Visiting one of this city’s notorious “favelas,” or slums, Pope Francis denounced corruption and a “culture of selfishness and individualism,” and called for a “culture of solidarity” in pursuit of social justice.

The streets surrounding the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian were filled with a sea of blue and white flags. The Argentines had come to town. All without exception said they were there for one reason only. “To see Pope Francis,” yelled Florencia Aldretes of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires.

Pope Francis addressed a group of recovering drug addicts in a working-class neighborhood of Rio, offering them a message of compassion and hope as well as a call to self-determination.

Comfortable in the presence of Mary and at a shrine that symbolizes one of his most important experiences as a member of the Latin American bishops’ council, Pope Francis kicked off five days of intense activity with an act of devotion.

The mosaic of hundreds of national flags waving in the cold wind on Copacabana beach was symbolic, as pilgrims from all backgrounds, driven by a single faith, participated in the opening Mass for World Youth Day.

A new Branch of the Order of the Knights of the Southern Cross in Western Australia was formally commissioned at St Mary’s Cathedral on July 14, 2013.

AUSTRALIAN CATHOLICS are being urged to carefully consider their vote in the federal election due to be held in September. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference recently released their 2013 Election Statement outlining the major issues that Catholic voters need to consider. These included marriage and family, child protection, the poor, and respect for life, among others. The ...

A NEW television series called The Bible has been labelled a “new cult hit” after its premiere episode on July 16 attracted large ratings around Australia. The first episode, titled Beginnings, attracted 880,000 viewers, while the second episode, Exodus, which followed immediately after, had an audience of 793,000. The show’s ratings were stronger than several rival shows including Ma...

ADA FURBY, believed to be the oldest living person in WA, celebrated her 110th birthday on July 22 at her Villa Pelletier nursing home in West Leederville. Staff, friends, volunteers and other guests gathered to mark the occasion at the aged care facility, which is operated by Southern Cross Care. Among those present was Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Julie Bishop, who presented Ms ...

MORE than 50 children celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16 at Infant Jesus Parish in Morley. It was the first time the parish, which is under the care of the Discalced Carmelite Friars, has held the children’s event for several years. The majority of the children, who were aged between 2 and 14, were either from the parish or the Infant Jesus Primary School. ...