World Youth Day is the largest gathering of youth in the world, seeing thousands each time, and in past years, millions. Australia was fortunate enough to host WYD in Sydney, in 2008. Although its Catholic identity is clearly evident, WYD opens its doors to everyone, no matter how close to or distance from the Church they are.
Flanders fields is a well-known memorial poem, written by John McCrae, a Canadian doctor and teacher who served in WW1. It is often read aloud during services for Remembrance Day, which is coming up on the 11th of November (this year, on a Friday). For an in-depth explanation and analysis of the poem, view here.
On the 8th of September 2022, the world lost one of the most influential leaders, the longest-reigning Monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth II.
In an Ascension Presents YouTube video, Father Mike Schmitz spoke about a common feeling of Christians and feeling spiritually burnt out and wanting to quit. He goes on to introduce an idea, RIM. This acronym stands for Relationship, Identity, Mission – 3 key reminders in a sequential order, to feel spiritually fueled. So what do they mean?
“Pope Francis has expressed his condolences for the victims of a terror attack on a Catholic Church during Mass in Nigeria’s southwestern Ondo State that killed more than 50 people, including several children.”
Laudato Si’ Week, this year to be held May 22-29, marks the 7th anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on creation care. This event unites Catholics to listen and respond to the cry of creation and celebrate the process that has so far been made in bringing Laudato Si’ to life.
On Sunday the 15th of May, Pope Francis recognised 10 new Saints into the Catholic Church. This was the first canonization since 2019 where John Henry Newman among others were canonized.
The people of God in Australia are invited to make the prayerful journey towards the Second Assembly of the Plenary Council through the Walking in the Spirit prayer pilgrimage.
Ash Wednesday is one of the most important events in the Liturgical Calendar. It marks the beginning of Lent and the preparation for Easter, the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. This year, we celebrate Ash Wednesday on the 2nd of March.