The Holy Irritant

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A song for John Howard

on April 16, 2007

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Bonding time the Nativity in Townsville. Artist Jan Hynes.

Bonding time: the Nativity in Townsville. Artist: Jan Hynes. The location of this picture is a service station, as stables are no longer found in our urban environment. Garage workers replace the shepherds as they tend the newly born baby Jesus. One carries a light (the light that Jesus is to bring to the world); the second carries a tool of his trade, hinting at the instruments of the birthing process; and the third mechanic carries oil (a reference to the handmaiden oil lamps, the good oil spiritual grace, illumination and benediction, the anointing of kings and the perfumed oils mentioned in the New Testament on several occasions). Oil is a symbol in many cultures of consecration, dedication and wisdom. The golden Shell logo, symbolic of birth (Botticelli's Birth of Venus, 1482) is commonly used in religious paintings. In many cultures it is linked with conception, regeneration and baptism. It is also a reference to Christian pilgrimage (St Christopher's attribute)....

Singing My Way Through Catholicism

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Shameful Statement from Archbishop Anthony Fisher on January 26

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