Reports of the Vigano Testament indicate that the 'controversy' is unlikely to go away any time soon. It would appear views are becoming more extreme and, seemingly, polarised. In the last 24 hours, it has been reported that during the Wednesday papal audience shouts of "Vigano! Vigano!" could be heard over the devotions of other attendees. Elsewhere, parish priests are reported as delivering hard hitting homilies in which they call for episcopal resignations, even suggestin

Those well versed in forensic examination or courtroom advocacy will often remark that the quality of an answer, and the weight or evidential value which it may enjoy, is dependent upon the question which prompts it. This question, posed by Simon Peter (Jn 6:68) is well known. Its context is of some importance. John places this encounter after two pivotal events in Christ's ministry: a) the demonstration of Jesus' power over the elements and his exhortation to the disciples

"Thus, I fell among men, delirious in their pride, carnal and voluble...their heart was empty of truth. Still, they cried "Truth, Truth" and were forever speaking the word to me." With these words, St Augustine begins Chapter 6 of his "Confessions". On the eve of his feast, the sentiments may resonate in a number of quarters in the Church. As the day has progressed, various news agencies have run with the story around the Vigano "Testament"; at least in part overshadowing the

On arriving at Dublin Castle, and having signed the book of welcome, Pope Francis listened to the Prime Minister of Ireland speak of 'stains' on society, the State and the Church. In response, he stated it was not possible to ignore the repugnant scandal and the failings of those exercising ecclesiastical authority. In doing so, he attributed responsibility to everyone: priests, bishops and religious. These statements come at a time when the media coverage raises the questi

With the world meeting of families underway and the imminent papal visit to Ireland, media coverage has been as diverse in its subject matter as it has been negative. Interviews with street vendors complain of a lack of interest in papal wares and souvenirs. They remark upon how the papal visit is very different to the last; at the same time observing: 'We are a different country now'. There can be no doubt that Ireland, both in terms of religious practice and prevailing so

The tsunami of criticism following the publication of the Pennsylvania grand jury report threatens to engulf a number of episcopal offices far beyond the land masse of the United States. A grand jury is, of course, a legal form of inquiry to determine the potential for prosecution, as distinct from adjudicating upon matters of criminal guilt. Even so, its 1400 plus pages present, in all too graphic terms, the scale of the misconduct which is said to have occurred and the effo

The term 'scandal' is much used nowadays; sadly, all too often it is deployed in connection with the Church. The word scandalum refers to that which causes others to stumble. It denotes an occasion, event, or incident which causes others to be wrongfooted; quite literally to lose their footing or more accurately, their foothold. The events of the past weeks in the United States and the implications of revelations concerning one prominent Cardinal of the Church, exemplify such