In very exciting news, Melbourne pilgrims travelling to World Youth Day Lisbon in the ‘Italian Way’ and ‘Emerging Leaders’ groups were granted a surprise private audience with Pope Francis at Casa Santa Marta, the papal residence, on Wednesday morning (Rome time).
Happily answering questions on topics ranging from education to evangelisation, the environment and caring for our common home, the Holy Father said the main message he wanted to give them was that ‘the Lord is always by your side—always. Even in the most difficult moments, he is always with us. He never tires of walking with us!’
In other WYD news, we share a touching letter from a Melbourne mother to her pilgrim daughter; hear from our Holy Land pilgrims as they set out in the footsteps of Jesus; and learn what Fr Steven Wang had to say to our Emerging Leaders about their journey through ‘the city of saints’.
Closer to home, we hear about the Sisterhood of St Vincent’s and their important work raising money and awareness in support of St Vincent’s Hospital; clergy and parish leaders explored ways to build vital and vibrant parishes at the recent Leading Missionary Renewal workshop; and a young member of the Victorian Bar, Jakub Patela, tells us why he thinks the Melbourne Catholic Professionals Luncheon series is such a valuable initiative.
Finally, as we journey deeper into winter, we take a look at God’s home among the snow gums: the Mt Buller Chapel. Throughout the chapel’s 30-year history, Fr Tony Kerin has been travelling up the mountain to celebrate Mass, serve the tight-knit Mt Buller community and occasionally hit the slopes.
This week, we invite you to keep our pilgrims in your prayers as they embark on an incredible overseas experience and seek to encounter Jesus anew.
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