Friday 11 February marks the 30th World Day of the Sick, established by Pope John Paul II in 1992. In his message for the occasion, Pope Francis said that mercy ‘is God's name par excellence’, and asks us to pray for all healthcare workers, remembering the ‘dignity’ of their profession and responsibilities.

We also speak with Parish Priest of St Vincent de Paul Strathmore Fr Anthony Doran, who reflects on his ministry to the sick during the pandemic and says that healing is a sign of God's Kingdom ‘breaking in upon our world’. We also delve deep into six powerful graces that come with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

This Sunday 13 February is also Chaplaincy Sunday, with CatholicCare Victoria launching their 2022 Chaplaincy Appeal, reminding us that chaplains are ‘a guiding light for patients and families’.

Earlier this week, the Knights of the Southern Cross – who celebrate their centenary this year – presented Archbishop Comensoli with a cheque for $60,000 to go towards the ongoing education of seminarians and clergy. Also, since Sunday 27 February is the closing date for submissions to the Synod on Synodality, we've mapped out the steps for how you can prayerfully take part and make your voice heard!

Pope Francis: 'Pour out the wine of hope'
Friday 11 February is World Day of the Sick, and 2022 is the thirtieth year since its establishment by Pope John Paul II in 1992. The theme for this year is: ‘Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful’ (Luke 6:36). In his message, Pope Francis praises the work of Catholic healthcare institutions and reflects on what it means to speak of God as ‘merciful’.
A calming presence in times of need: Celebrating Chaplaincy Sunday
Catholic chaplains provide a compassionate presence and spiritual care to thousands of Victorians in hospitals, prisons and youth justice centres, and those living with HIV/AIDS. The Chaplaincy Appeal highlights the vital work and mission of hospital chaplains, to ensure they can continue to support patients and their families and offer hope at the darkest of times; times of pain, uncertainty, stress and fear.
Closeness to the sick a call for all
The oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick and holy chrism are powerful symbols of a priest’s ministry to the people, which in these last few years of the COVID pandemic have proved vitally important. Fr Anthony Doran, Parish Priest of St Vincent de Paul in Strathmore, says his ministry to the sick during this time of COVID has been ‘more than challenging’ but remains integral to the work of the Church.
Six powerful graces of a silent sacrament
The Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. What this means is that it is one of the chief means of grace instituted by Christ during his time on earth. To mark World Day of the Sick, we break open this ancient and sacred rite of the Church to see what hidden graces it provides.
Knights of the Southern Cross present $60,000 for clergy education
The last two years may have prevented large gatherings from taking place, but that has not dampened the fundraising efforts of the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria, who recently presented Archbishop Peter A Comensoli with a cheque for $60,000. The money raised will go towards the ongoing education and formation of seminarians and priests within the four Victorian Dioceses and the Military Ordinariate of Australia.
CLOSING SOON: Submissions for Synod
Don’t miss out on this chance to take part in a global conversation about the Catholic Church. The Holy Father has called the Church to a global journey of communion, participation and mission, with submissions received to form part of a listening process that will culminate in the Synod of Bishops in Rome in October 2023.
‘Often, priests and pastoral/spiritual care workers might be the only non-medical person a sick person might encounter.’
Fr Anthony Doran
On the importance of ministering to the sick
Upcoming Events
Global Summit: Health & Hope in Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM)
Saturday 19 February 2022
12.00pm–12.50pm
Join clinicians, researchers, healthcare professionals and teachers from across the globe in the first global summit for Restorative Reproductive Medicine. This 24-hour collaborative live event, with participation from Europe, Australasia, North America and South America, will see global leaders in RRM present current research and clinical developments in the fields ...
ACRATH Conference: Gathering Voices – Action towards a world free of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
Tuesday 22 February 2022, 12.00pm
– Wednesday 23 February 2022, 3.30pm
Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH) is hosting its two-day national conference and will feature two outstanding speakers provide a global and Australian perspective on human trafficking: Sr Gabriella Bottani smc, is the International Coordinator of Talitha Kum, and has been a member of the national coordination team ...
Safeguarding Children and Young People @ CAM: Induction Session
Tuesday 22 February 2022
10.30am–12.00pm
**This session is now fully booked. Please click here to view the next session.** Hosted by the Professional Standards Unit (PSU), this interactive induction session is designed to introduce newly appointed clergy, staff and members of a safeguarding committee. It is designed for newly appointed persons within CAM to develop ...
The Story Continues: An Introduction to Church History
Monday 28 February 2022
7.30pm–8.30pm
“The Story Continues” will offer an overview of the whole history of the Church, in all its lights and shadows. This unit will continue the story of God’s “salvation history” begun in the Scriptures, going beyond Pentecost to see what God has continued to do through his Son in the ...
Celebrity Organ Recital by Christopher Cook
Friday 4 March 2022
6.00pm–7.00pm
St Patrick's Cathedral is once again hosting a series of Friday night concerts, with the first concert featuring celebrated organist Christopher (Chris) Cook. Come and enjoy the beauty of St Patrick's Cathedral along with some classical music! Tickets are $25 and can be booked online or at the door. Children ...
Online forum: Implementing Laudato Si'
Tuesday 8 March 2022
7.30pm–8.30pm
This online forum will consider models and resources available to parishes for implementing the Laudato Si’ message. Three excellent speakers, Genevieve Mougey (Washington DC Archdiocese, USA), Kerry Stone (Catholic Earthcare parish coordinator) and Jacqui Remond (Vatican Ecology Taskforce) will lead us on this topic. The forum will be presented by ...
P.S. Before you go . . .
Missionary Sisters of Service befriend Melbourne City women's football players
Over the past few months, one of the Missionary Sisters of Service based in Melbourne’s outer south-east, Bernadette Wallis, has befriended several young women who play professional soccer for Melbourne City Football Club.

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

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