I recently participated in the annual Eucharistic celebration held at the St Francis Church in Melbourne to mark the closure of NAIDOC week – a most significant event for our Australian society, writes CRA President, Br Gerard Brady CFC.  At this Mass we were welcomed by women - aunties who are esteemedby their communities as valiant women of faith (Proverbs 31). Surrounding them were their families and the next generation of grandchildren. As they processed into the Church, they proudly announced their culture, with didgeridoo and clap sticks echoing throughout the community. They announced ‘we are here, we are present and our presence echoes our presence over 60,000 years’.  What a moment of revelation for those gathered.

Renowned Dominican priest, theologian, and author from the Thomistic Institute in the United States, Fr Gregory Pine OP, visited Sydney this month as a keynote speaker at  Purpose Fest, a vibrant celebration of young Catholic life held at Rosebank College in Five Dock, reports The Catholic Weekly. 

Pope Leo XIV has celebrated the first Mass for the Care of Creation at the Laudato Si’ Village in Castel Gandolfo, urging Christians to embrace their mission to bring peace and reconciliation to the world and all creation, reports Vatican News.

A newly blessed icon inspired by St Francis of Assisi’s hymn, The Canticle of the Creatures has become a striking symbol of faith, artistry and environmental awareness in Western Sydney, following a special Mass and community celebration at the Franciscan Good Shepherd Parish in Plumpton. 

While the demographics of the Carmelite community members have changed over the years, their life of prayer in intimate friendship with Christ remains constant.