|
|
|
|
|
|
In this edition:
| Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope – Jubilee of Migrants
| All Children and Youth have the Right to go to School, Regardless of their Immigration Status
| Melbourne’s New Bishops Thinh and Rene ‘Called to be True Witnesses of Christ’s Love’
| Ministry in Focus: Ministry for Seafarers in Darwin
____________________________________________________________________________________________
|
| |
 |
|
The ACMRO joins the Catholic Church in celebrating Jubilee 2025 with the theme: “Pilgrims of Hope.” It officially commenced on 24 December 2024 with the rite of the Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St Peter by Pope Francis himself and will run until 6 January 2026.
There are 36 events throughout the Jubilee Year highlighting special aspects of Church life. One of these is the Jubilee of Migrants on 4-5 October. The Jubilee of Migrants acknowledges and celebrates the gifts, contributions, and resilience that migrant communities bring to our Church and the world. It is also an opportunity to highlight the image of the Church as a place of refuge, welcome, integration, and solidarity.
The ACBC’s National Centre for Evangelisation prepared a brief resource for each event that parishes and individuals can use for personal or group prayer and reflection.
Please click the button below to access the resource for the Jubilee of Migrants.
______________________________________________________________________________
|
 |
|
Pope Francis, in his January 2025 prayer intention video ‘For the Right to An Education’ invites the whole church to pray for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war. He says, “Let us pray for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a more human world, might always be respected.”
Pope Francis adds, "All children and youth have the right to go to school, regardless of their immigration status."
The Pope emphasises that education is a hope for everyone, stating, "It can save migrants and refugees from discrimination, criminal networks, and exploitation."
______________________________________________________________________________
|
 |
|
The episcopal consecration of two new bishops for the Melbourne Archdiocese took place on Saturday, 1st February, at St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne. This event was one of the largest gatherings of Catholics in the archdiocese in almost seven years.
Archbishop Peter Comensoli described the consecration as a “significant moment for our entire Archdiocesan community,” emphasising that the new bishops were “called to be true witnesses of Christ’s love, peace, and justice in our world today.”
Bishop Thinh Nguyen DD and Bishop Rene Ramirez RCJ DD were appointed by Pope Francis in November 2024 to serve Melbourne’s one million-strong and multicultural Catholic community, further strengthening the leadership of the largest Archdiocese in Australia and Oceania.
The Filipino Chaplaincy Singers of Melbourne, the St. Patrick’s Cathedral Choir, and the Vietnamese Holy Martyrs Combined Choir enriched the liturgy as the Vietnamese and Filipino Catholic communities in Melbourne were well represented at this momentous occasion due to the new bishops’ cultural roots.
Reflecting on his appointment, Bishop Rene said it was both “humbling and significant”. He said that it was not just about him but also “about all of us—especially our migrant communities who have played a vital role in enriching the faith in this beautiful land”. Bishop Rene recognised the importance of trusting in God’s plan: “My hope is that my journey can inspire others, especially fellow migrants, to see that no matter who we are or where we come from, we all have something valuable to contribute to our communities.”
Bishop Rene asked for prayers as he and Bishop Thinh embark on this new ministry and take on these responsibilities. He added: “Together, let us continue to lift each other up and work towards making this country, our country the best it can be.”
______________________________________________________________________________
|
 |
|
The seafarers’ ministry in Darwin is an ecumenical ministry working hand in hand with the Anglican church’s organisation (Mission to Seafarers, formerly Flying Angel). The ministry looks after the seafarers regardless of religion, denomination, nationality, and cultural background.
Catholic Chaplain Giovani Maduro offers spiritual and physical assistance to sailors anchored at East Arm in Darwin Harbour. It is not easy to understand the living conditions these seafarers endure and to hear that they want to be with their families again. He explains the importance of this ministry exercised with compassion, patience, and energy for the seafarers who come to Darwin for a brief stopover after months at sea, having been apart from their loved ones and social connections.
Some of the highlights of 2024 included 30 ship boardings where he visited and provided support to the seafarers’ spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being practically and holistically. There were also two Masses celebrated at the seamen’s centre and a Mass celebrated on board Sofrana Surville, including blessings for the whole crew and confessions. In July, Bishop Charles Gauci and Chaplain Giovani went on board the Seven Oceanic. Bishop Gauci blessed the remains of a crew member who had died.
Giovani encourages those community members who have this ministry in their respective locales to volunteer in the seafarers’ ministry. He believes that there are lots of simple things that can be done for the seafarers, such as providing books, leading some dancing, or just being with them and making their stay in the dock a respite from their long hours. These are all great gifts to give them.
Chaplain Giovani reflects that this ministry is a joy for him! He knows that he is doing what God wants of him, which is to love and serve the Lord through these brethren.
Article and photos by:
Giovani Maduro
______________________________________________________________________________
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
