It has been a week of celebrations as we have marked important anniversaries for two of our local communities, both of them committed to sharing the Good News of Christ in their own distinctive ways. On Sunday morning, the people of St Martin de Porres Avondale Heights came together in a spirit of great thanksgiving to celebrate 60 years of sharing the joy of the Gospel in ‘the world's most liveable parish'. And we hear from Fr Vedran Lesic of the Croatian Catholic community in Springvale about how this community has been bringing together and faithlucfully serving Croatian Catholics in Melbourne over the past 40 years.
Internationally acclaimed Catholic philosopher Prof John Haldane recently concluded a four-year project exploring Catholic education and identity with Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS). Before flying home to Scotland, he discussed some of the nuances of this significant project, and the vital importance to Catholic education of recovering and passing on an authentic understanding of the Catholic faith.
As we welcome Vatican foreign minister Archbishop Gallagher back to Melbourne today as part of his Australian visit, we hear about the address he gave last week on how religious freedom is ‘indispensable’ to conflict resolution. Also last week, at ACU’s Melbourne campus, a lively Ethos 2023 panel discussion explored the housing crisis and how we might think about this pressing issue from the perspective of Catholic Social Teaching. And Brother Matthew Timonera tells us about his journey to consecrated life with the Capuchins, as well as the story behind his much-admired artwork.
Finally, recognising that every baptised Christian is called to share the joy of the Gospel, we preview the upcoming Proclaim 2023 conference, an opportunity to be inspired and equipped to take up this call with confidence and enthusiasm, whatever our context.
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