The Ascension is an important part of the Catholic faith as it affirms the divinity of Christ, as he returned to his Father. This is celebrated 40 days after Easter, this year, being the 18th of May.
Category: Special Interest
Our Lady and the Children of Fatima
On the 13th of May, we celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima. This day marks the day that the Blessed Mother appeared to the children of Fatima in Portugal, in 1917. These children were Lucia, and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta.
“Walk by faith, not by sight.”
This verse comes from 2 Corinthians 5:7. In this case, to ‘walk’ means to ‘live’. In other translations, the verse reads ‘Live by faith.’ So what does it mean to live, or to walk by faith, not by sight?
International Women’s Day
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity. The 2023 campaign for International Women’s Day, celebrated on the 8th of March, is #EmbraceEquity.
World Day of Social Justice
On the 20th of Feb, we celebrate World Day of Social Justice, with the theme “Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice.” Many of our world’s population are deprived of basic needs like shelter, jobs, medical care, education and nutrition. It is our job as a collective, to ensure that social justice becomes a norm in our world.
World Day of Prayer, Reflection, and Action Against Human Trafficking
The 8th of February is the Feast of St Josephine Bakhita – the Patron Saint of Human Trafficking. She was a Sudanese nun who lived very traumatic experiences of human trafficking at a young age. Over the course of 12 years after being kidnapped, she was sold, bought, and given away a number of times, beaten, incapacitated, whipped, cut, and suffered well over 100 physical scars from all this abuse, as well as the emotional and mental scars that would follow.
‘Reflect. Respect. Celebrate.’
International Day of Education
Education is a human right, a public good, and a public responsibility – UNESCO
15 years ago, the United Nations General Assembly marked the 24th of January as the International Day of Education. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive and equitable quality education for all and taking the necessary steps to achieve this. This year’s theme is ‘to invest in people, prioritize education’. Let’s take a look at the facts from the UNESCO website.
Feast of Saint Agnes
St Agnes (Saint Agnes of Rome) is known as the patron saint for young girls. She was martyred at the age of 12 or 13, for her strong belief in God, and denied all requests for marriage. She is often pictured with a lamb, symbolising her purity. We celebrate her feast day on the 21st of January.
A look into the life of Pope Benedict
On the 31st of December 2022, the world lost an extraordinary human, Pope emeritus Benedict. His final words “Lord, I love you.”, will be remembered by all. His funeral will take place on the 5th of Jan, 9:30 am Rome time, held in St Peter’s Square, and will be presided over by Pope Francis. He will be buried in his vestments that he wore in 2008 for World Youth Day, celebrated in Sydney.
“Fellow Worker in the Truth” – Benedict XVI’s Episcopal motto.