CATHOLICS across the world were united in sorrow and prayer after a devastating fire engulfed the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris causing major damage. Images broadcast around the world showed the French cathedral in flames before collapsing shortly before 8pm local time. Officials now say that they the main bell towers and historic front of the building have been saved. ... Read More »
Author Archives: Nick Holt
Logged off for Lent – Catholics saying no to social media to prepare for Easter find ‘greater peace’
CATHOLICS around Australia have used the liturgical season of Lent to restrict their use of social media applications like Facebook. The traditional custom of giving up something for Lent is voluntary; but during his 2019 Lenten message Pope Francis urged the faithful to consider it a gift. “The celebration of the Paschal Triduum of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection, the ... Read More »
Young Venezuelan immigrant feels blessed by God for bringing him to Brisbane Catholic community
WHEN Alejandro Quijada Ode emigrated to Brisbane in 2016 the inflation rate in his home country of Venezuela was 800 per cent. Today it is estimated to be as high as 10 million per cent. A 2019 United Nations report estimated 3.4 million Venezuelans had left their country. Ninety-four per cent of those who remained were living in poverty, the ... Read More »
Suicide rate among Aboriginal Australians a national disgrace and the costs are mounting
SUICIDES of Aboriginal Australians as young as 11 are placing enormous financial burden on the indigenous community, Murri Ministry co-ordinator Ravina Waldren said. “There are huge costs associated with burying our loved ones,” Ms Waldren said. “We’re looking at around $9000 every time some of our young people are suiciding, and families are grieving already without having to worry about ... Read More »
Experts helping to battle the negative impacts of social media on vulnerable young people
INCREASING human dignity was key to protecting young children from hypersexual online content, Real Talk managing director Paul Ninnes said. Research by Real Talk demonstrated children as young as 12 had shared nude images of themselves, resulting in those pictures being shared online without their consent. “I’ve had a parent crying on my shoulder at a parents’ night because their ... Read More »
Jesus wants young Catholics to be alive and full of faith, Pope Francis says in apostolic exhortation
YOUNG Catholics must embrace the present and future of the Church through relationships with their community and God, Pope Francis wrote in his new apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit (Christ is Alive). “The very first words, then, that I would like to say to every young Christian are these – Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive,” Pope ... Read More »
Federal Budget continues to ignore the plight of the most disadvantaged Australians, Vinnies says
THE 2019 Federal Budget continues to ignore Australia’s most disadvantaged citizens, St Vincent de Paul Society national president Claire Victory said. Ms Victory said the Budget, delivered by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, failed to address two dominant drivers of poverty and disadvantage in Australia – the soaring costs of basic housing and below-poverty-level income support payments. “We are disappointed this Budget ... Read More »
‘The Church is the people of God’, drop-in Mass for homeless an opportunity to worship
BLIND Eye homeless shelter in South Brisbane will host a monthly Sunday Mass during 2019, establishing itself as a bona fide Church for the people. “Pope Francis asks us to be a Church that is ‘poor for the poor’, and this is a response here in Brisbane,” Blind Eye Ministries centre manager Eddie Murray said. Mr Murray, who is one ... Read More »
Life-changing – former circus performer leaps into ACU course and never looked back
JOHN Foster’s life has changed forever thanks to a ground-breaking education program that empowers disadvantaged Australians. The former travelling circus performer spoke last week at the Gaudete Centre at the Australian Catholic University of the immense joy he had received from participating in ACU’s Clemente program. Mr Foster (pictured) was one of a handful of alumni honoured at the event. ... Read More »