In the 1970s, motivated by a deep desire to see vulnerable pregnant women find the support they need, the late Dr Philomene Joshua Tenni began a network of volunteers whose work steadily grew into what we know today as the Caroline Chisholm Society. Earlier this year she was awarded a posthumous OAM as part of the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours for her services to the community, and two of her daughters were recently invited to Government House to receive the medal on her behalf. They speak to us about growing up with a mum who lived so generously for the good of others.
As we approach the feast day of St Thérèse of Lisieux, we share the warmth and wisdom of four Carmelite sisters who have dedicated their lives to serving the Church through prayer and by following St Thérèse's ‘Little Way’. We also meet Sr Carolina, the Salesian sister who is the face of Catholic Mission’s recently launched appeal for World Mission Month. And we celebrate the generous service of the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master, whose selfless commitment to the care of our retired clergy over the past 50 years was honoured at a recent luncheon.
Also this week, St Patrick’s Cathedral was filled with colour and song as we celebrated Migrant and Refugee Sunday. Ahead of next month’s referendum, the Australian bishops have released a statement pointing out that the issues surrounding the proposed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice are ‘not just political’ but also ‘moral and ethical’. Melbourne will host this year’s Night of the Witnesses in November, focussing attention on the plight of persecuted Christians around the world. And with the Synod on Synodality just around the corner, we share eight things you should know about this important event.
Finally, we explore what it means to live a life in motion, and how the itch to be on the move might point to something deeper about the human soul.
For more, visit the Melbourne Catholic news and stories page or follow us on Facebook.
