So many things compete for our attention. It can be difficult to sift through all the clutter and to find the things of real worth. Jesus said that his food, his very sustenance, was to do ‘the will of the one who sent me’ (John 4:34), the will of the Heavenly Father. But how do we know what God wills for our lives?
Since this question lies at the heart of this week—Vocations Awareness Week—we share some stories in this issue about learning to do this most important thing.
First, with great excitement, we can announce that Corpus Christi College, the regional seminary for Victoria and Tasmania, has appointed its new rector: the Rev Dr Cameron Forbes. Fr Forbes will be succeeding the Very Rev Denis Stanley as its 18th rector and has been warmly welcomed by Archbishop Peter A Comensoli.
Not so long ago, we saw the ordination of three new men to the priesthood at St Patrick’s Cathedral. One of them, Fr Brian Muling, spoke with Melbourne Catholic about his journey to the priesthood at this later stage of life, witnessing to what can happen when we listen attentively to the still, small voice of God, no matter where we are on our journey.
Sr Mary Helen OP also reflects beautifully on the importance of discerning God’s will, observing that nurturing our relationship with Jesus, and learning to love what Jesus loves, lies at the heart of discernment.
World Youth Day 2023 is right around the corner, and this time it is being hosted by Portugal. Last week, young people from across Melbourne thronged to a Winter Fiesta in the grounds of the Cathedral, where the Archbishop extended his official invitation to join him in Portugal for this incredible celebration in the life of the Church. The Discipleship team also outlined three available pathways into the World Youth Day experience, including a pilgrimage to the Eternal City of Rome and a pilgrimage through the Holy Land.
As CatholicCare’s Sunday Appeal runs in Catholic parishes across the Archdiocese of Melbourne during August, we hear about how John has escaped a life on the streets and found new hope through the provision of affordable housing and other vital services.
Finally, we hear about new life springing from the ashes of the old. After St John the Evangelist Church in Bannockburn was destroyed by fire in 2015, a new church has been built in its place: St Mary of the Cross Mackillop Church. Last week, the Archbishop officially dedicated the church, marking an exciting new era for the parishioners of this rapidly growing community.
