As we approach Good Shepherd Sunday, we are reminded that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who comes after his lost sheep.
Last week, we said farewell to Fr Bob Maguire. A man of great generosity and irrepressible humour, Fr Bob lived a life of tireless service and advocacy, caring especially for the poor and outcast. This week, we pay tribute to a man who was much loved in Australian life and the Church.
Corpus Christi Seminary seeks to form men with the mind and heart of the Good Shepherd himself, and this week we share the stories of four seminarians who have made the bold decision to discern their vocation to the priesthood. We also hear about the important work of the Serra Foundation, a grassroots Catholic organisation that has been offering prayerful and financial support for priestly and religious vocations for over 40 years.
Many of those who answer the call to priestly or religious life end up serving the Church far from their homelands. The Small is Beautiful network was established to provide friendship and spiritual and practical support for religious women who have come from overseas—leaving their family, friends and culture behind to join small congregations in Melbourne. More than 20 years later, it is still going strong.
Finally, last week we celebrated the feast day of St Anselm of Canterbury. We reflect on why this 11th-century bishop is more relevant than ever—especially when it comes to his reflections on how faith and reason might lead us to fall in love with God.
This week, let’s give thanks for all those whose deep love of the Good Shepherd has led them to devote themselves to lives of service and prayer, and let’s pray that many more will hear and follow his call.
