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HIgher Education People

Notre Dame alumnus crowned WA Lawyer of the Year 

Lawyer, leader, double amputee, father and listener. These are the words University of Notre Dame Australia alumnus Tom Monks uses to describe himself. He can now add the title of Western Australian Lawyer of the Year for 2023.

Christmas Vatican

Vatican Nativity scene to honour 800th anniversary of St Francis’ creche 

On the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi setting up the first Nativity scene, the creche in St Peter’s Square in 2023 will come from the Italian Diocese of Rieti, and pay tribute to the scene set up in the diocese in 1223. Source: OSV News.

Europe Pope Francis

‘You are not alone,’ Pope tells women who escaped the Mafia

Pope Francis yesterday encouraged a group of women who escaped criminal organisations in Italy to keep fighting despite fear and to know they are not alone. Source: CNA.

Abuse crisis

Spain’s report on Church abuse estimates victims could number in hundreds of thousands

Spain’s first official probe of sexual abuse by clergy members or other people connected to the Church included a survey that indicated that the number of victims could run into the hundreds of thousands. Source: NCR Online.

Synod

To reform the Church, adore God and love others: Pope

At the Synod on Synodality’s closing Mass, Pope Francis said God’s love cannot be confined “to our own agenda” and to truly reform the Church, people should follow Jesus’ greatest commandment: to adore God and love others. Source: CNA.

Synod

Synod’s final report shows both agreement and divergences

A report summarising discussions at the Synod on Synodality’s first assembly said the Church may need more welcoming pastoral approaches, especially to people who feel excluded, but also acknowledged fears of betraying traditional Church teachings and practices. Source: CNS.

Foreign Aid Middle East

Caritas welcomes Government’s announcement of $15m in aid for Gaza

Caritas Australia has welcomed the Albanese Government’s announcement of an additional $15 million in funding to support those affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

HIgher Education

BBI ‘changes gear’ to join Sydney College of Divinity

Broken Bay Institute – The Australian Institute of Theological Education has joined the Sydney College of Divinity as a member institute.

Religious Freedom Western Australia

WA delays laws on religious schools’ employment practices

Laws barring religious schools in Western Australia from discriminating against gay teachers have been delayed and could be shelved in the wake of the Cook Government’s repealed Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act. Source: The West Australian.