As we approach the beginning of Lent next week, and our minds turn not only to our own frailties but to the plight of all those who contend with illness and infirmity, we recall the freedom from despair that Jesus Christ promises each one of us.
Fittingly, this weekend we mark the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes and the World Day of the Sick. The Order of Malta—one of the oldest religious orders in the world, with a rich heritage of both serving the sick and defending the faith—will be gathering at St Patrick’s Cathedral for their annual Lourdes Day Mass. We take a look at the order’s origins and history, and hear from National Hospitaller John Murphy and his wife Tanya about how the order continues to serve in Australia and around the world today.
And as Ash Wednesday draws closer, Fr Michael Buck helps us reflect on how and why we might engage more deeply with this season. Speaking recently at the first Theology at the Pub event of the year, he gave some tips on how to enter more fruitfully into Lent by keeping our eyes on both our baptismal calling and the liberating good news at the heart of the paschal mystery.
You can find lots more stories below on what’s been happening in the Archdiocese of Melbourne and beyond, or you can visit the Melbourne Catholic news and stories page or follow us on Facebook. To connect with people and events across the Archdiocese, check out our events page for what’s coming up soon.
