Latest news with #Calvary
Herald Malaysia
3 days ago
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Letter from Gaza: The last word is for life and peace
L'Osservatore Romano's young contributor who was wounded in the Israeli attack on the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza, shares his recollection of the raid and the beginning, for him, of a path of recovery. He affirms that even in the face of violence and despair, the final word belongs not to war, but to life and peace. Jul 26, 2025 Displaced Palestinians flee Beit Lahia, north of Gaza City (AFP or licensors) By Suhail Abu DawoodHello everyone! I'm happy to be back with another article. Today is the 656th day of war, suffering, and death in our beloved Gaza Strip. Thursday, 24 July, marked exactly one week since I was injured while I walked to the Father's house inside our church compound... It was 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, 17, for my lesson on spirituality. The bomb was so strong I couldn't protect myself from the fragments, so sadly, I was injured on my lower back. The fragment damaged my right leg and caused some serious injuries inside my stomach and abdomen. I felt an excruciating pain and dropped to the floor, face down, and I started bleeding heavily. Thank be to God, Father Gabriel and Father Iusuf saw that I was injured, so they called the ambulance to take me. Father Gabriel kneeled on the floor and held my head ( He has problems in his knees ), and Father Carlos was also with us as we prayed: O Lord Jesus, help us! O Holy Virgin Mary… Thanks to God, they managed to take me to the Al-Ahly Hospital 10 minutes after I was injured. The situation there was something I couldn't describe; it was so awful. They put me in an emergency tent on the floor, and my mother, my father, my aunt, and Father Carlos stayed with me all the time. Never in my life had I felt such pain and suffering. After so many days and months, I was wounded because of the war, and instead of bringing the news of the war to you, I was the news. I will not forget what the Fathers told me when the pain was intolerable. They said to me: Remember the Calvary! Jesus was there, on the cross, suffering and dying, and you too put all your sufferings and pain on the Cross. Finally, after 2 hours of waiting, at noon, I was taken into Surgery to be operated on. Many fragments inside my abdomen caused infections. The surgery took about 5 hours, and I woke up at 7:00 pm. Many people came to visit me: my family, parishioners, and, of course, our Fathers. I was totally out of focus. My injury isn't the end of writing, but it's the beginning of a new, empty page. As always, the last word isn't for death and war, but for life and peace. Because peace is stronger than war… To be continued.... --Vatican News
7NEWS
19-07-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
South Australian football icon Barrie Robran's cause of death revealed
South Australian football icon Barrie Robran's 'unexpected' cause of death has been revealed. The SANFL noted during the week that Robran's death suddenly happened while he was ' preparing to have knee surgery '. Knee surgeries were nothing new for Robran after he had a shocking injury in a state game against Victoria in 1974 (when he was sandwiched in a marking contest between Bernie Quinlan and Leigh Matthews). Regular procedures have followed that incident. But on this occasion, there were complications, and the 77-year-old ended up in emergency. Not long after that he had tragically lost his life. The family is certainly not blaming anyone. In a statement, the family said on Friday: 'We would also like to offer our deep gratitude and thanks to the professional and compassionate staff at Calvary Adelaide Hospital's emergency department.' Calvary Adelaide Hospital was asked about the 'complications' but told they had no further comment. Meanwhile, the Robran family has also 'respectfully' declined the offer of a state funeral. 'During this time of grief and sorrow we are overwhelmed by the many kind and thoughtful words and memories being shared about our beloved Barrie,' the family said. 'A sincere thanks to the Australian football community and public for reaching out to us, both privately and publicly. We take solace in the knowledge that Barrie's impact and influence on so many was so great, in such a positive way. 'We would also like to offer our deep gratitude and thanks to the professional and compassionate staff at Calvary Adelaide Hospital's emergency department. 'As a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, Barrie made us very proud. 'His loss will have a profound impact on us all and we will miss him dearly. Those who knew him appreciated his humility, reflected in a preference to let his achievements speak for themselves. 'We will be following Barrie's wishes for a small private family funeral. Our sincere thanks to Premier Peter Malinauskas and the people of South Australia for the offer - that we have respectfully declined - for a state service.' Radio star Jade Robran has returned to work and said the death of her famous uncle was certainly 'unexpected'. 