“You must continue to be the face of Christ for others”, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB told more than 100 members and friends of the Voice of the Voiceless (VoV) Ministry on February 22.
The Archbishop, who was celebrating the group’s first Mass for 2014 at St Brigid’s Church in Northbridge, highlighted the significance of this year for the ministry, which was established in 2006 to pray for the sainthood of Pope John Paul II and to continue his example of evangelisation and outreach to all, particularly to those who are disadvantaged.
“This year in particular is a Mass of great celebration as we all look forward to the canonisation of Pope John Paul II in a few months,” he told those gathered.
“Who knows how much your prayers have contributed to this great event in the life of the Church?”
VoV was established in December 2006 when a small group gathered in the Belmont parish under the leadership of Fr Nicholas Nweke, and for the past three years VoV has been based at St Brigid’s.
Prior to the Mass, VoV member Frank Mallard provided a brief history of the ministry, which has reached out with the missionary spirit of Blessed John Paul II both locally and overseas since its inception.
“The VoV brings to life the Gospel and love of God to its members as well as others, irrespective of their culture, colour, race or background,” he said.
Mr Mallard described some of the projects undertaken by the ministry, including support for seminarians in Guildford and Fiji, orphanages and leprosy colonies in the Philippines, Burma and Vietnam, as well as a clean water project in Nigeria.
Mr Mallard also announced to Archbishop Costelloe that VoV has decided to support the Archdiocese of Perth’s LifeLink project through their fundraising efforts.
The Archbishop expressed his gratitude and thanked Fr Nicholas and his group for “the faith, commitment and spiritual energy they bring to the Archdiocese”.
VoV holds a prayer meeting every Friday evening at St Brigid’s in Northbridge as well as monthly Adoration and a monthly healing Mass.
For more information on VoV contact Fr Nicholas on 9331 7105 or email jr_nnweke@yahoo.co.uk