A refugee and asylum-seeker charity in Sydney’s west has reported a six-fold surge in calls for help as the coronavirus pandemic bites deep into the lives of those most vulnerable. Source: Catholic Outlook.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has announced it will join the Canadian bishops on May 1 in consecrating the two nations to the care of the Blessed Mother under the title “Mary, Mother of the Church”. Source: Crux.
Loan sharks preying on struggling families: Pope
Pope Francis yesterday prayed for families struggling economically during the COVID-19 pandemic and for the conversion of loan sharks who prey on them. Source: CNS.
Documentary will please dog lovers
Koko: A Red Dog Story is the third film in the Australian Red Dog series. This family-friendly film is designed to please dog lovers, but critics were singularly unimpressed. Source: ACOFB.
Diocese rejects school roster plan
The head of Catholic Education in the Parramatta Diocese has rejected New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s advice for a staggered return to school across the state. Source: Daily Telegraph.
Australian musician Gary Pinto will lead a free online concert next month for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion campaign, bringing Australian and international musicians direct from their homes to yours.
Pope postpones Eucharistic Congress
The Vatican has postponed another international gathering due to COVID-19, with the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress, due to be held in Budapest this September, postponed to 2021. Source: CNA.
The Ruby Princess’ much-maligned status in the country’s COVID-19 story didn’t stop the Church offering pastoral care to the crew and seeking to ensure they got the help they needed. Source: ACBC Media Blog.
A modest and muted Anzac Day
This year the celebration of Anzac Day will be muted. No marches, no large reunions, few speeches at war memorials, but soldiers and others who lost their lives in war will be remembered, writes Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ. Source: Eureka Street.
Ongoing Australia Day debate is crucial
The Australia Day date debate has some beneficial aspects by focusing attention on the relationships between Indigenous Australians and later arrivals, writes Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ. Source: Eureka Street.
College on course to teach teachers
Campion College, a Catholic tertiary college based in Western Sydney, has launched its first postgraduate course, an online graduate certificate in religious education for primary school teachers.
A global network of financial intelligence units has readmitted the Holy See after a two-month suspension sparked by a Vatican police raid on the Vatican’s financial watchdog agency. Source: NCR Online.
St Thérèse arrives without her parents
The relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux arrived in Sydney yesterday ahead of a four-month national pilgrimage, but the relics of her parents Sts Louis and Zélie Martin failed to arrive due to a “logistical issue”. Source: Catholic Mission.
Drought-hit communities need more help
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes is appealing to government and other support agencies to remember those still affected by drought, even as emergencies take their toll in other parts of the country. Source: Forbes Advocate.
Martyr’s niece moved to tears at chapel blessing
The niece of a Papuan catechist who was killed for preaching the Catholic faith was brought to tears as she saw hundreds of people venerate her uncle last Sunday. Source: The Catholic Leader.
Goodness overwhelms cynicism
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is the story of a friendship between American children’s television icon Fred Rogers and the magazine journalist who profiled him. Source: ACOFB.
The St Vincent de Paul Society has assured Australians that every dollar raised for the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal will be used to support the people affected by the fires.