Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has challenged young people across the Archdiocese to become “instruments of peace” and people of practical compassion.
Speaking to Catholic secondary school students from across Perth at the 2026 Secondary Schools Forum for LifeLink at Aranmore Catholic College, Archbishop Costelloe reflected on the life and witness of St Francis of Assisi, whose 800th anniversary year is being commemorated throughout 2026.
Archbishop Costelloe emphasised that St Francis remained one of the most recognised saints in history because of his deep commitment to following Jesus Christ, and he encouraged the students to look beyond words and embrace lives shaped by prayer, peace and service.
“In all that I say about Saint Francis this morning, none of it will really make any sense if we do not realise that the greatness of Saint Francis lies in his following of Jesus Christ,” he explained.
Drawing on the famous Peace Prayer of St Francis, Archbishop Costelloe reminded students that peace begins in everyday relationships – at school, among friends and within local communities. He urged students to become people who treat others with dignity, respect and compassion, particularly those who may feel isolated or overlooked.
True peace, he said, requires people to see beyond differences and recognise a shared humanity. “No matter our differences, we share a common humanity,” he added as he encouraged the students to become examples of peace within their schools and communities.
Archbishop Costelloe also emphasised that prayer was central to the life of St Francis, describing the saint’s journey from simply “saying prayers” to truly encountering God in prayer. He encouraged students to ask the same questions St Francis asked throughout his life: “Lord, who are you and who am I?”
For many students navigating questions about identity, vocation and purpose, Archbishop Costelloe said the example of St Francis remained deeply relevant today. He reminded them that discovering their gifts and calling also means discovering how God is inviting them to serve others.
In linking the example of St Francis directly to the mission of LifeLink, Archbishop Costelloe urged the students to recognise the “lepers of today” – those who are lonely, struggling, homeless, forgotten or in need of care.
“Be a person and be a school community which is committed to being an instrument of peace, to being concrete and practical in living out the Gospel by caring for others in need in every way you can,” he added.
In her address, Executive Director of Catholic Education Western Australia, Annette Morey, praised both students and staff for their ongoing commitment to social justice through LifeLink which, since 1999, has raised more than three million dollars to support people in need across the Archdiocese.
Reflecting on Pope Leo’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of St Francis of Assisi”, she encouraged students to learn from the saint’s example of simplicity, humility and compassion.
“What makes St Francis especially relevant is that he didn’t wait until he was older or in a position of influence to make a difference – he acted with what he had, where he was,” she said.
“By applying his example, you can turn everyday moments into opportunities to make a positive impact, creating a culture of care in your school and community that reaches far beyond any single act.”
Describing students as “powerful witnesses to Gospel values” through their service and fundraising efforts, Mrs Morey said LifeLink Day was “a demonstration of the very best of our Catholic communities and a true reflection of the values Christ teaches.”
With the community celebrating its first year as a fully integrated Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 College, Aranmore Catholic College Principal Lisa Fogliani said LifeLink was a reminder that, “our mission as a Catholic community extends beyond our own gates.”
“It calls us to respond with generosity and compassion to those most in need, particularly the vulnerable and marginalised in our society. In doing so, we live out the Gospel in a very real and tangible way,” she said.
LifeLink, she said, reflected the College’s core values of faith, mercy, excellence, care and respect, inspired by the charisms of Catherine McAuley and Edmund Rice.
“It is an invitation to be people of mercy in action – to recognise the dignity of every person and to respond with generosity and hope. It reminds our students, and all of us, that faith is not only something we believe, but something we do,” she added.
Additional special guests attending the launch included Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton – Chair of the LifeLink Executive; Auxiliary Bishop Nelson Po; Executive Director and Chancellor, Archdiocese of Perth, Daniel Lynch; CEWA Director of Religious Education, Rev Mark Powell; and Leederville Parish Priest, Fr Jeffey Casabuena.
LifeLink prayer cards
The Jubilee Year of St Francis has also been celebrated in the commemorative LifeLink prayer cards that have provided to every Catholic school student, teacher and member of staff across the Perth Archdiocese.
Gifted to the Perth Catholic school community by Archbishop Costelloe and Bishop Sproxton, the double-sided prayer cards contain the Prayer of St Francis and the LifeLink Prayer for Charity.
They also serve to acknowledge the generous support of schools and students for The Archbishop’s LifeLink Day Initiative since its inception in 1999.