Book Review: Dear Movies

Book Cover - Dear MoviesIn Dear Movies, Fr Peter Malone writes letters to 102 movies, starting with his introduction to the cinema: Anna Karenina in 1948. The letter device works well, each one approximately 1,000 words. This is an interesting work coming from a movie reviewer who has seen over 6,000 movies and written reviews and books about movies.

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UN International Day of Peace

UN International Day of Peace21st of September every year is the World Day of Peace, as established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. This year, the theme for International Day of Peace is Shaping Peace Together. The Covid-19 crisis has placed many challenges before nations, and calls for joint efforts to provide well-being and peace for citizens of every nation, every continent, our world.
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What is Selichot?

prepare for the High Holy daysFor many Jews, the High Holiday season begins with Rosh HaShanah and the start of the new month of Tishrei. Jewish tradition, however, teaches that the preceding month of Elul is a time of soul-searching and reflection to prepare oneself for the magnitude of the Days of Awe. It is during this time that we observe Selichot (also spelled s’lichot).
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Jewish New Year in time of Covid 19

Covid 19 - Rosh Hashannah 5781The Shepparton Interfaith Network observes – on behalf of Jews everywhere, Rosh Hashannah – the Jewish New Year. Due Covid-19 restrictions, Rosh Hashanah – the Jewish New Year – will look a little different. We know it’s difficult to be apart from our communities on these important days, but staying home is the best way to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from coronavirus (COVID-19). This year has served as a reminder of our shared fate. As nations large and soul struggle to maintain life, dignity, and continuity, the truth that what we have in common outweighs that which divides us should serve as a guiding light.
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Islam and Christians

Islam and ChristianityFor most Muslims, the Grand Imam of al Azhar based in Cairo has the prestige and influence similar in many ways to that which the Pope holds for Catholics. A recent report in the French based La Croix International highlighted a statement made by the Grand Imam of al Azhar at a meeting in Cairo with the Foreign Minister from Armenia whose population is mostly Christian.
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Citizenship Test to Change

Australian Citizenship Pledge17 September (today) is Australian Citizenship Day. The Minister for Immigration has announced that new Australians will need to correctly answer questions about domestic violence, equal opportunity and freedom of speech under changes to the citizenship test. The changes to the citizenship test will include a religious values question.
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What are the lessons from COVID-19 and how can we use them to build a better future?

University of Melbourne logoThe University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health presents Prof. Brock Bastian who will speak on Building Personal and Community Resilience in the Face of COVID-19 – What are the lessons from COVID-19 and how can we use them to build a better future?, online, on Thursday, 17 September 2020, 5:30pm – 6:30pm.
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Dungala Kaiela Oration 2020: The River is Us – Carrying the Spirit and Strength of Dungala

The 2020 Dungala Kaiela Oration, The River is Us – Carrying the Spirit and Strength of Dungala, will be held online on evening of Wednesday 9 September, 2020. The oration will be delivered by Dr Lois Peeler AM.

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The Hungry Ghost Festival

The Hungry Ghost

Wednesday 2nd September 2020 is the festival day for the Hungry Ghost, an observance in certain Buddhist communities around the world. Whether or not you believe spirits leave their ghostly realm during the time of the festival, the hungry ghost can be a great reminder of how desire causes suffering, not in the afterlife but in the present moment.

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Supporting Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

National Education Toolkit for Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Awareness PostcardsHow do you support women and girls you treat who have experienced female genital mutilation/cutting? The National Education Toolkit for Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Awareness can provide you with assistance with its postcards.

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The Good Samaritan and Covid-19

serving a wounded worldThe World Council of Churches in collaboration with the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue have prepared a document on interreligious collaboration during the time of coronavirus. In this article, we bring you the Preamble, focussed on the story of the Good Samaritan, a profound and challenging story of human response to suffering. We include a synopsis of the world situation.

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Judaism’s Great Prayer: Hear, O Israel (Sh’ma Yisrael)

Blue Sky Clouds and the Sun


One cannot overestimate the importance Sh’ma Yisrael (Hear, O Israel ) has in Jewish heritage throughout the generations. In many cases, these were the only “Jewish words” that Jews, who lived in remote places and who heard them from their ancestors, knew. The “marranos” in Spain and Portugal passed them on from parent to child, sometimes without knowing, their actual meaning but with profound understanding of their value. Many Jews, beginning with Rabbi Akivah and up to the victims of the Holocaust recited the Sh’ma with their last breath.

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Why Hindus do Circumambulation around the Deity?

pradakshina by ladiesHinduism is the oldest Civilisation and only one which is based on Science. In Hinduism whatever is practised is not only based on beliefs but there are scientific reasons behind each and every tradition. There are many images of Hindus walking around temples; this is called Circumambulation around the Deity and temple. Walking around the innermost chamber of the shrine of the temple is also called Circumambulation. Circumambulation is also done around fire, trees & plants.

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