, and at the same time he is the beginning of a host of brethren. In the new birth of the Resurrection, Jesus is no longer merely first in dignity, he now ushers in a new humanity. Once he had broken through the iron door of death, there are many more who can pass through with him – many who, in baptism, have died with him and risen with him.

Benedict continued: “In the letter to the Colossians, the idea is developed further: Christ is called ‘first-born of all creation’ (Colossians 1:15) and ‘first-born from the dead’ (Colossians 1:18). ‘In him, all things were created’ (Colossians 1:16), ‘that in everything he might be pre-eminent’. (Colossians 1:18). The concept of first-born takes on a cosmic dimension. Christ, the incarnate Son, is – so to speak – God’s first thought, preceding all creation, which is ordered toward him and proceeds from him. He is both the beginning and the goal of the new creation that was initiated with the Resurrection.”

“Luke does not speak in these terms, yet for us, reading his Gospel with the benefit of hindsight, this cosmic glory is already present in the lowly manger in the cave at Bethlehem: here, he who is truly the first-born of all that is, came to dwell in our midst.”

Let us rejoice. Gloria in Excelsis Deo.

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We know that laws change, taxes change, different parties have different takes on what the best thing for the country is. It’s hard for the average Kiwi, because what is “best for the country” or better for others may not be best for you individually for any number of reasons. We have communal responsibilities as well as personal ones, and there is a move away from this in general in society with people focusing on their own needs, and not so much on those of others.

Jesus came to change things, to shake things up. The only time in the New Testament we see him really lose his temper is at the Temple where he throws the vendors’ tables over, not wanting the holy place of worship to be reduced to a selling ground. Jesus gave us new laws: “Love one another as I have loved you”, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you”, and he instituted the Eucharist, which was very radical at the time. Change is inevitable, and we all know this, although we don’t always want to embrace it.

It is vital to keep what is mean and hateful and the unkindness out of politics, and not to attack individuals. We want really good quality, well-meaning people of high values to be our representatives, but it is easy to see why so many wouldn’t dream of being a politician when you see how they can be treated by the public. We saw how Jesus was treated. He was crucified for being the “self-declared” King of the Jews whom they rejected. We need to be careful not to verbally crucify our politicians, and remember that they are people with families and loved ones.

I think, like me, a lot of New Zealanders are really worried about the state of our education and health systems. We want to see all New Zealanders access world class education, going to school and staying in school, leading on to be productive members of society. Our health system is broken – we all know that it can take days to see a GP, the cost of health is rising because of underfunding, and the hospitals can’t cope with the volume of acute work. Public transport struggles to keep up, and our roads are so congested it impacts on productivity. It is hard to know where to start, I suspect, as a politician!

Jesus challenged the Rabbis, and was criticised by the Pharisees and scribes for disobeying the laws of Moses. We need to stay within the law and pay our taxes, and continue to challenge and fight for the rights that we can see being eroded. It is a challenging time to be a Catholic Christian. I will be praying for our new government as they come into power.

Mark 12:17: “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and give to God the things that are God’s’. The men were amazed at what Jesus said.”

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The Catholic Church has a rich history of evangelisation, spreading its message across the globe for centuries. However, in this century, the Church faces unique challenges in its mission to share the Gospel with a rapidly changing world. As societies become more diverse, secularism gains ground and technology advances, the Catholic Church must adapt its approach to evangelisation, while staying true to its core beliefs and values, noting that many of the Catholic Church’s truths go against the current grain of society. 

One of the primary challenges that the Church faces is the rise of secularism, and a decline in religious affiliation among people worldwide. In many Western societies, particularly in Europe and North America, the number of individuals identifying as Catholics has been decreasing. The rise of secular values, coupled with scepticism towards organised religion, has made it difficult for the churches, particularly the Catholic Church, to connect with, and engage, the younger generations. 

Advancements in technology present both opportunities and challenges for evangelisation in the 21st century. The Internet and social media have expanded the Church’s reach, enabling it to connect with millions of people instantaneously. Anyone, including people in the Church, can now disseminate its message through online platforms, reaching individuals who might not otherwise have access to its teachings. However, this digital age also comes with risks, as misinformation and distortion of Church teachings can spread rapidly.  

