May 2026
Kia ora and greetings,
Since Pope Leo XIV started his first public speech with the words “Peace be with you all” in May 2025 up to the beginning of May 2026, he has used the word “peace” more than 400 times in his addresses as reported in the Vatican News.
During World War I and World War II, Pope Benedict XV (1915) and Pope Pius XII (1939) called the faithful to pray for peace during the month dedicated to Mary. In 1965 Pope Paul VI, at the peak of the Cold War and the Vietnam War, published his Encyclical Mense Maio – which promotes praying for peace during the month of May.
World War II ended in May 1945, and in May 2026 we are praying for the many wars and conflicts around the world to come to an end.
Please read my full reflection on the month of May here.
In another reflection, I remembered Bishop Gonzalo López Marañón, who spent most of his life as a Carmelite in Ecuador, and who passed away 10 years ago, on 7 May 2016. He was passionate for acting in solidarity and even for adding Solidarity as an additional Sacrament.
Between Two Popes – Journal of a Pilgrim
There is now a printed version of the accounts of my pilgrimage to Rome in 2025.
My journey started two days after Pope Leo XIV was elected and finished one day before his inauguration.
This is a compact guide through the main churches and Holy Doors in the Year of Jubilee. A combination of historic facts, stories and a journal. Easy to read with many pictures. Available through this website.
In our recent Muffin Talk interviews we have had guests from around the world:
- Prof Amy-Jill Levine (USA): Parrhēsia
Jesus is the model of someone speaking truth boldly and taking risks. What can we learn from his example? - Fr Joseph Victor Edwin SJ: (India) Interreligious Dialogue in India
Fr Joseph Victor Edwin SJ shares his experience of engaging in the Christian-Muslim Dialogue in Dehli, India. - Prof Joerg Rieger (USA/Germany): Materialistic Spirituality
“Life is interdisciplinary.” This is the core message of materialistic spirituality and why it is essential for lived Christianity. Prof Joerg Rieger widens the term democracy to include economic democracy and reminds us of the image of God as described in the Scriptures. - Butoyi Dieudonné (Burundi/NZ): Burundi Health Clinic
A former refugee on his project of gratitude and solidarity – a health clinic set up to support communities in Burundi and giving them the chance to see a health practitioner. - Álvaro Cardinal Ramazzini (Guatemala): Synodality
Why did Pope Francis call for a Synodal Journey?
This Muffin Talk is recorded in two languages. The first part is in English, and the second part is in Spanish. The translation of the Spanish part is available on the website.
Please also check out the News & Views page with short articles on events and reflections on the Sunday Scriptures.
Upcoming Events
The Institution of the Last Supper withFr Kevin Waldie sm
Monday, 18 May 2026, 7-8.30pm (Zoom). Koha/Donation.
Please register to receive the Zoom link.
and
Mary Untier of Knots with Beate Matthies
Tuesday, 26 May, 7-8pm, at St John the Baptist Church, East Coast Road 395, Mairangi Bay, Auckland. Free event. Online donations are appreciated.
Please register with us.
Many blessings,
Beate
Beate Matthies—Titipounamu Study & Joy
https://www.facebook.com/TitipounamuStudyandJoy
YouTube: @titipounamustudyandjoy
