The Catholic Leader Keeping Faith with You

VATICAN CITY (CNS): Despite the growth of secularism, increased hostility toward Christianity and sinful behaviour by some Church ministers, members of the Synod of Bishops said they are optimistic about the future because of Christ's promise of salvation.

THE sound of joyously ringing bells from Wynnum's historic Nazareth House last weekend proclaimed faith in the future - and the blessing of restorations at the convent.

"WHY haven't I heard about this before?" asked one of the young men from Frassati Australia who led the recent 500-strong procession down Brisbane's inner-city streets in honour of Our Lady of Fatima.

HOW does Archbishop Mark Coleridge transport his crosier around the countryside without it sticking out of his car window?

BRISBANE archdiocese's Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) has brought a United States academic and expert in West Papuan affairs to south-east Queensland in a bid to improve conditions for the troubled province's people.

VATICAN CITY (CNS): Marking the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and the start of a special Year of Faith, Pope Benedict XVI called on Catholics to revive the "authentic spirit" of Vatican II by re-proposing the Church's ancient teachings to an increasingly Godless modern world.

"FR Carmel, a whole generation of friars owe you their thanks."

ARCHBISHOP Mark Coleridge has described a new home established on Brisbane's southside to protect women under pressure to abort their children as "right at the heart of what we are and do as Church".

BRISBANE archdiocese's pastoral care ministry has received a shot in the arm with a donation of $12,000 towards scholarships.