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In theological debate and magisterial statements, the concept of ‘just war’ is increasingly being called into question in support of the idea that war is intrinsically illicit. Yet the concept continues to resurface, and the authority of St Augustine (354–430) is often invoked in its defence. In the conventional account of the history of war, Augustine frequently appears as the first Christian theorist of ‘just war’, if not its actual ‘inventor’. But Augustine, as we know, was always a restless (inquietus) soul, attentive to the developing challenges posed by history, and his thinking evolved over time. Scholars understand that his positions must be read both in context, with due attention to their historical setting, and as part of a broader vision that places them in perspective. Instead, they are often embalmed or taken out of context, or even attributed to the later Augustinian tradition. In the case at hand, anyone with the patience — and good fortune — to read Augustine himself will find signs that his acute understanding of history did not overlook the fundamental ambiguity, or even the outright inadmissibility, of ‘just war’.

Catholic communities across Malaysia are marking the 2026 Season of Creation with a focus on water, not only as a biblical symbol of life and renewal, but as a resource increasingly threatened by pollution, waste and environmental degradation.

By Vatican News Pope Leo XIV invites everyone to pray for “the care of water” during September as Christians celebrate the Season of Creation.By Devin...

The 1st OCDS World Meeting was held in Avila, Spain from 23-26 July, 2026. It was attended by more than 900 Secular Carmelites from 80 countries around the world. Malaysia was represented by Annie Yeo, Catherine Sim and Eta Ting from Christ the King OCDS Community, Kuching, and Theresa Chuah from Fraternity of St Teresa and St John of the Cross OCDS Community, Kuala Lumpur.

In an increasingly digital world, the centuries-old task of passing on the Catholic faith is encountering new tools. From Sept. 17 to 19, 38 catechists, including religious sisters and lay educators from across the Diocese of Surat Thani, gathered at the Pastoral Center in Surat Thani for a seminar on “AI and Catechesis.”

We live in an age of extraordinary communication. The devices we carry give us access to more information than previous generations could have imagined. At almost any moment, from almost anywhere in the world, we can reach another person, receive breaking news, and watch events unfold thousands of miles away.