“God is much better than we think and people too are much better than we think.”
These were the words that retiring Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) National Director, Phillip Collignon reflected on, spoken by ACN founder, Father Fr Werenfried Van Straaten. Mr Collignon will next month on 31 December step down from his role as National Director of the international charity which is under papal jurisdiction, after more than three decades. In an interview with The eRecord, Mr Collignon talks about his time at ACN immediately after the collapse of Communism, some significant milestones during his tenure and why ACN has very much been a family affair. Mr Collignon said that he will never forget the day he became National Director. “The day will forever be etched in my memory because it was the day the Berlin Wall came down in 1989.” By Natashya Fernandez
How do we teach a child that the Rosary isn’t a beautiful necklace, but so much more? Applecross Parish After-School Catechism teacher Bev Funga explains.
A holiday treat suitable for all but the tiniest, The Star (Sony) is a delightful animated version of the Christmas story told from the perspective of some of the animals present in the manger. Director Timothy Reckart and screenwriter Carlos Kotkin skilfully balance religious themes such as the importance of prayer and the value of forgiveness with a more secular message about pursuing your dreams. By John Mulderig.
Parishioners from Canning Vale Parish St Emilie’s Catholic Church on 14 October took to the streets to pay homage to Our Lady. By Natashya Fernandez.
The Federal government’s recent decision to deny welfare and other support to refugees receiving medical treatment in Australia has drawn criticism from Australian Catholic Bishops.
Fondly known by her bush name, Jindibirri (Willie Wagtail) for her sprightly character, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (ACM) Pastoral Care worker Sister Frances Wilson RNDM was last month farewelled after 27 years of service. As an advocate for education and the development of the new mission in Gibb River in the Kimberley, Sr Frances worked across a variety of communities, including with the Aboriginal peoples of the Kimberley, at Mazenod and St Brigid’s Colleges Perth, and most recently with ACM in Perth.
In an interview with The eRecord, Sr Frances reminisced about the past 27 years, speaking about her life in the Kimberley, her work as the Aboriginal Liaison Officer at Mazenod College, as mentor to Aboriginal students at St Brigid’s College and as Pastoral Care worker with the ACM team, saying that even though she’s on the doorstep of turning 80 in 2018, she will keep going for as long as she can. By Natashya Fernandez.
The hilarious romantic comedy revolves around a group of people from all walks of life whose lives collide when they all come together for an annual music festival held over three consecutive summers. Among the group of music lovers is the talented and headstrong Keevey (Rebecca Breeds), who performs alongside her father, Eamon (John Waters) in an Irish folk band. By Daniele Foti-Cuzzola.
The biography of the fifth Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal Norman Thomas Gilroy, was launched last month on 26 October at the University of Notre Dame in Broadway by Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher OP. Authored by historian, John Luttrell FMS, this first extended biography of Cardinal Gilroy examines his life and his significance as a religious leader in twentieth century Australia and beyond.
Pope Francis has this month sent a message to Australia’s young people ahead of the Australian Catholic Youth Festival. The Holy Father sent the message assuring youth of his prayers, spiritual closeness and hope that the festival will be an occasion for them to “deepen their relationship with the Lord”. The ACYF is scheduled to commence in Sydney on Thursday 7 November, 2017.
With only a month to go, Sydney is gearing up to play host to more than 18,000 young Catholics from around the nation for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival. If you are over the age of 18, there is still time to register for this amazing event. With Festival numbers nearing capacity, you will need to get online now. Find out more by visiting www.acyf.org.au