Melbourne’s Catholic communities are many and varied, but they have a few things in common, bringing people together, defying isolation and showing us not just the beauty of our distinct cultures but also our unity in Christ.
This week, a visit from Cardinal Virgilio do Carmo da Silva of Timor-Leste brought together almost 1,000 Timorese from across Victoria to welcome him and to celebrate the two things that unite them in the face of many challenges: their culture and their faith.
NAIDOC Week got under way at a special Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, where a vibrant fusion of Indigenous and non-Indigenous music and traditions—including the rich symbolism of the message stick—shed light on what it means to walk together ‘in strength and hope’, bearing the Good News of Christ.
Finally, we share some of the ways volunteers are quietly but powerfully strengthening communities and transforming lives in our city: the young people finding common ground with those doing it tough in Frankston through John Paul College’s Companion Food and Outreach Van; the small band of ‘Stampies’ faithfully raising funds for the life-changing work of Jesuit Mission; and the JoCare volunteers who for ten years have been visiting and befriending older and isolated neighbours, bringing much-needed care and companionship.