In response to the challenges of the 21st century, Pope Francis has emphasised the importance of a “Church of the poor” that stands in solidarity with the marginalised and forgotten. This focus on social justice and compassion for those on the fringes of society, resonates with many people seeking a faith that actively addresses the world’s problems. By advocating for social justice issues, such as poverty alleviation, environmental stewardship, and human rights, the Catholic Church can attract individuals who value a faith that goes beyond traditional rituals and ceremonies. 

In addition to addressing external challenges, the Catholic Church must also look inward, and foster a vibrant, engaged faith community. Nurturing the faith of its existing members is vital to ensuring a strong foundation for evangelisation. Encouraging active participation in parish life, supporting ongoing spiritual formation, and empowering laypeople to take on leadership roles, can create a dynamic and welcoming Church environment that inspires others to join the faith. As the song from the NewsBoys says, “Shine, let them wonder what you’ve got, make them wish that they were not, on the outside looking in”. 

Furthermore, the Church must leverage the power of storytelling to communicate its message effectively. Personal testimonies and narratives have a profound impact on people, allowing them to connect emotionally with the faith. Sharing stories of faith and transformation can make the Gospel message relatable and compelling, drawing individuals to explore the teachings of the Church further. We know that, on some issues, people’s hearts will only be changed and converted on a one-on-one basis, and this personal approach is vital to aid in sharing the Good News. 

Mark 16:15; “Go everyone in the world and tell the Good News to everyone.” 

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Judging from media coverage, the press has been gaga over the HBO series “Succession”. It chronicled the Roy family, a dysfunctional media brood with an oppressive, manipulative patriarch, and an endless series of intrigues and betrayals.

The series’ finale arrived around the same time that another popular series hung up its cleats: “Ted Lasso” (Apple TV). “Ted Lasso”, about an American football coach recruited to manage an English soccer team called the Richmond Greyhounds, is a three-seasons-long reflection on fatherhood, masculinity and forgiveness.

If “Succession” is a close examination of humanity gone bad, “Ted Lasso” is refreshingly aspirational. Here’s a coach who is quick to forgive even betrayal by his boss. He seeks to bring out the best in his players, preaches the power of teamwork, and sincerely believes that there are goals more important than wins and losses.

Ted, played by Jason Sudeikis, is a wounded healer. He must deal with the breakup of his marriage, separation from his son, and the lasting impact of his own father’s suicide. In Lasso World, however, men are not afraid of getting help, both professionally and from their friends. The shame is not in the hurt, but in refusing to face the hurt.

There are plotlines that I could probably have lived without, and the “F-word” appears to be as common in England as “um” is in America. But “Lasso” is another contribution to what appears to be the discussion of the hour: What’s wrong with men, and where are the fathers?

Everyone from Sen. Josh Hawley (author of “Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs”) to my brother Patrick (who founded an event called “Father-Con”) are weighing in on the topic. This spurt of introspection seems like something that Ted Lasso could get behind.

As we head into another Father’s Day, it is worth reflecting on what are the virtues of fatherhood we should be extolling.

Perhaps the first is presence. Fathers are too often absent from families, because of their own irresponsibility or inability to keep their commitments. Or because their commitments only extend as far as work. The old feminist slogan that “a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle” makes for a good T-shirt, but it falls flat when it comes to families. As my brother tells it, the absence of concerned and involved fathers contributes to the rise of children being trafficked.

Dads need to be present. They also need to be loving, and genuinely to care for their wives and their children. I know Christians who confess that they have trouble believing in a loving God the Father, because they never experienced the kind of love that would have a father rush out to embrace his prodigal son. A father not afraid to love, and able to forgive, is a blessing indeed.

Dads need to be strong, of course. But this isn’t just bench-press strength. It is the strength that can lead by example, that isn’t afraid to admit when he’s wrong, or when he needs help. It is also the strength that allows one to stick to one’s convictions, to live one’s faith, to stick up for the weak or the marginalised.

I think there is one more thing that “Ted Lasso” implicitly gets. Men need a team. That team may be spouse and children, but it can also be a community that supports them and holds them accountable.

We are a lonely country, the pollsters tell us. So are all the people in “Succession”, I’d wager, but not Ted Lasso’s Richmond Greyhounds.

As Trent Crimm, the show’s sceptical Brit journalist, puts it, “If the Lasso way is wrong, it’s hard to imagine being right”.

