Head of Publishing at Jesuit Communications (@auscaths,@eurekastreet, @pray_au). Interests: Social justice, pop culture and the Richmond Football Club.
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Articles by Michael McVeigh
Initial thoughts on Magnifica Humanitas
Papal documents reward close reading and deep reflection, and often some of the most interesting ideas take time to emerge. However, here are three thoughts on Pope Leo’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the time of Artificial Intelligence. A CHALLENGE TO THE ‘TECHNOCRACY’ The 21st century has seen an increasing concentration of power in the hands of a small number of tech ‘elites’.
What might we expect from Pope Leo? In conversation with Br Mark O'Connor FMS
Br Mark O’Connor FMS is the Vicar for Communications for the Diocese of Parramatta, and the Pope Fellow at Newman College in Melbourne. As the long-time convenor of the Helder Camara Lecture Series, he’s well acquainted with many of the major figures at the conclave, including Cardinal Robert Prevost (now Pope Leo XIV). He was in Rome for the conclave, and provided regular blog updates for the diocesan publications sharing his reflections on the proceedings.
What happens when we outsource conscience to AI?
Here is the basic premise: One of the main characters, Harold Finch (played by Michael Emerson), has created an AI (known as ‘The Machine’) to help the government comb through troves of surveillance data to identify potential terrorist threats. The AI can predict all sorts of crimes, including murders, but the government considers those ‘irrelevant’ and disregards them.
Going forward with Pope Leo
With this note of caution in mind, there are some things we might learn about Pope Leo from his biography, which may help us anticipate what to expect from him as pontiff. While he was born and raised in the USA, he studied canon law in Rome and spent many of his priestly years in Peru—where he is now a naturalised citizen. He has travelled the world as Prior General of the Augustinian Order, including visits to Australia.
Failing, upwards, in the Catholic Church
Pope Francis, I think, found that third way. One can only imagine the daunting task he faced when he was elected back in 2013. Reportedly, his first words on his election were, ‘I am a sinner, but I trust the infinite mercy and patience of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Then repeated those words, ‘I am a sinner’, often, as if to remind us that although ‘infallible’ was in his job description, he was also human. And he had failed. Many times.
Is Google shaping faith in America?
Home Vol 35 No 3 Is Google shaping faith in America? 12 February 2025 Understandably, a number of theologians came forward on social media to respond to Vance’s comments, in thoughtful but mostly critical ways. One might draw on ‘ordo amoris’ (the order of our love) talk about how our loving actions might be prioritised as part of our response to a loving God (our first priority).
On worldbuilding
Many people discovered in new hobbies during the COVID pandemic. For me, it was worldbuilding. I’ve always enjoyed speculative fiction, the opportunity to immerse myself in new and unique places; from fantasy worlds that explore ‘good’ and ‘evil’, to science fiction universes that interrogate our understanding of reality itself. I’ve always been attracted to the idea of building a universe of my own to play in, and even dabbled in doing just that over the years.
Why don't we hear about violence against Christians?
There’s no doubt that persecution narratives make for good politics. Recent debates have highlighted that if you can show that your ‘group’ has been the victim of unwarranted discrimination, you can frame debates in a way that makes any opposing argument part of that same bigotry.
The ruler in a shack on the other side of the universe
With King Charles and Queen Camilla’s pending arrival in Australia, I have a guilty admission to make. The older I’ve become, the more fondness I have for our constitutional monarchy. It’s not because I have a particular devotion to the United Kingdom, or the colonial superpower it once was. My ancestors were mostly Irish, and one tour those lands 15 years ago was enough to shatter any illusions I had about the benevolence of the colonial masters across the Irish Sea.
Re-building the commons: In conversation with Joshua Lourensz
Michael McVeigh:What were some of the most formative experiences for you in the social services space? Joshua Lourensz: There’s something powerful in reading a story about a person’s life and gaining a better understanding about systems and structures that have influence on our lives. But for me, it’s all about the realisations you have when you actually meet people. Conversations I’ve had when I’ve realised there isn’t much difference between myself and someone sleeping on the street.
Religious media battles the tides
Formed in 1974, ARPA’s first mission was to bring Christian publications together to protest rising postal costs. Over the next half a century, it provided a shining example of ecumenical cooperation and fellowship. The association’s leaders were drawn from a variety of Christian denominations, and through annual conferences they helped foster a sense of common mission that transcended any theological differences between them.
Familiar patterns
I had a birthday recently, but it wasn’t really one I felt like celebrating. I’m now the same age my father was when he was diagnosed with cancer. Within eight months of that diagnosis, he was dead. I remember that year vividly. It started with a melanoma, but by the time he’d been diagnosed the cancer had spread through his body and was in his lungs. He went through bouts of chemotherapy, slowly becoming sicker and weaker as the months dragged by.
Sports gambling ninjas endangering kids
I posted a complaint about it on social media, but received no response from Kayo. In fairness, I checked Kayo’s more recent ‘Kidcast’ races as I was writing this piece and they don’t seem to have any adverts at all up front anymore. However, this is an example of what can happen in a world of unregulated sports betting - gambling adverts that appeal to kids (Ninjas! Having fun! Betting!) appearing at the front of sports broadcasts aimed at kids.
