Catholic school students from across Australia have contributed to a video they hope will influence other young people to act and help eradicate forced labour from the production of chocolate, clothing and technology.

Titled The oceans of the world are interwoven with the future hopes of all peoples, the statement speaks of the need for “deeper ecological conversion” and to embrace “the challenge of integral ecology”. Please find the statement attached.

In helping set the scene for synodality, not solely in the context of the current process preparing for the Synod of Bishops for a Synodal Church, Undersecretary of the Holy See’s Synod of Bishops General Secretariat Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ explained that “we don’t learn synodality in a book, or with a beautiful academic presentation”.

In his homily for the occasion, Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, described the cardinal as a “lion of the Church”, a “giant of a man with a big vision” who proclaimed the Gospel “shamelessly, vehemently, courageously to the end”.

Newly appointed Maitland-Newcastle Bishop Kennedy said he accepts his new appointment “willingly and heartily … knowing that like all new endeavours, it will hold both joys and challenges”.

National Catholic Education Executive Director Jacinta Collins has this week said changes to anti-discrimination laws must go hand-in-hand with proactive legislation to protect religious freedom.

Ms Collins was speaking regarding the proposed reforms outlined by the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) in its current inquiry into religious educational institutions and anti-discrimination laws.

Speaking at the 1.10pm Mass for the Dead, Wednesday 1 February at Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral, Archbishop Costelloe said we are all equally brothers and sisters in the communion of the Church, and all equally children of our one Father in heaven.

Nilan is currently a seminarian at St Aloysius Seminary in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.
Thanks to the support of Catholic Mission, he is able to continue his journey to become a priest with the objective of dedicating his life to serving others.

The original group of Salesians before setting out from Turin, Italy, in 1923. Photo: Supplied/Salesian Province of Australia. The Salesians of Don Bosco are this year marking 100 years of Salesian presence and ministry in Australia with celebrations planned throughout the year. On March 30, 1923, a group of Salesian missionaries arrived with high hopes in Fremantle, Western Australia, a...

Archbishop Costelloe acknowledged that while the report outlines number examples of safeguarding work being undertaken across the Church, “many of the changes that are taking place – cultural and behavioral changes – are not easily captured in the pages of a report”. Photo: Jamie O’Brien The ongoing work to ensure Catholic settings are safe for children and that organisations are responsiv...