Catholic Religious Australia members have elected a new national council at the CRA National Assembly in Melbourne this week.
More than 150 leaders and leadership team members of religious congregations gathered for the assembly, held on August 3-5.
The assembly theme, “Our Adventure of Love, for the Life of the World”, was inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s words that “Religious vocation is, above all, an adventure of love with God”.
Fr Tony Banks OSA and Sr Michele Connolly RSJ were among the speakers at the assembly and they reflected on Augustinian spirituality, the call of Pope Leo, Holy Scripture and how these can illuminate religious life today.
“Conversations in the Spirit” were facilitated by Sr Karon Donnellon RSM as religious leaders pondered how to share this “adventure in communion” with one another, and continue to bring hope and healing to all whom we encounter.
For the first time, the assembly was joined by members of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life – Sr Tiziana Merletti SFP and Fr Richard Welch, CSsR.
The assembly’s annual election marked a transition in CRA leadership with Sr Philippa Murphy FDNSC passing the torch to new president Sr Kari Hatherell OSU, provincial leader of the Australian Ursulines.
In addition, six new religious institute leaders were elected to the CRA council:
- Fr Grzegorz (Greg) Skulski SDS, Salvatorian Fathers
- Fr Edward Khaemba CSSP, Spiritan Fathers
- Sr Peta Goldburg RSM, Sisters of Mercy, Brisbane
- Sr Catherine McCahill SGS, Sisters of the Good Samaritan
- Fr Bonefasius Buahendri SVD, Divine Word Missionaries
- Fr Tony Banks OSA, Augustinian Fathers.
Seven Council members continue: Sr Philippa Murphy FDNSC, Fr Alan Gibson CM, Fr Andrew Chen OMI, Sr Karon Donnellon RSM, Sr Chitra Justin MSSM and Sr Therese Haywood DC.
Retiring members of the council were Sr Margaret Jones RSM, Sr Mary Ryan OP, Br Gerard Brady CFC and Fr Philip Watkins SSS.
Acting CRA President Sr Philippa Murphy offered her good wishes to the incoming president.
“Sr Kari reflects the spirit of the assembly’s call to an ‘adventure of love’. With wisdom, warmth, and a deep trust in God, her leadership invites us to embrace the future with faith and deep listening as we strive to bring hope and healing to our world.”
Sr Hatherall said that she had been energised by the assembly experience and the connection between religious leaders.
“My hope is that CRA will remain steadfast in representing the prophetic voice of religious in the Church and in society, and continue to serve religious life and mission into the future.”
FULL STORY
CRA National Council elected amidst Assembly’s call to an ‘adventure of love’ (CRA)
