Servant leadership

The ancient ritual that will take place behind the doors of the Sistine Chapel over the coming days is markedly different from typical political processes, as is the kind of leader the cardinal electors will be seeking. Distinguished by its prayerful engagement with the Spirit, a conclave, ultimately, is not about the Pope but about Jesus and the joyful mission he entrusts to us.

Last week, the Vietnamese community marked a significant milestone as it observed the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and end of the Vietnam War. We hear from some of those who made the journey to Australia and about the hope and faith that sustained them.

And as Mother’s Day approaches, we hear about a beautiful opportunity to honour and celebrate our mums and the other important women in our lives through music. Acclaimed tenor Michael Petruccelli hopes his performance at a special Mother’s Day concert at St Patrick’s Cathedral will be a way to honour some of the women who have played a crucial role in his life and career.

Let’s pray for the upcoming conclave and for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in electing a new Bishop of Rome to serve Christ and his Church.

Cardinals prepare for their most sacred responsibility, the conclave to elect a new Pope
The upcoming papal conclave—beginning 7 May and expected to be the largest in history—will be the latest expression of a venerable tradition and an institutional safeguard designed to protect the Church when the See of Rome is vacant. Contrary to some popular representations, this process is steeped in prayer and focused on seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, a religious ceremony ‘subject to liturgical law every bit as much as canon law’.
Journey to hope: 50 years on, Melbourne’s Vietnamese Catholics remember
Melbourne’s vibrant Vietnamese Catholic community recently marked the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon with a commemorative Mass at St Ignatius Church in Richmond. We speak with some who made the journey from Vietnam to Australia during these tumultuous years about the faith and hope that sustained them.
Tenor Michael Petruccelli to serenade mothers at St Patrick’s Cathedral
This Mother’s Day, St Patrick’s Cathedral’s fine acoustics will resound with a message of love, gratitude and beauty as acclaimed Melbourne tenor Michael Petruccelli is joined by pianist Coady Green at a special concert in honour of mothers everywhere. Michael’s hope is that ‘the audience leaves feeling uplifted, inspired and deeply connected—to the music, to their loved ones and especially to the mothers in their lives’.
Light into the City: Archbishop’s letter outlines vision for Cathedral precinct
Archbishop Peter A Comensoli recently wrote to the clergy, religious and laity of the Archdiocese, describing St Patrick’s Cathedral as ‘a light into the city’. It follows the government's recent commitment of $60 million towards the revitalisation of St Patrick’s Cathedral and its precinct. This commitment, the Archbishop said, is ‘a bold and generous investment in the future, a sign of confidence that this place of faith, history and community will continue to shine at the heart of Melbourne for many years to come.’
‘Beyond the Vows’ makes marriage the focus
On Saturday 2 April, more than 20 married couples gathered at St Catherine of Siena Parish in Caroline Springs, in Melbourne’s west, for a day of encouragement, prayer and open conversation about the joys and challenges of married life. The special event, Beyond the Vows, was created by couples, for couples, with the aim of offering a welcoming space to come together in solidarity, no matter the couple’s stage of marriage.
Remembering Pope Francis
God is close, tender and merciful: a reflection on the theology of Pope Francis
Numerous tributes have been paid to Pope Francis’ personality and Christian character, but a proper appreciation of his legacy also requires us to consider his theological vision. This vision, firmly focused on Jesus, informed his unwavering emphasis on the mercy of God, the joy of the Gospel and the freedom to be found in humble service.
Remembering Pope Francis
‘We have a mama’: Pope Francis’ special connection to the Basilica of St Mary Major
As we continue to remember Pope Francis throughout this month of Mary—and as thousands of Jubilee pilgrims in Rome make their way through the Holy Door of the Basilica of St Mary Major this year—we explore the story of this ancient basilica, which stands as a testament not only to the enduring maternal presence of Mary in the life of the Church but also now to Pope Francis’ deep devotion to the Mother of God.
Pilgrim Places
Love’s second name: how Divine Mercy Shrine became a multicultural sanctuary
The Divine Mercy Shrine in Keysborough began as a church for the Polish community in Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs. But it has become a hub for many ethnic groups as it welcomes all Catholics and offers a steadfast message of love. In this spirit, it is a popular destination for pilgrims this Jubilee Year, as one of the Archdiocese's offical Pilgrim Places.
Pathbreaking conference aims to reimagine disability in the Church
Disability advocates and theologians from the Catholic Church, including Fr Justin Glyn SJ, a canon lawyer born legally blind, will lead a historic conference to rethink practical Christian understandings of disability and limitation and what they might tell us about being human. Archbishop Peter A Comensoli will be among the keynote speakers at a conference that seeks to acknowledge not only our shared human experience of limitation 'but our common creation in the image of God'.
