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Enriched by many cultures

We live in challenging times, but we are also blessed to live in a city shaped and enriched by many cultures. As global conflicts intensify, we are called to respond generously—like the Good Samaritan—to all our neighbours, never losing sight of our common humanity.

Last week, in response to a disturbing arson attack on the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, Melbourne’s religious leaders stood side by side on the steps of the synagogue to denounce the rise in anti-Semitism and affirm their shared commitment to unity, peace and mutual respect.

During his recent visit to Melbourne, we caught up with Cardinal Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, the first-ever cardinal from Timor-Leste, about the challenges and opportunities experienced by the Timorese community in Australia and an exciting project with Australian Catholic University to improve educational opportunities for young people in his homeland.

And on Saturday, a group of about 50 pilgrims of different ages, backgrounds and life experiences walked the ‘Camino Domini’ together through Victoria’s Wombat State Forest to St Mary Magdalen’s Church in Trentham—a journey ‘from loss to hope’ that drew deeply on the ancient and healing Catholic tradition of pilgrimage.

Calling for ‘the world’s longest love’, faith leaders unite against anti-Semitism

Together with other interfaith leaders, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli visited the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation Synagogue to publicly condemn the alarming rise in antisemitism—both globally and on the streets of Melbourne. The faith leaders expressed their solidarity with Melbourne’s Jewish community and reinforced a shared commitment to unity, peace and mutual respect.

Continue reading: Calling for ‘the world’s longest love’, faith leaders unite against anti-Semitism

Timor-Leste’s Cardinal strengthens faith and ties in Melbourne

The first cardinal ever appointed from Timor-Leste has wound up a visit to Melbourne, where he met with the local Timorese community, giving them a rare chance to connect with their homeland’s spiritual leader. During his visit, Cardinal Virgilio do Carmo da Silva spoke with Melbourne Catholic about the challenges and opportunities experienced by the Timorese community in Australia, his mission to improve educational opportunities for young people in Timor-Leste, and the privilege of being part of the recent conclave to elect Pope Leo XIV.

Continue reading: Timor-Leste’s Cardinal strengthens faith and ties in Melbourne

Pilgrim Places

A pilgrimage from loss to hope: the Camino Domini in Trentham

The Camino Domini pilgrimage to St Mary Magdalen's in Trentham—an official Pilgrim Place—was a journey 'from loss to hope', a revival of community spirit through Catholic tradition. Diverse pilgrims found solace and connection along the trail, while the small country church has blossomed with renewed purpose.

Continue reading: A pilgrimage from loss to hope: the Camino Domini in Trentham

People of the resurrection: local clergy gather to celebrate Jubilee Year

The Jubilee is a time to embody the joy of Christ, said clergy during a special gathering to mark the recent Jubilee for Seminarians, Priests and Bishops.

Continue reading: People of the resurrection: local clergy gather to celebrate Jubilee Year

Parishes need to launch ‘revolution of care’ for the elderly, Pope says

Pope Leo XIV called on every parish and Church group or association to become part of a ‘revolution’ of care and gratitude by regularly visiting older people. ‘Christian hope always urges us to be more daring, to think big, to be dissatisfied with things the way they are,’ the Pope wrote in his message for World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, a Church celebration that will take place on 27 July.

Continue reading: Parishes need to launch ‘revolution of care’ for the elderly, Pope says

Gaza’s Christian community persevering amid hardship and hope

The parish priest of Gaza Strip’s small Christian community admitted his flock is exhausted by war and a severe lack of food. The priest spoke to Vatican Radio amid tragedy after tragedy unfolding in the enclave.

Continue reading: Gaza’s Christian community persevering amid hardship and hope

Synod office provides guidelines to help local churches, bishops implement synodality

Local churches and bishops worldwide will be instrumental in helping implement the proposals and foster the spirit of the 2024 final document of the Synod of Bishops on synodality, the Vatican synod office said. The implementation phase of the synod ‘aims to examine new practices and structures that will make the life of the Church more synodal,’ the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops said in a new set of guidelines released on 7 July.

Continue reading: Synod office provides guidelines to help local churches, bishops implement synodality

Caritas Australia CEO calls attention to aid worker safety

This week, Caritas Australia CEO Kirsten Sayers met with the Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, Keith Pitt, in Rome, continuing a dialogue that began in Canberra earlier this year. ‘The world is shaken by conflict and uncertainty, but Ambassador Pitt and I were pleased to reflect on Australia’s ongoing commitment to peace, stability and prosperity for all,’ said Ms Sayers.

Continue reading: Caritas Australia CEO calls attention to aid worker safety

‘If we are here today standing against what has been called “the world’s longest hatred”, I think that “the world’s longest love” that we represent [shows] our commitment to this city remaining a place of cohesiveness, a place of unity, a place of togetherness and a place of peace.’

Rabbi Ralph Genende OAM

speaking on the steps of the historic East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation Synagogue as religious leaders gathered to affirm their shared commitment to unity, peace and mutual respect.

Come work with us

Applications are currently open for the following positions:

Archdiocese of Melbourne

Payroll Support Officer, East Melbourne
Development Operations Manager, East Melbourne

Parishes

Parish Administration Assistant, Parish of St Bernadette, Sunshine North

Other

Reception and Administration Assistant, Newman College, Parkville

If you are interested in applying for any of the above positions, further details can be found here.

Upcoming events

Six30 Holy Hour

Thursday 13 February 2025
6.30pm–7.30pm

Join with young Catholics from across the city for a time of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, music and an opportunity for confession. Please note that various venues will be used for Six30 Holy Hour throughout 2025. Please check venue details each week on the Events page of Melbourne Catholic ...