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Brief Note on the new Nullity Processes of 2016
The new procedures have been both strongly welcomed and strongly criticized. In answering many inquiries, I have preferred to pass over particular aspects they offer, and stress instead two points - the first of which expresses no more than a personal preference, while the second is basic in all cases.
- The judging of the possible nullity of marital consent is both a complex matter and a heavy responsibility: factors which made me grateful that decisions in the Rota are always collegiate. None of us is infallible; and so, even if one disagrees with the majority, it gives great peace to know that two other responsible minds have reached a different conclusion.

Further thoughts on the Synod Homiletic & Pastoral Review, July 2015 (www.hprweb.com)

What should the October Synod discuss? [1]
Judging by the media reports on the Extraordinary Synod to be held in Rome this October, the bishops present will be mainly concerned with issues such as the admission to the Eucharist of divorced and remarried persons, the speeding up of annulment processes, and the possible revision of the Church's teaching on contraception. Implicit in most of the reports is the view that a liberalization or 'relaxation' of the Church's present discipline in these matters could help to ameliorate the pastoral problem or concern that the Synod is called to examine. What could be said about this view?

The Home - Principal Heritage of Humanity [1]
Our title puts together three concepts: heritage, humanity, home. A brief initial word on each.
Heritage
Heritage implies something that is handed down, that is worth not only having but also passing on to a further generation. So it implies something of value. By what standards can one distinguish what is of value?
Values may be spiritual or material, positive or negative, real or simply apparent. If the values we have are real (and the best of these are spiritual values, such as ideals of honesty or friendship) and we assimilate them, they help us grow in humanity. If they are only apparent (and this can happen especially with material values), their probable effect is to hinder or lessen our development as human beings.