– Greg Erlandson is an award-winning Catholic publisher, editor and journalist whose column appears monthly at OSV News.

Photo: (CNS photo/Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters)

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A media release accompanying the report stated that social cohesion is under threat in this country.

“[The] challenge of social cohesion is becoming increasingly critical, and more research and policy development is needed to help sustain it,” the statement noted.

Society has changed rapidly, greater ethnic diversity in cities and elsewhere is a reality, and “the resolution of what it means to be a ‘Kiwi’ is still evolving”.

“Societies only function well when they exhibit a level of cohesiveness that allows them to work for the mutual benefit of all their diverse members, despite differing world views, identities, and values. Societal well-being therefore depends on maintaining social cohesion,” the statement added.

A robust media and better democratic processes that encourage informed debate were among the ways suggested for maintaining or enhancing social cohesion.

“We need to understand social cohesion through a very Aotearoa lens, and recognise [that] our social cohesion needs will be different from any other country,” the statement added, with particular reference to Te Tiriti O Waitangi.

There will likely be differences with other nations, but there will also be similarities. The report did not touch on faith or religious affiliation overmuch as a factor in social cohesion.

In fact, the report mentioned “faith” once, and “religion” six times, but almost always in the context of looking at the past. However, while the 2018 census showed an increasing percentage of respondents saying that they had “no religion”, it also showed that a significant proportion of the population still states they have a religious affiliation. Christians made up 37 per cent of a population of 4.7million.

That is not an insignificant statistic, in its own right, and also in terms of consequences for social cohesion. In 2014, the UK Catholic Weekly The Tablet noted a study by the Social Integration Commission, which showed that churches are the most successful places in Britain to meet a wide variety of people.

“It shows that attending a church gives the best chance of interacting with others across lines of age, income and ethnicity. The research found that while sporting events are the best places to bring people together across the age groups, churches were next best,” The Tablet article stated.

Also from Britain, a 2020 paper by the Theos Think Tank pointed to research that showed that “people with a religious affiliation are more active citizens than those without”.

Many of the participants in the Theos study had religious motives for civic and community engagement. “Particularly common themes were the need to follow Christ’s example, the call to be ‘salt and light’ in the community, bringing the marginalised into the centre, building the ‘Kingdom of God’, and love of neighbour,” the paper noted.

“First, at their best and in contrast to much of cohesion policy which has been driven forward in crisis, churches are emblematic of an approach that views cohesion as a desirable outcome in its own right,” the paper added.

“They (churches) are embedded in their local communities, and [are] often working concertedly under the radar to bolster the strength of our collective relationships. Therefore, policymakers should ensure that they are working with churches wherever possible and appropriate, as a practical step towards a less crisis-driven approach to cohesion.”

It is to be hoped that, while the work of churches in the community in this country frequently flies under the radar too, those responsible for policy-making and research in this area will work with churches in this country too, for the good of all.

As the Theos paper noted, churches are generally good at listening to what communities need, tailoring responses to local circumstances, and prioritising what the community and congregation will support on a sustainable basis.

The post Editorial: Social cohesion appeared first on NZ Catholic Newspaper.

The colleague showed me the book, and one of the first chapters was about a woman named Mary Brown. The text was written by a P. Dunstan from Gisborne. It is stated that Mary and her husband James disembarked from the Blenheim in Wellington on December 29, 1840. They had come from Greenock in Scotland, and had four children in tow.

The text stated that the family settled on the banks of the Hutt River. One of Mary Brown’s sons, James, was quoted concerning the practice of the faith in those days and in that place:-

“When the late Fr O’Reilly came to Wellington in January, 1843, he was told that there were some Catholic families living on the banks of the Hutt River. He came and visited these three families. In those days, we all lived in small raupo whares, and not one of those whares was large enough to accommodate the eight children (four of the Doreen family and four of the Browns) in order to perform the ceremony of baptism. Fr O’Reilly took us down to the bank of the river and there baptised us.

“My mother [Mary Brown, nee Flynn, who originally hailed from Wicklow in Ireland] travelled to Wellington once a month on Saturday to go to Mass, confession and communion, coming home on the Sunday evening or Monday morning. In 1847, when we moved to Upper Hutt, my mother continued to do the same, travelling over a very rough track . . . .

