TO overcome fear, discrimination and conflict, people must have a deep desire to open themselves up to God and his mercy, and work actively for peace every day, Pope Francis said. God’s plan for creation is peace, “which always meets opposition from humanity and the devil,” he said during a one-day visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 6. The ... Read More »
THIRTY-EIGHT religious leaders from Christian, Jewish and Islamic traditions have defended the existing definition of marriage in a public letter to Prime Minister Tony Abbott. The leaders called on Mr Abbott to resist attempts in Federal Parliament to redefine the meaning of marriage. “At a time when marriage is already under significant strains and pressures, we urge you to do ... Read More »
By Emilie Ng HOSPITAL maintenance worker Robin Cox knows healing patients at Brisbane’s St Vincent’s Private Hospital doesn’t merely require fixing medical equipment. The passionate photographer is one of 20 local artists and art groups bringing beauty directly to the sick and injured, at St Vincent’s Private Hospital’s “Outside In” exhibition. Mr Cox’s striking images, which include a floating ceiling ... Read More »
By Emilie Ng CHURCHES may not be typical heirlooms among families, but four Booval Catholic ancestors thought a beautiful church was the perfect gift for the next generations. Between 1912 and 1915, four Catholic families – the Hartfiels, Quinns, Leblers and Costellos – mortgaged their own homes to secure the building of a new Catholic church in Booval. Their sacrifices ... Read More »
By Emilie Ng GRAHAM Preston’s been arrested six times, but the prospect of spending another night in jail never stops him from raising his pro-life banner on Brisbane’s streets. The 59-year-old has raised the issue of abortion in organising the annual peaceful pro-life Walk for Little Feet for the past 26 years. More than 100 supporters from various Christian denominations ... Read More »
By Paul Dobbyn QUEENSLAND Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk spoke proudly of her Catholic roots during her official opening of the Saint John Paul II Building at the Australian Catholic University’s Brisbane campus last week. “It’s a pleasure to be here as a Catholic premier,” she said. “Queensland’s last Catholic premier was Mike Ahern, I believe.” The Premier also shared thoughts on ... Read More »
By Paul Dobbyn “IF you know something is harmful, and if something brings spiritual and emotional harm – wouldn’t you try to prevent others from coming into that same harm?” Brisbane priest Fr Adrian Sharp asked the question of a gathering at a recent fundraising dinner for Pregnancy Crisis Incorporated. The “something” he was referring to was abortion. “I certainly ... Read More »
By Emilie Ng LIVING miracles Madison and Sarah Pepper have good reason to count their birthday candles each year. The St Benedict’s Primary School, Mango Hill, Year 2 students are one of thousands of premature-born babies named “little miracles” at the Mater Mothers’ Hospital. “We are called miracles because we were born early,” Madison said. Mum Deborah was diagnosed with ... Read More »
By Peter Bugden FR Anthony Ekpo, in Brisbane “on loan” from Nigeria for the past eight years, says he will carry the people of the archdiocese in his heart as he leaves for Rome. Fr Ekpo is being transferred to Rome to study canon law at the Pontifical Gregorian University for the next three to five years. Having arrived eight ... Read More »
The Catholic Leader Keeping Faith with You
