Central to the Church's teaching is the idea that each of us is created and loved by God, and that this love pervades every aspect of our humanity and every moment of our life's journey. Trusting in God, we are invited to grow into the fullness of life that our creator intends for us, and to recognise the beauty and dignity of every person, including ourselves.
In a world in which young people are bombarded by often conflicting and confusing ideas around human purpose and identity, this message has a particular significance for our schools. This week, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference released Created and Loved: A guide for Catholic schools on identity and gender, outlining a pastoral approach shaped by the theological, medical and legislative context in which Catholic schools operate.
Work is another central and significant aspect of our human experience. It is a thing of dignity, something that provides purpose and meaning, allowing us to contribute in a positive way to our world.
The Jobs and Skills Summit that recently took place at Parliament House in Canberra was an opportunity to bring people together from across Australia to discuss the economic challenges we face. Recognising the complexity of these challenges, and the ambitious goals of the summit, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli shared three key practices that might help to protect and foster the dignity of work.
Speaking of contributing creatively and positively to our world: Pope Francis recently addressed the first-ever Vitae Summit at the Vatican, an opportunity for world-renowned artists to gather and inspire one another in the way of beauty—and perhaps also an opportunity for us to think about how we might foster the arts in our own time and place.
One of the most enduring of the arts is music, the beauty of which enriches and enchants. From Friday 16 to Sunday 18 September, St Patrick’s Cathedral is hosting a Music Festival Weekend, featuring international conductor and singer Christopher Watson. This festival promises to bring together some of the best of Melbourne’s talent with Watson’s love of the world’s finest choral works.
Continuing our celebration and exploration of the rich history of the Melbourne Diocese in its 175th year, this week we recall the St Patrick’s Day Parade of 1920, spearheaded by Archbishop Daniel Mannix in support of the Irish. The event was saturated in symbolism, so with the help of Archdiocesan Archivist Rachel Naughton, we explore an under-examined aspect of this symbolism: the white horses themselves, a sign of defiance and dignity.