“In 1850, when the Marist Fathers came from Auckland to Wellington, the late Fr Forest was appointed by the bishop to take charge of the Hutt Parish. The few Catholics who were settled at Upper Hutt came down with a trap every Sunday to Lower Hutt – 12 miles – to hear Mass. Every Christmas Eve, all the Catholics of Upper Hutt came down to hear Midnight Mass. One family travelled, there and back, eight miles by foot and 24 miles in the trap.

“It was never a question with the old settlers how far it was to go to church; we had to find out when Mass was to be said, and we went there.

“In the matter of sick calls, it was quite common for people to travel 50 or 60 miles to bring the priest to prepare the sick for death . . . That showed the faith the young people had in the olden days. We see lots of young, strong people now who think it is too far to go to church if it is half a mile away. I have known people to go from Upper Hutt and the Wairarapa, travel all day and all night to Wellington to get a priest for a sick call, and the old Marist Fathers would start off at once and travel all night, sometimes to the far end of the Wairarapa. . . .”

James Brown’s sister Elizabeth would marry Alexander Gordon Martin, and they were to have 12 children. Alexander and Elizabeth’s daughter Emma was a great grandmother of Michael Otto, the editor of NZ Catholic newspaper.

The challenges faced by Catholics in Wellington in the mid-19th century were significant. It is interesting to observe that, more than a century ago, people were worrying about the faith commitment and practice of young people. It seems to be a recurring issue in the Church.

Many of the challenges in the Church today are different from those of our ancestors in the faith, but they are formidable nonetheless. With Archbishop Paul Martin, SM, now installed as Archbishop of Wellington, NZ Catholic wishes him well in his ministry.

(Photo: Elizabeth Martin (nee Brown) who arrived in Wellington from Scotland as a child in 1840. She is the great, great grandmother of Michael Otto, editor of NZ Catholic)

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In late January of this year, I wrote a letter to Pope Francis offering my resignation as Archbishop of Wellington. Bishops are required by canon law to offer their resignation when they turn 75 years of age. I had been told by a Vatican official last year that the letter should be written a few months before my resignation. It was accepted, and announced by Pope Francis on the day I turned 75. When that was announced, NZ Catholic put before me a number of questions, and asked me to write something of my reflections on priesthood and being a cardinal. It has been a good opportunity for me to reflect and, most importantly, to give thanks for 47 years of priesthood and many, many blessings.

One of the questions put to me was about how different the Archdiocese of Wellington is in 2023 compared to when I was ordained in 1976. There are naturally many differences; change is a constant in life, and the Church is no exception. One of the very big changes is that there are far fewer priests today than when I was ordained. Because of that, there is much more involvement of lay women and men in the Church today; that, of course, gives people the opportunity to live out what they were called to do at their baptism. It is baptism that enables us to be involved, active members in the Church. The appreciation of that is much higher today, and yet we still have a long way to go. Years ago, priests were seen as somehow more important than anyone else. We are not more important. We simply have different roles which come from our baptism, and the fact that we are called to lives of service as priests.

Other major changes for the archdiocese are that, only a few years after I was ordained, the Diocese of Palmerston North was established, which meant reorganisation within the two dioceses. In my time as archbishop, we have, of necessity, had to amalgamate parishes. We no longer had the priests to serve the number of parishes we had, and we could not afford to insure, or maintain, all the buildings in 52 parishes. While that has been a very challenging process, I also believe that it has been worthwhile, and has called many more of the baptised to serve, and to use their God-given talents in service of others, and to help our communities of faith to grow. Our parishes have also changed dramatically in their make-up, and have the opportunity for being richer, because of the fact that there are now Filipinos, Indians, Sri Lankans, Koreans, Samoans, Tongans, and many other nationalities. All of these people, their spirituality, their devotional practices, all add to the richness of our faith.

I was also asked about what taught me a significant lesson. In 2015, which was my first year as a cardinal, I was at a synod in Rome. Pope Francis gave a wonderful talk on synodality. In that talk, he said “the only authority we have is the authority of service”. That was very significant for me. It is not the title that we carry, it is not the clothes we wear that are important. It is rather to serve, and to try to be like Jesus who came “not to be served, but to serve”.

