A Catholic Monthly Magazine

How to be a ‘Good Enough’ Family (0)

Beware of family photos which are proudly presented on social media and on Christmas cards, because they simply do not reflect the true state of anyone's family.… More

Adoration of the Magi (0)

Domingos António de Sequeira, also known as Domingos Sequeira, was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1768. He died in Rome in 1837.… More

December Crossword (0)

The winner of the Marist Messenger prize for the October Crossword was Cyril Gilfedder of Dunedin.

Solution for November 

Across: 1 Amen, 3 Surplice,
9 Crosier, 10 Ether,
11 Episcopalian, 13 Income, 15 Outlaw, 17 Radiotherapy, 20 Alibi, 21 Retsina,
22 Lamented, 23 Fete. … More

The Family Tree of Jesus (0)

Unlike the Gospels of Mark and John, Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospels bring long family trees into their accounts of Jesus’ life.… More

Witnesses of the Cross – Light in Darkness (0)

Our witness can be weakened by worldliness and mediocrity. The cross demands instead a limpid testimony. For the cross is not a flag to wave, but the pure source of a new way of living.… More

Lessons for Living from St Joseph (0)

The Man Who Raised Jesus

I have a great love for St Joseph, because he is a man of silence and strength.… More

Pope Francis – a Son of St Ignatius (Comments Off)

Several interviewers have asked how Pope Francis’ Jesuit background and training have influenced his pontificate. The answer is that it is impossible to separate Francis from his Ignatian Spiritualty and his membership of the Society of Jesus.… More

Can You Bear It? (0)

Pablo Picasso was robbed at knife-point and was able to give the police a sketch of the robber. Police wish to speak with a female person with the head of a horse, a fried egg in the middle of her forehead and a sword through her neck!… More

Society of Mary Final Professions and Ordinations (0)

Four men took perpetual vows as members of the Society of Mary at a ceremony in Rome on 2 October 2021.… More

MM 50 Years Ago (0)

St Bede’s 60th Year

St Bede’s was not the first secondary school founded by the Society of Mary in the South Island.… More

The Accompanist (0)

Over the years, one of life’s blessings has been the opportunity to accompany singers, choirs and other instrumentalists. My usual spot on these occasions has been sitting at a piano/keyboard or organ while others are front and centre.… More

The Epiphany in Stained Glass (0)

While Mary and Joseph were still in Bethlehem, the three men variously described as ‘wise,’ ‘kings’ or ‘the Magi’ found their way following a star to the stable and knelt before the baby Jesus, worshipped him and declared that Jesus was the Saviour to all.… More

The Welcoming Heart of Christmas (0)

As a child, it was exciting to visit my grandparent’s house. I’d run down the path along the side of the house - either I was too excited to walk or I was racing my brothers and sisters to get there first.… More

December Saints (0)

Saint Joseph Bilczewski
(1860-1923)

Joseph Bilczewski was born in Wilamowice, Poland. After primary schooling, he attended high school at Wadowice until 1880.… More