Called to be Good Samaritans

Last Sunday, an unprecedented event took place in the history of the canonisation process, when Pope Francis beatified an entire family, including a child still in the womb around the time of the mother’s martyrdom. Their story is one of a humble family opening their home with quiet courage in the face of evil, showing us what it means to be a neighbour.

Also this week, we talk with author and midwife Jodie McIver about her new book that was shortlisted for the 2023 Australian Christian Book of the Year, a book breaking open pregnancy and childbirth from spiritual perspective; in the lead up to Social Services Sunday (17 September), we hear from Jesuit Social Services CEO Dr Julie Edwards OAM, who was recognised in this year's King's birthday honours, about working towards systemic change for ‘the least’ among us; and this year’s Australasian Catholic Press Association (ACPA) awards recently took place in Perth, where Melbourne Catholic received awards for best layout and design (online), best content (ecumenical and interfaith) and best news content (highly commended).

In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Morocco, Caritas agencies in the region are assessing the scale of the damage and coordinating with other organisations to see how they can best assist. Caritas invites people to reach out and help in any way they can. The blessing of modern technology is that we can be Good Samaritans even from afar!

Finally, ahead of Pope Francis’ ‘sequel’ to Laudato Si’, we unpack some key themes and ideas that can help us understand the original document in a deeper way.

For more, visit the Melbourne Catholic news and stories page or follow us on Facebook.
 
Good Samaritans of Poland: the witness of the Ulma family
On Sunday 10 September, an ‘unprecedented’ event took place in the history of beatification. In Poland, in the small village of Markowa, Pope Francis beatified an entire family, including a child still in the womb around the time of death. The Ulma family story is a harrowing one, but it is also one of incredible courage in the face of evil and a witness to what it means to be a neighbour.
 
 
Bringing forth life: Jodie McIver discusses new book on pregnancy from a spiritual perspective
Jodie McIver’s new book ‘Bringing Forth Life’ was shortlisted for the 2023 Australian Christian Book of the Year. As a midwife and minister, Jodie wrote the book believing a more holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth was needed, one that saw God’s purposes at work in every stage of the journey. We talk to Jodie about the book and how important it is to see the goodness of God’s design in the experience of bringing forth life.
 
 
Dr Julie Edwards OAM, recognised for a life of service and love
This Sunday (17 September) we mark Social Services Sunday, where we give thanks for all who provide care and support to those who are marginalised and vulnerable within our community. One of these people is Dr Julie Edwards OAM, chief executive officer of Jesuit Social Services, who was recognised during this year's King's birthday honours for services to the community through social welfare organisations. Julie shares with us what is at the heart of her many years of service among those who are often ‘the least’ among us.
 
 
Small archdiocesan paper takes out the big award at Australasian Catholic Press awards
Written by: ACPA & Melbourne Catholic
The Archdiocese of Hobart’s publication The Catholic Standard recently won the top award at the 2023 Australasian Catholic Press Association (ACPA) Awards. The ceremony was held in Perth as part of the annual ACPA Conference, with Melbourne Catholic also taking home awards for best layout and design (online), best content (ecumenical and interfaith) and best news content (highly commended).
 
 
Caritas agencies respond to devastating earthquake in Morocco
Caritas agencies are responding to the recent devastating earthquake in Morocco, where over 2,600 lives have been lost and thousands have been injured. The 6.8 magnitude earthquake is the strongest in over a century, with reports some remote villages have been completely destroyed, leaving people trapped or homeless. Many families are spending sleepless nights outdoors, fearing aftershocks. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing.
 
 
Understanding Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ ahead of its ‘sequel’
Written by:
In August, Pope Francis made the surprise announcement that he was writing a ‘second part’ to his encyclical Laudato Si’. This new apostolic exhortation is due to be released on 4 October 2023 for the feast day of St Francis of Assisi. As we prepare for the arrival of this document, it might be good to revisit some central ideas present in Laudato Si’and how vital they are to understanding Pope Francis’ vision.
 
 
Mary Glowrey: a religious and a doctor
Sister Mary Glowrey, the world's first “Sister Doctor”, spent decades caring for the sick in India and founded the Catholic Hospitals’ Association (now the Catholic Health Association of India) together with sisters from her own and other congregations. Now, 80 years later, CHAI auspices the care of more than 21 million people annually, particularly those among the most vulnerable in the community. Originally published in L'Osservatore Romano.
 
