The Narrow Gate Blog

Originally published by Catholicweekly.com.auThe Catholic world has finally caught up with The Catholic Weekly in publicising the latest research showing the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, with social media running red-hot over a 2022 study by Italian researchers at the Institute of Crystallography in Italy showing that the Shroud of Turin is indeed 2000 years old, as believed by Christian tradition.Last year The Catholic Weekly published new findings from Australian journalist William Wes …

written by Cath GaleAfter caring for my Dad full time for 14 months, while he lived with a brain tumour, when people say how wonderful a job I did caring for him, my only reply is that it is a drop in the ocean compared to what my Dad did for me. My Dad, the 9th out of 13 children, was born in 1940, a twin. He attempted to enter the monastery in his early twenties however after being told by the third attempt to go somewhere else, Dad decided he was “being given the run around” and began praying …

Originally published by The Catholic Weekly  When pre-production began on a docu-fiction film chronicling the life of St Mary MacKillop, Catholic media company Shalom World never expected that the highly-anticipated Aussie project would be shelved.Significant financial challenges threatened to end the production before it could begin and consequently the script was set aside.Seeking intercession from St Mary Mackillop herself, the team experienced a “miracle” as a series of p …

This article first appeared at: catholic.com. The doctrine of the Assumption of Mary began with a historical event to which Scripture alludes and that been believed in the Church for 2,000 years. It was passed down in the oral tradition of the Church and developed over the centuries, but it was always believed by the Catholic faithful. Let us examine the facts:1. Archaeology has revealed two tombs of Mary, one in Jerusalem and one in Ephesus. The fact that Mary lived in both places explains …

Originally published by www.EWTN.com The Transfiguration of Jesus is one of the key events in Jesus’ life. He took three apostles – Peter, James, and John – up to a high mountain to pray. As they were praying, His appearance changed, and His clothes became “dazzling white.” At that point, Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke to the Lord about His upcoming death. A cloud overshadowed the group, and God the Father’s voice came from the cloud saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”The Ch …

Rod Pattenden, July 2024This lavish, large format publication on the work of iconographer Michael Galovic is a welcome addition to the coverage of the arts and spirituality in Australia. It is a beautiful book, an art work in itself. In around 260 pages it surveys the work of one of Australia’s most well known painters of icons, covering traditional themes, innovative new work, and important commissions around the country.Born in Belgrade, Michael Galovic arrived in Australia in 1990 and set abo …

This article was originally published at catholicweekly.com.au American speaker Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers has no plans for sightseeing during his ninth visit down under since 2012, touring eight Sydney parishes in six days for a series of motivational Catholic talks.“From my observations being here a number of times now is Australia’s experiencing some of the same troubles we’re having in the United States—attracting and keeping people in church, the passion and enthusiasm to really see th …

Free 3D Paper Rainbow Prayer Box ActivityThis simple paper craft activity enables children to colour, cut and paste together their own Rainbow prayer box!The activity is based on the book God’s Love in the Sky, available here: CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE NOTE: This is not a physical product. This is a pdf item download only. Activity instructions are included in the pdf. For the activity you will need: * A4 white paper/thin cardboard to print activity on * Colouring in pencils, textas or …

This article was originally published at ncregister.com Philosophy influences people and culture and shines light on the science of theologyA basic understanding of philosophy is needed in order to really understand theology.This may sound like a terrifying prospect, especially if you have ever had to take a class in philosophy that seemed like “navel gazing,” being all too abstract, but it is essential.Philosophy is the handmaid to theology. It provides theology with the concepts, the “skeleton …

This article was originally published at ncregister.com The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart is celebrated throughout the world on the Friday following the Feast of Corpus Christi.Every year, 19 days after Pentecost, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. But where did that tradition originate?Devotion to the wounded heart of Jesus has its origins in the eleventh century, when pious Christians meditated on the Five Wounds of Christ. There grew up among the faithf …