To enter the plan God proposes for our life requires that we restrict the space of selfishness, reduce the presumption of self-sufficiency and lower the heights of pride and arrogance, Pope Francis has said in his weekly Sunday Angelus audience.

After setting white flowers at a statue of Mary, Queen of Peace, Pope Francis prayed the Rosary and asked Mary to intercede to bring peace to Ukraine and every place in the world torn by violent conflict.

Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has this week composed a prayer for the crises in Ukraine, while hundreds gathered for a community prayer service led by the Ukrainian Association of WA Inc.

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.

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.”

The “candle of hope” signifying reconciliation and peace shone bright as some 200 guests – both Jewish and Christian – gathered on Sunday 8 November for the annual Council of Christians and Jews WA (CCJWA) commemoration of the 82nd anniversary of Kristallnacht, the “Night of Broken Glass”.

“While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped Him in bands of cloth, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the Inn” (Lk.2:6-7).