Sports but make it art
INTERNATIONAL
The Productivity Commission's magical thinking
The report has come under fire from the religious sector due to a number of suggested reforms, including the removal of deductible gift recipient (DGR) status for school building funds and religious and ethics education in government schools. The report also proposes the abolition of the Basic Religious Charities (BRC) designation, which helps ensure religious bodies maintain control and oversight of their own charities.
Why are we being forced to buy into AI?
That growth has been astounding. In 2022, Bitcoin mining consumed around 150 terawatt-hours of electricity – more energy than the entire country of Argentina – and that was just one corner of what has become a crowded cryptocurrency market. It seems insane.
Bruise-free ministry
AUSTRALIA
Walking in two worlds
AUSTRALIA
The two worlds of Eurovision
Hundreds of millions of people around the world tune in for Eurovision each year, making it one of the world’s most-watched non-sporting events. It’s a place where careers can be made, and has famously featured artists of the calibre of ABBA, Celine Dion and Olivia Newton-John. It’s also often a celebration of the funny, the camp, and the bizarre.
The paradox of 'wokeness'
AUSTRALIA
Shifting the goalposts on discrimination and inclusion
An issue emerges when organisations privilege one pathway to human flourishing above others, which might then require some accommodation with individuals within the organisation who have conflicting values and beliefs. The obvious example is religious organisations, such as Catholic schools, which is relevant to current debates around discrimination and religious freedom legislation.
Setting a higher price on democracy
AUSTRALIA
On optimisation
AUSTRALIA
Fargo and reconciling debt
ARTS AND CULTURE
Eureka Street person of the year 2023
Michael McVeigh, Head of publishing and digital content at Jesuit Communications, publishers of Eureka Street. Pope Francis Pope Francis turned 87 on 17 December, and most would forgive him for retreating a little from public life. However, there was no slowing down in 2023. Despite ongoing struggles with health, the Pope continued to be a source of hope for millions and a beacon of peace in a time of increasing conflict.
Someone's daughter, someone's son
Last week the ‘Yes’ campaign unleashed its latest advertising campaign, getting permission to use the classic John Farnham song ‘You’re the Voice’ in the referendum campaign, and reportedly getting the endorsement of ‘The Voice’ himself. I’ve often thought of that song as the musical equivalent of a blank greeting card – you can attach whatever message or issue you want to its lyrics.
What do we want our relationships to be?
I’ve been thinking a bit this week about a question posed by a young, gay Catholic. It’s been ten years since Pope Francis uttered his memorable line ‘who am I to judge?’ in response to a question about gay priests. American Jesuit Ty Wahlbrink reflected on the anniversary in a post this week, and shared the story of a young man named Mark (not his real name) whose relationship with the Church had changed following the pope’s remarks.
How to be woke?
Eureka Street uses the Stripe payment gateway to process payments. The terms and conditions upon which Stripe processes payments and their privacy policy are available here. Please note: The 30-day free-trial subscription is a limited time offer and expires 30/4/23. Subscribers will have 30 days of free access to Eureka Street content from the date they subscribe. You can cancel your subscription within that 30-day period without charge.
Culture and conspiracy: In conversation with Fr Gerald Arbuckle
Theologian and cultural anthropologist Fr Gerald A. Arbuckle, SM, was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Australian Catholic University.
What is the right way of hearing hurt and of having hard conversations?
Dr Sonja Hood, the President of the North Melbourne Football Club, asked this question in an address at a function last weekend. It had been a tumultuous week for the club, with senior coach Alastair Clarkson stepping down amid an investigation that had taken a toll on his physical and mental health.
‘A spiritual notion’: The Voice and the yearnings of our hearts
Frank Brennan SJ, An Indigenous Voice to parliament: considering a constitutional bridge, Garratt Publishing, 2023 Shireen Morris and Damien Freeman (eds), Statements from the soul: the moral case for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, La Trobe University Press, 2023 The Uluru Statement from the Heart opens with the declaration that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tribes were ‘the first sovereign Nations of the Australian continent’.
“Feet on the ground”: New book celebrates 125 years of Madonna
Wings for the Soul is a collection of pieces by long-time Madonna editor Fr Chris Gleeson SJ, released to mark the 125th anniversary of the Jesuit publication. There were two anniversaries being celebrated on the day of the launch of Fr Chris Gleeson SJ’s new book, Wings for the Soul, at Xavier College, Kew. Those at Xavier were gathered to launch the new book, and celebrate the 125th anniversary of Madonna magazine.
Remembering Father Bob Maguire
Eureka Street uses the Stripe payment gateway to process payments. The terms and conditions upon which Stripe processes payments and their privacy policy are available here. Please note: The 30-day free-trial subscription is a limited time offer and expires 30/4/23. Subscribers will have 30 days of free access to Eureka Street content from the date they subscribe. You can cancel your subscription within that 30-day period without charge.
