Saying goodbye

The past week has been bittersweet as we have joined millions of people around the world in saying goodbye to Pope Francis and giving thanks for his powerful and inclusive ministry of mercy, hope and peace.

Closer to home, St Patrick’s Cathedral welcomed 2,500 people yesterday to a Solemn Pontifical Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis—a precious opportunity to respond wholeheartedly to the simple and humble request that punctuated his papacy: ‘Pray for me.’

Monday’s celebration was an opportunity to say farewell to the Holy Father, but also a reminder of the wonderful gift that St Patrick’s Cathedral is to the people of Melbourne—a place to come together and celebrate, to mourn and find comfort, and to be bathed in the light of God. Today, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli shares the exciting news that both major parties have pledged to contribute $60 million to the restoration of our beloved Cathedral.
 
 
Remembering Pope Francis
‘Pray for me’: thousands mourn Pope Francis at St Patrick’s Cathedral
The bells of St Patrick’s Cathedral tolled on the afternoon of Monday 28 April as more than 2,500 people from across the Archdiocese of Melbourne gathered to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, 266th successor of St Peter, in a Solemn Pontifical Mass for the repose of his soul. Archbishop Peter A Comensoli was principal celebrant for the Mass, joined by bishops and priests from across the Archdiocese, alongside members of religious congregations, the faithful and representatives of civic life.
 
 
Bipartisan pledge of $60 million to restore Melbourne's St Patrick’s Cathedral
Archbishop Peter A Comensoli has welcomed a bipartisan pledge of $60 million from Australia’s two major political parties to kickstart the restoration and revitalisation of Melbourne’s historic St Patrick’s Cathedral and the surrounding precinct.
 
 
Remembering Pope Francis
‘A home for all’: 400,000 farewell ‘open-hearted’ Pope in Rome
An estimated 250,000 people were present in St Peter’s Square and the neighbouring streets as 14 pallbearers carried Pope Francis’ casket into the square for the funeral Mass on Saturday 26 April. The ‘pope among the people’ was buried later the same day in Rome’s Basilica of St Mary Major after the people of Rome lined the streets in their thousands to say a final farewell to their bishop.
 
 
Remembering Pope Francis
Melbourne Catholic Melkite priest Collin Nunis reflects on Francis’ funeral
Fr Nicholas (Collin) Nunis, a Melbourne priest with the Melkite Catholic Church, had just landed in Rome for a brief visit when the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis. His travel plans quickly changed and suddenly he found himself among the thousands of pilgrims lining up to say their final goodbyes to the Holy Father. He later concelebrated at the Requiem Mass for Pope Francis and shares with us how, to the end, the ‘People's Pope’ kept his mission simple: to draw people to the mercy of God.
 
 
Remembering Pope Francis
‘On this pilgrim journey together’: Bishop Joe Caddy says goodbye to Pope Francis in Rome
Among the Australians present at Pope Francis’ funeral was Bishop Joe Caddy of the Diocese of Cairns, who reflected on ‘the beautiful almost parable of the last week of his life’.
 
 
What happens now? The novendiales explained
From the time a pope is buried, the Church traditionally observes nine days of mourning and consecutive Requiem Masses known as novendiales. Historian Darius von Güttner answers a few of the questions we might have about this fascinating and ancient custom.
 
 
A short history of the conclave
The date for the start of the next conclave has been set for 7 May, when 135 cardinals will be shut away in the Sistine Chapel to vote on who will become the next pope. While the secretive ritual is ancient, popes have not always been elected through this process. We take a brief look at the history of the conclave.
 
 
Remembering Pope Francis
Death is ‘a new beginning’, Pope Francis wrote in unpublished reflection on old age
Growing old isn’t something to be feared but rather something to embrace as a time of grace in one’s life, Pope Francis wrote in a preface for a book that was not released before he died. ‘Yes, we must not fear old age. We should not be afraid to embrace growing old, because life is life, and sugarcoating reality means betraying the truth of things,’ the Pope wrote in the preface for Waiting for a New Beginning: Reflections on Old Age.
 
 
Honouring the dead and comforting the living: the vital work of military chaplains
Military chaplains provide enormous support to Australian service men and women today, as they have done for well over 100 years. Melbourne-based Fr Joel Vergara is a Catholic army chaplain who celebrates Mass, performs sacraments, provides pastoral care and formation to army personnel, regardless of their faith background. Fr Joel reflects on the important role of chaplains, particularly on Anzac Day, when we remember those who have served.
 
 
‘His life itself was a catechesis: a living testimony to humility, mercy, hope and service.’
 
 
Fr Nicholas (Collin) Nunis, a Melbourne priest with the Melkite Catholic Church
reflecting on Pope Francis’ legacy after attending and concelebrating at his funeral in Rome
 
 
Upcoming events
Mass for the Jubilee of Workers
Thursday 1 May 2025
1.00pm–1.30pm
As we continue our local Year of Jubilee celebrations, workers are invited to come together to mark the Jubilee of Workers. Please join us for Mass for the feast of St Joseph the Worker at St Patrick’s Cathedral, to be celebrated by the Vicar General, Fr Tony Kerin. All are ...
 
More info
Six30 Holy Hour
Thursday 15 May 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 ...
 
More info
CTC Online Seminar: ‘Enda McDonagh: Missionary Disciple at the Service of the World’, presented by Dr Frances Baker RSM
Friday 2 May 2025
1.00pm–2.00pm
Staff of Catholic Theological College (CTC), as well as students and researchers, are invited to attend this online seminar, to be presented by Dr Frances Baker RSM, Senior Lecturer at Catholic Theological College. Dr Baker is a religious of the Sisters of Mercy (RSM) and the Academic Dean of Corpus ...
 
More info
Zoom link
Permanent Diaconate Information Session
Saturday 3 May 2025
10.00am–11.30am
Following the success of the permanent diaconate information sessions in 2024, we will be holding another session for those interested. The permanent diaconate is open to single and married men, aged between 30 and 60 years, who want to serve God and the Church as ordained ministers. The information session ...
 
More info
Gala NextGen Organ Concert 2025
Sunday 4 May 2025
3.00pm–4.00pm
Presented by the Australian and New Zealand College of Organists (ANZCO), the GALA NextGen Organ Concerts give audiences the chance to hear tomorrow’s leaders today and give young organists the chance to perform on some of Australia’s finest pipe organs. Every NextGen Organ Concert features a variety of young organists ...
 
More info
Book now
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' ...
 
More info
Register now
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 ...
 
More info
Register now
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 ...
 
More info
Register now
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 ...
 
More info
Register now
 

Please note that some events may need to be postponed or times changed over the coming days as we observe an official period of mourning for Pope Francis. Please see the Melbourne Catholic events page and follow our social media accounts for updates.

This newsletter is published by the Communications Office
of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Melbourne Catholic team will work hard to deliver good quality information in the fields you have specified upon subscription. However, if you decide that you no longer want to receive such emails from us, feel free to click the link below.
Unsubscribe View in the browser