Pope Francis delivered his Christmas message and blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) from the Hall of Blessings at the Vatican on 25 December 2020, highlighting his hope that Christmas would be an opportunity for all to rediscover the family as a cradle of life and faith, a place of acceptance and love, dialogue, forgiveness, fraternal solidarity and shared joy, a source of peace for all humanity.

In their ongoing work and in their response to the COVID-19 crisis, our Archdiocesan Social Outreach agencies remind us powerfully that simply believing that Jesus existed is not faith – doing something in response to that belief is faith.

Catholic Homes is well placed to respond to the profound changes experienced by the aged care sector in recent times through its singular approach in how the organisation cares for its people: ‘Care with Purpose’.

The arrival of the Sisters of St John of God arrived in Perth after a long journey from Wexford, Ireland on 25 November 1895 was significant, as they would go on to provide healing and hope to the newly established colony and forever change the healthcare landscape in Australia.

The Church in Australia will celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God on the first Sunday in February each year, starting with 7 February 2021.

Aquinas College Schola Boys Choir and The Giovanni Consort from Perth have been selected to feature in a Christmas mini album (EP) by Irish musician Andrea Corr, the vocalist of international band The Corrs.

Pope Francis kisses a figurine of the baby Jesus as he arrives to celebrate Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in this Dec. 24, 2019, file photo. The pope will celebrate the traditional Christmas Eve Mass with a small congregation, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Rome so people can get home without breaking Italy’s 10 p.m. COVID-19 curfew.

In 2015, engaged Canadian couple Jenn Carter and Solomon Chau gained notoriety when their friends and family sponsored a crowdfunding campaign that raised over $50,000 with the aim of salvaging their forthcoming nuptials.

There are many aspects of the Christmas story that we will reflect upon as we approach this joyous festival, writes Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton.
“One is how Mary and Joseph looked desperately for a place to stay in Bethlehem. A kindness was shown to them when they were allowed to use a shelter that would have been used by shepherds, possibly not much more than a small cavern in the ground, where men and animals would find protection through the night.”

When Saint Matthew’s Gospel tries to sum up the mystery of Christmas the author makes mention of the name “Emmanuel” which, he says, means “God is with us”. The Chosen People of Israel had always believed that God was with them and that God spoke to them especially through the prophets.