Director Miranda de Pencier’s drama The Grizzlies (Northwood Entertainment) tells the inspiring true story of a town that suffered the highest suicide rate in North America but found hope through the introduction of a lacrosse programme for its teens.

With sporadic violence continuing in Iraq, Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq from 5 to 8 March involved a massive security operation with the deployment of thousands of police and military officers. Even the Vatican police and Swiss Guards wore bulletproof vests under their dark suits, an unusual practice on a papal trip.

Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli provides clarity from the viewpoint of the Catholic Church in Australia regarding the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA) continues its research in medical cannabis for eligible patients with dementia despite the many issues around borders, importing medical supplies, lock downs, and the obstacles of getting into aged care facilities to reach patients.

The working document for the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia has today been released ahead of the first assembly in October.
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, President of the Plenary Council, said the document, known as an Instrumentum Laboris, provides a catalyst for the Church to renew the journey of prayer and discernment toward the first assembly.

The Academy is
about to launch for another year, and applications are closing soon. For five years,
the academy has provided formation and training for aspiring young leaders,
impacting over 60 schools and parishes across the Archdiocese of Perth.

Bunbury Bishop Gerard Holohan has last week published his Lenten Pastoral Letter, emphasising the need to grow in the divine life Jesus wants for us.

Margret is a vocational school teacher for deaf students in the Solomon Islands that suffered long-term water shortages and damage from Tropical Cyclone Harold. With Caritas Australia’s support, Margret’s school installed water tanks, repaired cyclone damage, implemented COVID-19 prevention measures, and is now planning to boost food security.

Our first member profile is of course, our own Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB.

Educated at St Peter’s Parish Primary School, East Bentleigh and at Salesian College, Chadstone, from where he graduated in 1971.

In 1985, Archbishop Costelloe made his Final Profession as a Salesian of Don Bosco and was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Sir Frank Little on 25 October 1986.

On this year’s World Day of the Sick, Catholic Health Australia and the Australian Catholic University, together with The Catholic Weekly, bring together international experts and thought leaders, speaking on the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on mental health, vaccines and the question of solidarity in the face of this global pandemic.