COVID-19 has cast a pall over Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, all but shutting down the biblical town at the height of holiday season. Source: Crux.
Australian religious and political leaders have supported an open letter from 15 Pacific leaders to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, asking him to take climate action ahead of a United Nations summit next week. Source: Edmund Rice Centre.
Cardinal George Pell has spoken of his surprise at the apparent extent of “criminality” involved in recent Vatican financial scandals. Source: CNA.
Building social justice a collective work: Pope
Guaranteeing justice for all men and women is not possible while a few people control most of the world’s wealth and everyone else’s right to a dignified life is disregarded, Pope Francis said on Monday. Source: CNS.
Pregnancy safe house ready to welcome new guests
There will be plenty of room at a Brisbane safe house this Christmas after it successfully transitioned its last live-in mother into secure accommodation. Source: The Catholic Leader.
Pope confident of Catholic-Orthodox unity
Pope Francis has told the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople that he is confident that Catholics and Orthodox Christians will attain full communion. Source: CNA.
New analysis released yesterday revealed that while rental prices have fallen in many cities, rent is still unaffordable for low-income earners in every capital city. Source: News.com.au.
A prominent supporter of Broome Bishop Christopher Saunders has demanded Western Australia Police “put up or shut up” in relation to its investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. Source: ABC News.
New South Wales Labor has joined forces with religious leaders in the outcry of inconsistent restrictions placed on religious observances. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
Pope Francis renewed his call for peace in Ethiopia after a violent conflict in the country’s northern Tigray region left hundreds dead and forced thousands more to flee. Source: Crux.
The Church in New Zealand is determined to listen, learn and reflect on the evidence of survivors given to the first faith-based redress hearings of the country's Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. Source: NZCBC.
This Christmas, ask for words of wisdom: Vatican
One present young people should ask for this Christmas is words of wisdom from older people they know, a Vatican dicastery has suggested. Source: CNS.
Women’s Taskforce celebrates first year
The Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn Women’s Taskforce is celebrating one year of providing opportunities for connection, faith formation and enhanced participation for women in the Church. Source: Catholic Voice.
Adelaide parish priest appointed bishop in Kenya
Pope Francis has appointed Adelaide parish priest Fr Michael Odiwa to be the next bishop of Homa Bay in western Kenya. Source: The Southern Cross.
Catholic organisations in Wollongong Diocese have been recognised alongside other Christian denominations for their significant contribution to more than $9.7 million in “social impact value” across the Illawarra each year.
Nothing is more important than experiencing the grace and beauty of the Holy Spirit of the Risen Christ. Yet talk of the Spirit – the Giver of life – in our culture can sound strange, writes Br Mark O’Connor FMS. Source: Catholic Outlook.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv. has called for an end to the “deplorable” situation facing refugees and asylum-seekers in the heart of Brisbane. Source: The Catholic Leader.
Government reveals $132m boost to aged care
Infection control, mental health and allied health in aged care will get a $132 million boost from the Morrison Government in response to the aged care royal commission’s special report on COVID-19. Source: The Guardian.