 
‘I had two things going on there—a personal spiritual inner-life developing and at the same time, a stronger social analysis of injustice and a challenge then about what it means to live as a Christian.’
 
 
Dr Julie Edwards OAM
on seeing the reality of poverty, disadvantage and injustice as a university student
 
Upcoming Events
 
Cathedral Music Festival (weekend)
Friday 15 September 2023, 7.30pm
– Sunday 17 September 2023, 4.30pm
From 15 to 17 September, St Patrick’s Cathedral is hosting a special weekend music festival that will feature a range of genres, from medieval plainchant to extravagant choral pieces, First Nations songs, folk music and organ classics. Director of Music Dr Philip Matthias sees the weekend as an opportunity for ...
 
 
Gangland to Promised Land: John Pridmore Melbourne tour (Mount Eliza)
Monday 18 September 2023, 7.30pm
– Wednesday 20 September 2023, 8.30pm
John Pridmore was a serious face in London’s East End, living the ‘high life’ until he found himself nearly killing a man. What happened next can only be called extraordinary. Don’t miss his incredible conversion story when he visits Melbourne in August and September. John has spoken to millions around ...
 
 
Migrants and Refugee Mass, St Patrick’s Cathedral
Sunday 24 September 2023
2.00pm–4.00pm
Celebrate with migrant communities from all over Melbourne on Sunday 24 September at St Patrick’s Cathedral. The Rosary will be prayed at 2pm in various languages, and Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Peter A Comensoli and migrant chaplains of the Archdiocese at 3pm. All most welcome! For further information ...
 
 
Gangland to Promised Land: John Pridmore Melbourne tour (Mill Park)
Monday 25 September 2023, 7.30pm
– Wednesday 27 September 2023, 8.30pm
John Pridmore was a serious face in London’s East End, living the ‘high life’ until he found himself nearly killing a man. What happened next can only be called extraordinary. Don’t miss his incredible conversion story when he visits Melbourne in August and September. John has spoken to millions around ...
 
 
Eucharist and visit of relic statue of St John Bosco, St Margaret Mary’s Church
Saturday 30 September 2023
11.00am–12.00pm
As part of the centenary celebrations of the arrival of the Salesians on Australian soil, a relic statue of St John Bosco is touring Salesian communities and works in Australia. The relic casket arrived in Melbourne in late June and the schedule for the tour can be found here. The ...
 
 
Melbourne Catholic Professionals luncheon
Thursday 5 October 2023
12.00pm–2.00pm
Join us for the third Melbourne Catholic Professionals (MCP) event of the year, where the Hon. Justice Susan Crennan AC KC—former Justice of the High Court of Australia—will join us as guest speaker. MCP creates opportunities for Catholic professional men and women to network and support the life and mission ...
 
 
Centenary of Consecration of St John the Baptist, Clifton Hill
Sunday 8 October 2023
9.15am–12.15pm
St John the Baptist, Clifton Hill, is celebrating 100 years since its consecration! To commemorate the anniversary, the parish is hosting a series of events: 3 October, 9.15am: School and parish Mass, with special school activities to follow 8 October, 11am: Concelebrated Mass of celebration and thanksgiving, followed by the ...
 
 
Directed retreat with the Sisters of St Joseph
Monday 9 October 2023
– Sunday 15 October 2023
Join the Sisters of St Joseph in a directed (live-in) retreat guided by Sr Therese Quinn RSJ and Jenny Scally—Spiritual Director at the Sisters of St Joseph. All retreats commence with the evening meal on the first date and close after breakfast on the last date unless stated differently. Cost ...
 
 
An invitation to connect with Aboriginal spirituality
Friday 13 October 2023
10.00am–2.30pm
In the light of the Uluru Statement of the Heart and the upcoming referendum on a Voice to Parliament, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Victoria (ACMV) are inviting interested parishioners to spend some time at Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in Thornbury, where they will lead a session exploring social justice and Aboriginal spirituality ...
 
 
‘In the Footsteps of St Mary MacKillop’ pilgrimage
Tuesday 17 October 2023
– Saturday 28 October 2023
Led by the Sisters of St Joseph, this pilgrimage is an invitation for prayer and reflection. Today, the Sisters of St Joseph recognise that each of us is on a daily journey of faith but there is a time in life when we feel called to join with others; seeking ...
 

To learn more about upcoming events and opportunities, visit the Melbourne Catholic events page.

This newsletter is published by the Communications Office
of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.
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