The complicated path to saving the world
What happens in a story after the hero defeats the big bad villain? In a saga like Star Wars, the fall of the evil Empire heralds the beginning of a new era. While often these stories end before this new world is fully realised, we’re left confident that our heroes’ commitment to freedom and justice will continue to prevail as a new order takes shape. I was interested, then, to see the post-imperial Star Wars universe revisited in the recent TV series The Mandalorian.
On humility
During the first week of the football season (at least in AFL states), hopes and expectations are high for all clubs. It’s a time that’s high on rhetoric in football circles, as clubs do their best to get their fans signed up as paid members for another year. How all the rhetoric matches reality is sometimes hard to discern. What is it that really drives a football club? How does it define success? Is it premiership cups? A healthy bottom line? A large and passionate community of supporters?
Two lives
Two important figures in the Catholic Church passed away over the summer. Although they’re no longer with us, Pope Benedict and Cardinal George Pell will continue to have a significant influence on the life of the Church. All of us know what it means to live a segmented life. We each have public and private selves; the face we put on when we deal with people we come into contact with in our public lives, and the inner self that only our family and close acquaintances might get to see.
Eureka Street person of the year
As the year 2022 draws to a close, the editorial team at Eureka Street has been reflecting on the individuals who have made a significant impact on the world and embody the values that we hold dear. From leading figures in politics and activism, to pioneers in the arts and sciences, the choices for our person of the year were numerous and varied. Here, we share our personal picks for the people we believe have had a significant influence in 2022 and why they embody the ideals of Eureka Street.
Book celebrates 125 years of Madonna
There were two anniversaries being celebrated on the day of the launch of Fr Chris Gleeson SJ’s new book, Wings for the Soul, at Xavier College. Those at Xavier were gathered to launch the new book, and celebrate the 125th anniversary of Madonna magazine. Meanwhile, a few suburbs away, Melbourne Catholics were gathering to mark the 125th anniversary of St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Stray thoughts: Humanity on display
AUSTRALIA Welcome to 'Stray Thoughts', where the Eureka Street editorial team muses on ethical and social challenges we've noted throughout the week. There’s a World Cup on at the moment. You’d be forgiven for not paying attention. One of the bonuses of living here in Australia it’s much easier to ignore events that are taking place while you’re sleeping. You could also be forgiven for boycotting it.
Overview of the Clinical Approach to Individuals With Cerebellar Ataxia and Neuropathy
Multidisciplinary Management of Ataxia Pharmaceutical intervention for the ataxias is constantly evolving and will not be a subject of this section. The foundation of successful management of ataxia lies with the multidisciplinary team, focused on management of the motor and nonmotor aspects of CA.
Bluey’s magical and sacred family home
My two-and-a-half-year-old son has a set of five toy dinosaurs. They are his favourite toys. He’s named them after the main characters in a book series he loves — Roar (Tyrannosaurus Rex), Munch (Diplodocus), Stomp (Triceratops), Bash (Stegosaurus) and Boo (Deinonychus). Every morning he wakes up and the dinosaurs are gone from where he left them the previous day. And so the search begins.
Lost student essay from 1968 recounts Badger High's early history
Editor’s note: The following essay was written by then-Badger High School junior Michael McVeigh in 1968, about 10 years after Badger opened. Now retired and living in Virginia, McVeigh recently discovered the essay among his personal belongings, and he donated it to the Lake Geneva Regional News. It is a student’s account of the Lake Geneva community’s difficult decision to build Badger High School. It is reprinted here in its entirety, minus the footnotes and table of contents.
'People as things': a new story after Christchurch
'People as things, that's where it starts.' 'Oh, I'm sure there are worse crimes — ' 'But they starts with thinking about people as things ...' [From Carpe Jugulum, by Terry Pratchett] No one can walk into a mosque and kill 50 human beings. Think about what that would involve. It would mean walking into a place of peace and community, taking in all of the life and hope and possibility of the people in that place, and making a decision to bring all of those lives to a bloody and abrupt end.
William Cooper set the pace for social justice
Economists have GDPs. Workers have KPIs. Athletes have PBs. But what about social justice activists? Could there be a Social Justice Measure (SJM) for how much a person cares about justice? If such a calculation was possible, I wonder if the unit of measurement might be the kilometre, and the measure might be something like, 'How far would a person walk in support of a cause that wasn't theirs, for people they would never meet, in a place they would likely never themselves see?' Ten kilometres.
A new story for child abuse survivors
A new story for child abuse survivors The Australian nation is given shape by the stories that we tell ourselves each year. There are days when we tell stories about the arrival of the European settlers, and days when we tell stories about the horrific treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. There are days when we share the many stories of migrants who have settled in Australia, and days when we remember the stories of the generations who were stolen from their families.
Advice to new Bombers fan bishop
But my heart fell a little when you announced you would be supporting Essendon, Archbishop Comensoli*. Essendon? The team of drug cheats? The team of #standbyhird conspiracy theorists? Why would anyone want to support them? Actually you didn't announce you would be supporting Essendon. The announcement said Essendon would be your 'team of redemption'. Now that's an interesting turn of phrase. One might even say it's a redeeming one. What does it mean to join a wounded, broken organisation in its pain?
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