‘What almost all reporters have missed is that this is not simply an election. It is, in fact, a religious ceremony of discernment designed to engage the Holy Spirit. The conduct of a conclave is subject to liturgical law every bit as much as canon law. It takes place in the Sistine Chapel for this very reason.’
Vicar General Fr Tony Kerin
on the crucial role of prayer and the Holy Spirit in the conclave
Upcoming events
Six30 Holy Hour
Thursday 5 June 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 ...
The art of the ask: how your invitation becomes evangelisation
Thursday 8 May 2025
6.00pm–7.00pm
Overcome the fear of inviting others to Mass and step out with bold faith by learning practical strategies that make invitation second nature. Join Michael Harvey, founder of Back to Church Sunday, for a powerful online event that will equip you to break through fear and embrace a culture of ...
Encounter—Good Shepherd, Gladstone Park
Friday 9 May 2025
6.30pm–9.30pm
Tailor-made for high-school students, these evenings are an opportunity to encounter Jesus with prayer, fellowship, food, testimonies and a whole lot of fun. The evening will include adoration and Reconciliation. Dinner is provided. Registrations close Thursday 8 May. Please note: Parents/guardians will be required to 'sign in' and 'sign out' ...
Mother’s Day Concert, with Michael Petruccelli (Tenor) and Coady Green (Piano)
Sunday 11 May 2025
3.00pm–4.00pm
Give mum the gift of music this Mother’s Day. Join Australian operatic tenor Michael Petruccelli and renowned pianist Coady Green for a special concert in the stunning atmosphere and acoustic of St Patrick’s Cathedral. Program highlights include Ave Maria—Schubert La Danza—Rossini La Vie en Rose—Louiguy On the Street Where ...
God and Beer presents ‘Truth, Beauty and Goodness: Renewing Catholic Education’ with Jonathan Hili
Monday 12 May 2025
6.30pm–9.00pm
In this talk, Jonathan Hili will explore what the classical liberal arts—the time-honoured approach that formed saints, scholars and civilisations—can contribute to Catholic education. Rooted in the harmonious integration of faith and reason, classical education seeks not just to impart skills but to cultivate wisdom, virtue and a love for ...
‘Can a scientist believe in God?’ presented by Rev Dr Christopher Mulherin
Monday 12 May 2025
7.00pm–8.30pm
Many people say (or fear?) that God and science don’t mix. In faith-based schools, 60 per cent of secondary students say Christianity and science conflict. This introduction to the ‘conflict myth’—which is eligible for maintaining accreditation in Catholic schools in Victoria and Queensland—offers some clues about how to understand the ...
‘60 Years since Vatican II—Pope Francis, Synodality and the Jubilee Year of Hope’ presented by Rev Dr Max Vodola
Tuesday 13 May 2025
7.00pm–8.30pm
This session will explore some of the key insights of Vatican II, which concluded 60 years ago in 1965. The council renewed the Church in order to focus on liturgical reform, the role of the laity in the mission of the Church and the important work of ecumenism and social ...
Mary Glowrey Museum Open Day
Wednesday 14 May 2025
10.00am–3.00pm
Visit the Mary Glowrey Museum in Fitzroy to learn more about the life and legacy of Australian-born medical missionary in India and Servant of God Dr Sr Mary Glowrey JMJ. Mary Glowrey is one of two Australians currently being officially considered for sainthood. She was the first president of the ...
Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church with Rev Dr Simon Wayte MGL
Wednesday 14 May 2025
7.30pm–9.00pm
Vatican II expanded our vision for understanding the Blessed Virgin Mary. This session will open up this understanding of Mary, a shining star in the communion of the Church. Engaging Your Faith is a series of short, online presentations that invite participants to reflect on what it means to ...
Melbourne Rosary Pilgrimage with the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecelia
Saturday 17 May 2025
10.00am–3.00pm
Join the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecelia on their annual Catholic Historic Melbourne Marian Pilgrimage. The day will begin with Mass at St Mary Star of the Sea at 10am, followed by a 5-kilometre pilgrimage around Melbourne’s CBD, stopping to pray at some of the most beautiful Marian shrines in ...
Idol Talk? In the Image of the Disabled God: Disability, the Imago Dei and Practical Consequences
Thursday 22 May 2025, 10.00am
– Friday 23 May 2025, 5.00pm
Join a discussion taking up the Synod on Synodality’s recent invitation to deeper theological reflection on disability, human dignity and the Incarnation. Guest speakers include Archbishop Peter A Comensoli, Dr Sandy Cornish, Fr Justin Glyn, Vittorio Scelzo from the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life and more. Hosted by the ...
Grace with the Sacraments and Divine Mercy with Fr Chris Alar MIC
Saturday 31 May 2025
9.30am–5.00pm
Bestselling author Fr Chris Alar MIC will be visiting Australia in May to launch his new book Understanding the Sacraments: God’s Grace Guaranteed. Fr Chris is one of the most dynamic and widely viewed Catholic speakers in the world today. He is known for his powerful teachings on Divine Mercy ...
Mass for marriage anniversaries
Sunday 1 June 2025
11.00am–12.00pm
Couples and their families are invited to join us as we celebrate the gift of marriage and family, coinciding with the Jubilee of Families. Couples who register and are celebrating the following anniversaries—5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 or 40 years and above—will receive a commemorative certificate. Please register ...

To learn more about upcoming events and opportunities, visit the Melbourne Catholic events page and follow our social media accounts.

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of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.

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