“What is my wish for the Church’s future?” I want all people to know that they belong, they are not just visitors to our parishes, they belong because they have the dignity of the daughters and sons of God. I want all people to be drawn to Jesus, to be fascinated by him, to be in love with him, to take some little time every day to reflect on something from the Gospels and, above all, to hear over and over again the invitation of Jesus – “Remain in my love”. (John 15:9). We have begun a fascinating journey of synodality. Pope Francis has spoken of how synodality is God’s plan for the Church into the future. My hope and my wish is that we all join in this great adventure of “journeying together, walking together” as we walk the way of Jesus, tell the truth of Jesus, and live the life of Jesus.

My life is a priest has been richly blessed. It has been a privilege to serve as a bishop and as a cardinal. When I became bishop in 1995, I was asked what my motto would be. I had no hesitation in saying that it would be words from the prophet Baruch, “Peace through Integrity”, words which were very significant for me in a 30-day retreat at the end of 1988. They are words which have ruled my life, and my hope is that they will always continue to do so.

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One of the main benefits of meditation is that it helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that regular meditation can help to lower cortisol levels, which is a hormone that is released in response to stress. By practising meditation regularly, individuals can learn to manage their stress levels, and find peace in the midst of difficult situations. We are living in a time when many are struggling with anxiety on a daily basis.

Another benefit of meditation is that it can help to improve focus and concentration. When we are constantly bombarded by distractions and stimuli, it can be difficult to stay focused on what really matters. Our children, in particular, I think need help to find quiet and focus. Meditation helps to train the mind to stay focused on one thing, whether it’s a Scripture verse, a prayer, or simply the presence of God. This may be particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with ADHD or other attention-related disorders.

In addition to its mental health benefits, meditation can also have physical health benefits. Studies have shown that regular meditation can help to lower blood pressure, improve immune function, and even reduce the risk of heart disease. By practising meditation regularly, individuals can not only improve their spiritual health, but also their physical health.

One of the most significant benefits of Christian meditation is that it helps to deepen one’s relationship with God. By focusing on God’s Word and presence, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of his love and plan for their lives. Christian meditation can also help to cultivate a sense of gratitude and awe for God’s creation, which can be a powerful source of motivation and inspiration.

Another result of regular meditation is that it may help to improve relationships with others. By practising meditation, individuals can learn to cultivate compassion, empathy, and forgiveness – there are some that focus on gratitude and kindness. These qualities are essential for healthy relationships, and can help to build bridges between individuals who might otherwise be divided. We know from the New Testament that ‘ Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed’ (Luke 5:16), and I imagine that meditation was part of his prayer.

Christian meditation can be a valuable tool for spiritual growth. By focusing on God’s word and presence, individuals can learn to discern his will for their lives, and to live in accordance with his plan. Often, we are too focused on what we see as the right way to get through life in the world, and we don’t make enough quiet time to listen to the will of God for our lives. Christian meditation can also help to cultivate virtues such as humility, patience, and self-control, which are essential for a fulfilling and meaningful life.

I find that meditation is a valuable practice, with many benefits for both physical and spiritual health. By quieting my mind and focusing on God’s Word and presence, I am helped to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and deepen my relationship with God. I am hoping that long term meditation also helps improve my mental and physical health, build and grow healthy relationships with others, and promote spiritual growth. Whether practised alone, or in community with others, meditation can be a powerful tool for anyone looking to deepen their faith.

Matthew 6:6; “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

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There are Christmas decorations up at work and places I visit. There are countdowns and reminders to get your Christmas shopping done. Bookings for end of year functions are coming in.  

This time of year is suffocatingly overwhelming for many of us. So much to pack in before the end of the year, on top of the normal duties of mothering, running a household and work. 

For us the end of year will mark a milestone with one child moving on from primary school to college. He has had three years at our local state primary school and it has been an absolute blessing for our family. The love and kindness from the staff and community has been so much appreciated. 

He is moving to a Catholic college so we are pleased and relieved that faith formation will be continued and supported on a daily basis at school. We also have one child facing an operation before the end of the year so this is going to be an even more challenging time than usual. 

The school is encouraging giving and generosity on a weekly basis, asking for donations which go to the Auckland City Mission every week, with a theme each week to guide us. I think this gets you into the gifting spirit and is a good reminder that Christmas should be about giving and not receiving.  

Christmas has become all about gifts and shopping and spending, or at least it seems to me that way. It certainly places a huge financial strain on a lot of families which is not welcome with current inflation and mortgage rate hikes. 

