CENTACARE honoured the “hidden work” achieved by thousands of its staff and volunteers at their annual awards at Customs House on October 31. Centacare’s Amelia House service manager Rosemary Poulgrain said a large number of award recipients were shocked to receive recognition. “A few of the people I’ve spoken to have said they’d rather not be getting the awards, they’d ... Read More »
LOTFALLAH Daher has seen the ugly side of life in the Middle East. The news photographer and correspondent with Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International has covered various wars in the troubled region. Now he’s afraid that Lebanon’s Christians are in mortal danger, caught between the warring Muslim Shia and Sunni forces. In Brisbane last week with the Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Cardinal ... Read More »
By Robin Williams CEMETERIES are “a place of hope” and reminder that life conquers death, Southport parish priest Fr Jan Bialasiewicz said at a special prayer service on All Souls Day. Fr Bialasiewicz joined fellow Gold Coast priests at a cemetery service on All Souls Day, officially celebrated on November 2 in the Catholic calendar. More than 50 parishioners from ... Read More »
By Paul Dobbyn SINGING traditional songs in Arabic and joyfully strewing flower petals, parishioners from St Maroun’s Church, Greenslopes, celebrated the arrival of Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Rai on November 6. It was the 74-year-old Patriarch’s first canonical visit to Australia. He had already visited Maronite communities in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Among those accompanying him on his Brisbane ... Read More »
By Paul Dobbyn From changed services to the homeless, prayer vigils, fasting and involvement in a mock tax haven, the G20 Summit is making its presence felt in Church circles. Josephite Sister Kay McPadden was among about 100 advocates from churches across Brisbane taking part in a mock tropical tax haven set up in Brisbane’s CBD on November 8. She ... Read More »
By Emilie Ng AUSTRALIA’S first Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate to be appointed a bishop was “still in shock” days after accepting his appointment. Brisbane’s Iona College rector Bishop-elect Mark Edwards received an invitation two weeks ago from Australia’s former apostolic nuncio Archbishop Paul Gallagher “to discuss religious life in Queensland”. “I thought it had some credibility, as next year ... Read More »
By Emilie Ng BRILLIANT blue skies provided the perfect background for the traditional fleet blessing at the Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club last month. Noosa parish priest Fr Mark Franklin presided at this year’s blessing, continuing a long-standing tradition. Fr Franklin said the blessing “commenced the season” for sailors and members of the club’s youth fleet. He blessed more than ... Read More »
IN a rare honour for the development of retirement living, Governor General Peter Cosgrove has praised BallyCara Retirement Village for its community spirit while recently opening new facilities. He made the comments on October 20 while unveiling the BallyCara Wellness Centre and Amicus Apartments, the latest additions to the community centre at Scarborough. A long-time supporter of BallyCara, the governor ... Read More »
EXPLORING themes of social justice, through a series of artworks by refugee artists is the aim of a new exhibition in Brisbane. The exhibition Hope & Love: Through the Eyes of Refugees is hosted by the Mercy Heritage Centre, located within All Hallows’ Convent in Ann Street, Brisbane. A joint initiative of the Mercy Heritage Centre and Mercy Community Services ... Read More »
The Catholic Leader Keeping Faith with You
