Religion

The Roman Catholic Church has launched an new app that allows for a quick absolution if you have sinned or are thinking of sinning in Scotland. The Catholic app or ‘Sindr’ as it’s called is an interactive map that shows smartphone users where their nearest parish is located. The app directs those in need of a quick confession or chinwag with the almighty to the nearest church. The Inquirer reports God is omnipotent, apparently, but people do not always have the time to connect with him. People don’t always toe the God line, either, and may fall short of some of his rules of engagement.

If you haven’t yet seen the movie Arrival, then stop reading, because there will be spoilers.

If you haven’t yet seen the movie Arrival, then what’s wrong with you? Go! But don’t expect this to be an alien-invasion action movie. It’s not that at all. Your kids will be bored out of their minds, most likely. This is a cerebral film, very talky, very grown-up.

A South African pastor has been slammed by a group representing 88 denominations and churches for spraying his congregation with insecticide, claiming it can heal cancer and HIV and other diseases. ‘Prophet’ Lethebo Rabalago from the Mount Zion General Assembly in Limpopo, South Africa, uses an insect killer to supposedly ‘heal’ his church members. There was uproar on social media after photos emerged of him spraying the chemical directly onto people’s faces and body parts during a service and prayer meeting over the weekend.

Father Cassian Folsom, February 2016 (Photo illustration by Rod Dreher)

Shocking news from Norcia this morning, in this letter Father Cassian sent out to the monks’ supporters worldwide:

In the history of every new community, the transition from the founder to the next generation of leadership is a positive sign of growth and maturity. I am happy to announce that the monastic community of Norcia has reached this important moment.