Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has challenged young people across the Perth Archdiocese to become “instruments of peace” and people of practical compassion. Source: The Record.
Speaking to Catholic secondary school students at the 2026 Secondary Schools Forum for LifeLink at Aranmore Catholic College, Archbishop Costelloe reflected on the life and witness of St Francis of Assisi, whose 800th anniversary year is being commemorated throughout 2026.
Archbishop Costelloe said St Francis remained one of the most recognised saints in history because of his deep commitment to following Jesus Christ, and he encouraged the students to look beyond words and embrace lives shaped by prayer, peace and service.
“In all that I say about St Francis this morning, none of it will really make any sense if we do not realise that the greatness of St Francis lies in his following of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Drawing on the famous Peace Prayer of St Francis, Archbishop Costelloe reminded students that peace begins in everyday relationships – at school, among friends and within local communities. He urged students to become people who treat others with dignity, respect and compassion, particularly those who may feel isolated or overlooked.
True peace, he said, requires people to see beyond differences and recognise a shared humanity. “No matter our differences, we share a common humanity,” he added as he encouraged the students to become examples of peace within their schools and communities.
Archbishop Costelloe also emphasised that prayer was central to the life of St Francis, describing the saint’s journey from simply “saying prayers” to truly encountering God in prayer. He encouraged students to ask the same questions St Francis asked throughout his life: “Lord, who are you and who am I?”
For many students navigating questions about identity, vocation and purpose, Archbishop Costelloe said the example of St Francis remained deeply relevant today.
He reminded them that discovering their gifts and calling also means discovering how God is inviting them to serve others.
In linking the example of St Francis directly to the mission of LifeLink, Archbishop Costelloe urged the students to recognise the “lepers of today” – those who are lonely, struggling, homeless, forgotten or in need of care.
Since 1999, LifeLink has raised more than $3 million to support people in need across the archdiocese.
FULL STORY
Young people challenged to become instruments of peace (By Phil Bayne, The Record)
