A Word from the Bishop

One in Christ

During the month of August, I normally attend the feast of San Donato, which is celebrated by the Italian Community of the Sacred Heart Parish, Tatura.
The Italian Community of St Joseph’s Parish in Cobram celebrate in a special manner the feast of Our Lady in May, while in June the Italian parishioners of St Mel’s Parish South Shepparton have special festivities around the feast day of St Anthony.

The importance of commitment

I am sure that many have heard this phrase. “People today do not like to commit themselves to anything”.
Many are simply happy to have their minds open to different options but are very slow to make a commitment.

Hail Mary full of Grace

In our Catholic tradition the month of May is closely linked with Mary, the mother of Jesus and our Blessed Mother.

During this month, when I was at school we used to sing special hymns dedicated to Our Lady as part of morning prayer.

We were also encouraged to pray the rosary with particular attention to the words which we were using and we also used to have poems or other bits of literature read to us which spoke about the life and the values of Our Lady.

Easter message: Never give up

Quite a few years ago I watched a short film called “Phos”. This is a Greek word which means light. It recounts the story of a little boy whose father died some year before.
This film is set within the context of the ceremony of Holy Saturday night; the day before Easter.

The power of the Cross

Holy Week falls during the last days of this month and the beginning of the month of April. This is a special time when we are given the opportunity to recall and reflect on how much our God is passionately in love with us.
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Lent is a great opportunity

February 17 is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. On this day ashes are blessed and applied to the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of penance.
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He is there, He is there

From September 27 to October 3, I participated in the International Priests Retreat held in Ars, France.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the death of the (Parish Priest) Cure` of Ars, St John Marie Vianney, patron saint of all priests.
This retreat was organised by the Vatican Congregation for the clergy, the priestly society of St John Marie Vianney and the community of the Beatitude.
There were 1200 priests, bishops and cardinals present from many different parts of the world including Australia.

Come Lord Jesus

We all want to prepare well and as best we can to celebrate important moments.
Together with others I was involved in presenting a program called Receive the Power Live during the World Youth Day celebrations.
This was held in one of the main sites after the magnificent Stations of the Cross.