When we went to press at the last issue, we didn't know who the next pope would be. We do now, and welcome Benedict XVI. Interestingly as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, we had already published several of his thoughts on evangelisation in Goodnews (nos 172,173,174). He has already indicated that Christian unity is one of his priorities and already signs are showing that this is bearing fruit. This theme of unity is taken up and developed by Charles Whitehead in his usual down to earth way, as he looks at the importance of unity on all levels of life. On the resource pages is news of some wonderful new testimony books, which show just what happens when we give our lives to God.

They say that deaths come in threes, so its interesting that this May, three faithful servants of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal died and went to be with the Lord. We don't tend to do obituaries in Goodnews because of space considerations, but felt in the circumstances, it would be good to mention all three (Fr Ray Beck from the West country, Merle Sutcliffe from the Leeds diocese, and Cliff Falkus from the Brentwood diocese). They symbolise a generation of leaders who helped bring Charismatic Renewal into the life of the Catholic Church by their commitment and energy. It is now 30 years since Pope Paul VI publicly recognised the Catholic Charismatic Renewal at the First International Conference in Rome in 1975 calling it "a chance for the Church and a chance for the world." Thus it is appropriate that this should be a year of assessment looking at where we are and where the Lord might be leading us in the future. At the time of going to press, the Newman Consultation of leaders from the northern isles (Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England) had not happened, but in the next issue we will present a full report of its insights and findings.

One of the great tools to promote the Charismatic Renewal has been the Life in the Spirit seminars. In this issue James Wilkinson from Chertsey, explains how they help empower Catholics in their faith and to understand the good news of salvation and life in the Spirit. Fr Pat Collins also takes us back to the basics of what makes a good Charismatic prayer meeting. As Catholics, the Eucharist is the foundation of our faith, and Fr Paul McPartland, in this Year of the Eucharist, gives an excellent and informative teaching on how at different times in history different aspects of the Eucharist have been stressed, and where we are today.

God is a God of miracles and this month we have the inspiring testimony of Janice Raeder Machado, whom the Lord has healed from AIDS. Although the Lord at times does heal, at others he doesn't and as Christians we are called to patiently bear our illness and weakness. Fr Chris Thomas reflects on what he learnt about letting God and letting go, during a recent illness. Shirley Harrington likewise shares her thoughts about getting older and moving from an active to a more contemplative life. We also get feedback from one of Fr Pat Collins earlier articles "Unequal Yoke" whereby readers share their experiences of being married to someone who doesn't have the same level of faith as they do.

Meanwhile in Parliament prayer is playing an increasingly important role. David Landrum, the senior parliamentary officer for the Bible Society, tells us about all the prayer initiatives that are taking place at the Palace of Westminster and encourages us to join in and pray for our MPs.

Jesus was a Jew and it was this tradition that nurtured him as he grew up. Joan Le Morvan, who has led many pilgrimages to the Holy Land, in "The Jewishness of Jesus", reflects on some of the recent archaeological discoveries which help deepen our insights and understanding of gospel texts.

In an attempt to provide meaningful celebrations of rites of passages for the boys of their covenant community, Louis Power, from the Family of Nazareth tells of a fascinating idea they have come up with, and how it has worked in "Knights of Nazareth".

We end of course with the usual round up of news and regular features like the Other Half. So good reading and Happy Summer.

Kristina Cooper