Despite the time difference, you are most likely aware that the World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the US has already kicked off. For dedicated Scottish fans, the drama began almost a month ago, when the Scotland manager announced the squad, sparking discussions in the media, online and in pubs about who had been selected or left out. In England,…

In 2006, I was invited to run a Lenten retreat for the Polish communities across Buckinghamshire. From that, my first ever visit to the UK, I remember two things that inspired me for the rest of my life. The first one was a domestic bean-to-cup coffee maker in the parish house where I stayed. It made such a deep impression…

On 20th November, 1975, fifty years ago last Thursday, Juan Carlos was proclaimed king and inherited absolute power, in accordance with the succession law established by General Franco, who had been the dictator of Spain since 1936. However, in a significant move, the king relinquished that power, paving the way for what the Spanish call “la Transición,” the transition to…

It’s the end of the world as we know it. Strangely enough, I remember that this song, by the American band REM, was the most requested on a radio show years ago after Mr Trump was elected as the US President for the first time. It seemed to reflect the mood of the show’s audience, almost bordering on hysteria. ‘It’s…

Once, a friend of mine applied for a new job. Part of the application was a history of his life – a curriculum vitae, or simply a CV. He wrote it, but being humble and modest, he didn’t emphasise his achievements as he didn’t want to be seen as a braggart or poseur. When he submitted the application, the manager…