serving the faith communities of the Goulburn Valley
Each December, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, among others, take over our thoughts and our wallets as we participate in ceremonies our ancestors have practised for as long as we can remember. These are all example of traditions. And in most cases, traditions are accompanied by rituals.
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At the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church highlighted many positive aspects of other religions that are similar to those of the Catholic faith and practice.
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Since Wednesday 28 December – where Pope Francis asked for prayers for the welfare of Emeritus Pope Benedict, the world has been waiting and watching for news about the health of Pope Benedict. Here, we present the most frequently asked questions about Pope Benedict XVI.
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In India, all religions join in ‘The Big Day’ with Christians the world over celebrating Christmas. India, the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, marks the birth of Jesus with a national holiday. The week of Christmas is typically a time of mourning for Sikhs, commemorating the martyrdom of their tenth Guru’s four sons.
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The archbishop of Canterbury and Pope Francis have used their Christmas addresses to call for an end to the war in Ukraine.
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“The joyful message of the first Christmas states that the love of God in Christ is meant indeed for all people, for the whole of creation,” reads the message. “Our time is a time of fear.”
Some fear the climate emergency, the message acknowledges. “Many are afraid today that they will no longer be able to feed their children tomorrow,” the message laments. “Others are afraid that military conflicts may cause nuclear disasters.”
“The angels of the first Christmas called the shepherds to have faith in the divine promise of peace on earth and God’s goodwill towards humanity,”
The Sages taught in a baraita (a rabbinic teaching): It is a mitzvah (blessing) to place the Hanukkah lamp at the entrance to one’s house on the outside, so that all can see it. If one lives upstairs, they place it at the window adjacent to the public domain.
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Imagine if we did not need to pray for those who die today, violently and unprepared. Imagine if the United Nations members convened in deep silence and resolved to rid the planet of all weapons of mass destruction and to prevent catastrophic climate change. Imagine if the cruelty being inflicted on the people of Ukraine, mid winter, was to cease and young people of both nations partnered in rebuilding all that had been destroyed …
Join with me, for a time, and imagine, imagine, imagine, writes Bishop Philip Huggins.
(RNS) — Over 1,000 U.S. faith leaders are calling for a Christmas cease-fire in Ukraine 10 months after Russia invaded its neighbor. The leaders, who represent a broad range of faiths, said they hoped a temporary truce could lead to the negotiation of permanent peace. The signers are advocating for a cease-fire to happen from Dec. 24 through Jan. 19, which is the 12th day of Christmas in the Orthodox calendar.
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In Asia, Buddhism is one of the most influential religions – based on the beliefs, tradition and practices on the teachings of Lord Buddha. Lord Buddha is said to have found enlightenment in the India and shared his insights among people to help them end their sufferings. Buddhism has its own culture and traditions expressed in accord with local customs. But sometimes the question arises: “Can Buddhists celebrate Christmas?”
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Nilufar Ahmed, Swansea University
In the classic festive film Miracle on 34th Street, character Kris Kringle declares that “Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a state of mind”. If this is true, then it would appear that, for many in the UK, the current state of mind seems to be one that is laden with xenophobic tones.
Tesco recently released its Christmas advert showing families up and down the land coming together for Christmas. However, rather than taking inspiration from the supermarket giant’s “Everyone’s welcome” slogan, some viewers took it upon themselves to voraciously complain about a scene which shows a Muslim get-together on Christmas day.
Although Hanukkah has become the most interfaith friendly of Jewish festivals, with lightings in Parliament, messages from politicians, menorahs in public squares and even on top of cars, its fundamental message might be taken to be rather different.
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The future is coming towards us daily: the problem of care in the future is also coming towards us daily. What if care is a core human competency and organising principle? What will our society, our families, our homes look like if this is the case? Want to write a letter to the future and share your vision of care as a core competency in human life 20 years from now? Read more…
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Many faiths have observances around the time of Christmas – this often being the function of the lunar calendar, or fixed observances. As most of these observances began in the northern hemisphere, there is the aura of winter cold, snow, and decorations resembling the cold northern half of the world at this time. Australia, on the other hand, lies under the Southern Cross and frequently has rather warm and hot holidays at this time.
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Christmas for those alone will take place at the McIntosh Centre, Shepparton Showgrounds, from 11:00AM on Christmas Day. Christmas for those alone provides a free Christmas lunch to anyone in the district who finds themself alone on Christmas day. Please book on Eventbrite for catering purposes.
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The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah (or Chanukah) commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Pillars of LIght at Federation Square, Melbourne, will be live-streaming the Menorah lighting each evening starting from Sunday 18 December until Friday 23 December.
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VATICAN CITY (RNS) — As this year’s Vatican Christmas tree and nativity scene were unveiled on Saturday (Dec. 3), Pope Francis reminded the faithful to “stay rooted in Jesus Christ” during the holidays. “The tree teaches us about our roots, the nativity scene invites us to contemplation. Don’t forget these two human and Christian attitudes,” he said.
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The Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education will conduct an International Mountain Day Conference on 12 December 2022, online and on site. The theme of the Day is “Women Move Mountains” in recognition of the crucial role women play in the preservation of traditions and knowledge.
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Carols by Candlelight is back again in the Queens Gardens this year on Sunday 18 December. Come and celebrate with family and friends with an evening of singing, dancing and entertaining. Queens Gardens, Shepparton, Sunday 18 December, 6:30 – 9PM
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