The 41 years of Clare’s religious life are scenarios of sanctity: an indomitable resolve to lead the simple, literal gospel life as Francis taught her; courageous resistance to the ever-present pressure to dilute the ideal; a passion for poverty and humility; an ardent life of prayer; and a generous concern for her sisters.
Saints Spotlight-St Clare of Assisi Read More »
On a warm spring night in April 1968, in the Zeitoun district of Cairo, Egypt, two workers saw a woman on the top of Saint Mary’s Coptic Church. The workers, thinking that she was about to jump from the roof, called the police who claimed the two men were witnessing a reflection from the street lamps.
Our Lady lights up a war-torn land Read More »
When I was 19 weeks pregnant, my husband Christian and I went to our ultrasound appointment excited for a gender reveal! Everyone in our family thought we were having a boy, and we wanted a boy too, a baby brother for our older daughter, Lara, who was almost four.
Junelle and Christian’s story – In memory of Jacob Read More »
We are being asked to support the 116,000 Australians who sadly are homeless. The call coincides with Homelessness Week which runs until Sunday.
Responding to the financial crises and homelessness, we are called to sign the petition for Everybody’s Home.
A call to respond to the homelessness issue Read More »
Mary MacKillop founded Australia’s first order of nuns, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, and also established St. Joseph’s School in a converted stable in Penola, providing a free education to children from the area. In 1867 she took vows and became the first mother superior of the sisters. The following year the sisters opened schools in other Australian cities, as well as an orphanage and a refuge for women released from prison.
Saints Spotlight-Mary of the Cross MacKillop Read More »
A morning radio presenter recently lamented the lack of good news. She sombrely described the current spate of news stories as a precursor to the “end times.”
Finding the light in bleak times Read More »
On Monday we celebrate the feast of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Redemptorists. A gifted writer, he penned the following prayer during his extraordinary life.
Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit Read More »
My iPhone buzzed. I looked down at the text message on the glowing blue screen. The words took a moment to sink in. It was like being back in primary school and discovering you hadn’t been invited to your friend’s sleepover, only worse.
Dear Friends,
“In old age they will still bear fruit” (Ps 92:15). These words of the Psalmist are glad tidings, a true “gospel” that we can proclaim to all on this second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. They run counter to what the world thinks about this stage of life, but also to the attitude of grim resignation shown by some of us elderly people, who harbour few expectations for the future.
Pope’s message to the elderly Read More »
When I was a mother, I was often busy and frustrated. I would often be yelling at my children not to do something. That’s not the way you should do things.