'You feel a bit numb ... Barrie's death was unexpected and has come as a huge shock to all of us. It's sad – he's not here anymore,' she said on FIVEAA on Friday. 'Dad (former-footballer Rodney Robran) just said to me ... 'I'm not going to hear his voice anymore'... 'It's just hard. Reading the tributes, hearing the stories shared has been so heartwarming, and we are so grateful. 'Please keep them coming, cause it does make it easier.' Meanwhile, tributes have continued to roll in for the football legend, considered one of the best of all time. Legendary Channel 7 sports presenter Bruce McAvaney called Robran a 'colossus of South Australian football'. 'I don't think South Australia has produced anyone who is more significant in terms of football,' McAvaney said. 'I don't think he ever realised or understood the effect that he had on our state and just the adulation that so many people had for him. 'He's SA football's great champion and I say that with no disrespect to anyone else. He's Bradman-esque in terms of football. I haven't seen a better player from our state.' Another great of Adelaide football, Graham Cornes, said he was stunned by the news. 'Got a phone call this morning. It was just mind-numbing, just a shock,' Cornes told 7NEWS on Wednesday. 'There will be endless tributes (for Barrie) ... There will be no end to the compliments that he can be paid, there will be no end to the praise because he is worthy of all of it. 'Not only because of his skill and his talent, but because of his demeanour; he was just so modest .... everybody loved him.' Brooke Robran, the daughter of Barrie's son, Matthew, shared a tearful tribute to her grandfather on social media. 'Today's a hard day for my family and you know, everyone in South Australia loved him and I just hope that I can carry a part of that on,' Brooke said. 'Everyone that he met he was so lovely to and I think it's important that we continue to hold onto that and do him proud going forward. 'We love you forever, rest easy Grandpa.' Robran's sons, Matthew and Jonathon, were also good footballers, both having AFL careers. Matthew was member of the Crows' back-to-back flag-winning teams in 1997-98 before retiring in 2001 after 137 games. Jonathon's career also came to an end in 2001 after playing 83 games with Hawthorn and Essendon. In a statement, the AFL said 'the Robran name was revered for his on-field feats as a footballer and he would be remembered for his decency and humility as a man'. 'The game sends its sincere condolences to wife Taimi and sons Matthew and Jon, and their families, and all of the Robran's friends and colleagues across the game,'' AFL chief Andrew Dillon said. 'This is a terribly sad day for South Australian football, as Barrie Robran was the outstanding player in a time when the game was built around state pride, and testing yourselves at a state level against the best from around the country. 'While fans in other states may argue over who were their best-ever players, that same debate has always been absent in Adelaide as any South Australian who saw Robran play simply defers to him as the greatest.'
TimesLIVE
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Dumi Mkokstad celebrates 25 years in gospel with Cape Town Revival Concert
Multi-award winning gospel star Dumi Mkokstad is set to bring his Kingdom Mandate Revival Tour to Cape Town, marking 25 years in ministry and music. The Revival Edition concert takes place on August 2 at the Good Hope Christian Centre, promising a night of praise, power and purpose. Dumi's journey began in Cabazana in the Eastern Cape, where his passion for gospel music was nurtured from a young age. Over two-and-a-half decades, he has grown into one of the most revered voices in the genre, with a legacy defined by soul-stirring anthems such as Calvary, Egameni LikaJesu and The Overflow — Gcwala Kimi. His powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics and unwavering faith have earned him multiple South African Music Awards and the hearts of fans around the world. To commemorate his silver jubilee in gospel, Dumi has curated a national tour like no other. The Kingdom Mandate Revival Tour kicked off in May with a sold-out concert at Carnival City's Big Top Arena in Johannesburg. It featured powerful performances from gospel legends such as Kholeka, Sindi Ntombela, Omega Khunou, Oncemore Six and Nontokozo Mkhize. Now, it's Cape Town's turn. Joining Dumi on stage will be the Kingdom Worshippers, a talented collective of up and coming gospel voices discovered through the Kingdom Mandate Talent Search earlier this year. Their fresh fire and raw passion bring a new dimension to the revival experience, symbolising the next generation of worship leaders. 'This is more than a concert,' said Dumi. 'It is a movement. A moment of gratitude for 25 years in the ministry and a call to the nation to rise up in worship.' The tour is rooted in themes of unity, healing and transformation, and seeks to uplift communities through music. Audiences can expect a night of deep worship, electrifying musical arrangements and a renewed sense of spiritual purpose. As Dumi celebrates this milestone, the Cape Town Revival promises to be not just a concert but a defining moment in South African gospel history.