Advent calendars are a lovely way of preparing. I made a cloth one years ago, mounted on wood with a pocket for all 24 days and a Christian theme on the fabric. With four children it’s hard to know how to manage it. I’d love to hear how other people do it!  

I don’t really want each child starting the day with a lolly or chocolate. I’ve seen some lovely ideas of slips of paper in each pocket to say, for example, “I will spend a few extra minutes in prayer today”, “I will do a random act of kindness today” or “I will find a toy to donate to someone in need”.  

You can get any type of commercial advent calendar you want know. Chocolate seems to be somewhat traditional – now there are wine and gin calendars, coffee and tea calendars and Advent calendars for pets! 

For us, keeping sight of the true meaning of Christmas can come in all the small things. Being patient. Being charitable. Dropping comparisons. Being grateful. Being prayerful. Being reflective. Putting prayer first. Being sensible with spending and purchasing.  

Make sure you plan when you are attending Sunday Mass over the holidays. Often people are away and aren’t sure where to go or what times are available. If you are spending time with people who don’t attend church this can be difficult to prioritise and going to Mass is a witness to our faith in that situation. 

There are lots of traditions that can remind us about our faith in Advent – we enjoy having an Advent wreath on the table with candles and a nativity set. These sorts of visual reminders are as important for the kids as they are for the adults. For me, a daily Bible reading is on my list of Advent activities to help me focus on faith as we head into Christmas. 

2 Corinthians 8:9 ‘For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so they you by his poverty might become rich’. 

The post Approaching Advent  appeared first on NZ Catholic Newspaper.

A New Zealander and his Kiwi son-in-law are among those making the pilgrimage on the famous Camino de Santiago in northern Spain. The older man has walked the Camino before. The two men have a shared grief, the loss of a 17-year-old granddaughter and daughter to cystic fibrosis. 

The two men walk into a church and the older man points out that, on his previous pilgrimage, people in that church, on the other side of the world, strangers, had prayed for the younger man and his daughter. Does that mean something to you? the older man asked his son-in-law. Yes, it does, the younger man said, through his tears. 

This little episode shows something of what it means to be a Communion of Saints. Speaking on All Souls Day in 2011, Pope Benedict XVI reportedly said that a visit to the cemetery to pray for loved ones who have left us” is a good reminder of the “Communion of Saints”, and that there is a “close link between we who still walk upon the earth and our countless brothers and sisters who have already reached eternity”. 

The Catholic News Agency account of this address reported Benedict stating that the life of a person is understandable, “only if there is a love that overcomes all isolation, even that of death”. 

“Dear friends,” Benedict said in a general audience later that day, “the Solemnity of All Saints and the commemoration of all the faithful departed tells us that only those who can recognise a great hope in death, can live a life based on hope”.  

“If we reduce man exclusively to his horizontal dimension, to that which can be perceived empirically, life itself loses its profound meaning. Man needs eternity, for every other hope is too brief, too limited for him. Man can be explained only if there is a Love which overcomes every isolation, even that of death, in a totality which also transcends time and space. Man can be explained, he finds his deepest meaning, only if there is God. And we know that God left his distance for us and made himself close. He entered into our life and tells us: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26). 

In an All Souls Day homily five years earlier, Benedict remarked on the importance of remembering the names of the departed on such occasions. This refers “us to the Sacrament of Baptism which marked, for . . . every Christian, entry into the Communion of the Saints”. 

Wonderful though this theology is, there is a sad disconnect between many non-practising Catholics and their faith communities. Speaking in Remuera in 2019, then-Bishop Paul Martin suggested one way, among many, for reconnecting people. 

“I wonder if we said to every parent that came to sign up for a preference card for our school that was not an active member of our parish, we are really delighted you want to come to our school, it’s great, but as part of that, in order that you really understand what it is you are coming to, we want you to join the Alpha course,” Bishop Martin said. 

Maybe another way to reconnect parents, school communities and parishes could be to make more of the month of November. Most people have lost loved ones. How about asking people to bring photos of their departed loved ones to a gathering? The names of the departed could be read out, along with a short message, written by the family, of why they are important to them. The departed could be prayed for by name by the whole community. People could be invited to place photos and names in a designated space. Candles could be lit.   

In such a gathering, the Communion of Saints could be demonstrated to those who have lost connection. 

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