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘You get funny or starve', fumes controversial ex-RTE star over plea to fund struggling acts as ‘it could kill comedy'
COMIC Dave McSavage has blasted calls for the State to fund comedians and declared: 'You get funny or you starve.' The 59-year-old Advertisement 4 Comic Dave McSavage has blasted calls for the State to fund comedians Credit: Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin 4 He said the thought of comics getting State payments is 'not a good idea' Credit: RTE 4 It comes after Brian Brennan criticised the Arts Council for not helping performers Credit: PR Handout It comes after The TD for Advertisement He has called for a widening of Arts Council guidelines on who can receive funding — to include stand-up performers like Dave. However, the award-winning entertainer disagrees. Dave told 'You need f***-all money to be a stand-up, 'If you create a great piece of comedy, people will pay for a ticket and come and see you. Advertisement 'Put simply, you get funny or you starve. Hunger and poverty can be a great motivator.' Dave added: 'For me, getting free money is not a good idea. In my drinking days, I would have drunk the money and not done anything. 'Unless a comedian had a bad car accident and needed to pay for physio, or needed money to David McSavage reads out mean tweets Dave, who starred in 2014 film Calvary with He said: 'I'd imagine you'd have to tick boxes in the application form and include one-legged people in all your jokes. Advertisement 'Government funding could kill comedy. Too often you have artists walking around thinking just because they have received State funding that validates their work, which is all wrong. 'These people are also adept at getting funding because they know the right things to say and how to present themselves. Wealthy patrons have commissioned artists to paint, sculpt or write for them in the past but I don't believe in Government funding for comedians full stop.' USED TO POLITICS Dave is well used to politics — his dad is former Speaking at a Dail Committee yesterday, Deputy Brennan asked why the current Arts Council exclusion policy exists towards some artists. 'Put simply, you get funny or you starve. Hunger and poverty can be a great motivator.' Dave McSavage He said: 'There is good work currently being done providing funding for some sectors and I encourage continued support for artists at a grassroots level. Advertisement 'The Arts Council funding aims to generate high quality experiences for the public to engage, develop talent and a programme to provide services that support the work of artists. 'DIFFICULT PROFESSION' 'With this in mind, we need to know how organisations such as the Fleadh Cheoil and talented people such as comedians are not included? 'To me, a comedian getting up on a stage is a really difficult profession and a wonderful art form. 'They should have the same opportunity to access funding.' He added: 'The Arts Council of Ireland's current strategy, Making Great Art Work, is all about strengthening the position of the arts in Irish life through supporting artists, promoting public engagement and fostering a diverse and vibrant arts sector. Advertisement 'RESPECT THEY DESERVE' 'Why are only certain artists included? Why should a Comhaltas artist differ from an opera singer? 'The Arts Council must ensure that all artists are treated with the respect they deserve by broadening its interpretation of art and ensuring more artists receive funding opportunities and resources.' 'Government funding could kill comedy. Too often you have artists walking around thinking just because they have received State funding that validates their work, which is all wrong." Dave McSavage Responding to Dave's comments, Brennan said: 'Comedians and other artists deserve the opportunity to apply for funding to support them in their performances. 'Not all comedians on the circuit have enjoyed the same success as Dave, who is a household name.' He added: 'Funding could be the vital difference in keeping them going rather than some of them having to give up performing.' Advertisement 'FUNDING EVALUATION' A spokeswoman said: 'The Arts Council has for some time funded the platforming of comedy through our support of arts centres and festivals, thereby providing important regional performance opportunities for a wide range of comedy. "The Arts Council is currently undertaking a large-scale research project into current and emerging artforms and art practice in Ireland. "The results of this research will assist in evaluating how we can be more inclusive of evolving artforms and arts practices in our funding. 'At present, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary artists who include or combine comedy with other artforms within their practice can apply for Arts Council funding via the multidisciplinary arts team.' 4 Dave starred in the 2014 film Calvary with Brendan Gleeson Advertisement
RTÉ News
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Brendan Gleeson discusses the importance non-partisan media and fake news
Actor Brendan Gleeson has urged the public to appreciate non-partisan media and to be wary of impersonations online purporting to be him selling products. Speaking on Sunday With Miriam, The Guard actor stressed that the only matter he is associated with is the fundraising for St. Francis Hospice in Raheny, Dublin. The Harry Potter actor discussing the state of play in the US observed: "One of the things I have noticed in America is the divisiveness. I really hope we can fight it here. I think we have so far but it's really important that RTÉ stays as an honest broker. "It was something that I wanted to say about that thing where people are spreading lies like AI, now, like I was saying this, my voice wasn't right, but in that kind of Facebook thing, anything can be passed off as fact now. It's really really worrying and I think the money is one thing, and you know, there was a fat that had to be sort of trimmed and stuff in RTÉ but the idea that we actually have essentially an honest broker and if they are not, they can be held to account it is really really important," The In Bruges actor added. The Calvary actor said "Don't let the commercial end of things run away with this. It's much more important that we have somewhere to go where we can have a public forum and talk about things that are important to the nation as a whole, no matter what different sides of the political spectrum and that we don't get divided like America." "It's not nice in America at the moment. People cannot talk to each other in a way being reasonable without all the time being goaded. Americans are lovely as a broad sweep of people. How they are at each other's throats like this has been orchestrated and some of it unfortunate with algorithms and some of it orchestrated. We need to stop it now here, as what we have here is precious." The Banshees of Inisherin' actor added.
