EASTER HUMANITY “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Col 3:4) In recent years it seems that our annual celebration of Easter accompanies some societal calamity. There has been bushfires, then the COVID pandemic, and now the Russian-Ukraine conflict. This …
MILITARY ORDINARY OF AUSTRALIA Bishop of the Australian Military Services Pentecost 2020 – What are we to do? Things are certainly different for us this year. Things were certainly different for the disciples too. The Solemn Feast of Pentecost records that event which, at one moment heralded the end of …
For an increasing number of citizens across Australia and New Zealand the observance of Anzac Day begins with early rising, preparation and a journey to gather together with others before dawn at a place made holy by memory, admiration and wonder. Many who cannot travel still rise to participate through …
Military Ordinary of Australia – Bishop’s Message for Lent 2018 Dear Brothers and Sisters, The observance of the Season of Lent has its foundation in the Sacred Scriptures. Both the Old Testament and New Testament teach the value of fasting, which is abstaining from food or drink in order …
Once again we are beginning preparations to celebrate Christmas – the Feast of the Birth of Jesus. Jesus, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity – God, becomes flesh. Of all the religious celebrations and traditions – even beyond Christianity – the concept of the Deity taking on completely …
Homily – National Anzac Day Mass St Christopher’s Cathedral, Forrest ACT – 25th April 2017 Rev Monsignor Peter J. O’Keefe AM VG, Catholic Diocese of the Australian Defence Force Within the collection of images of the Gallipoli Event held by the Australian War Memorial, there is one haunting photo …
The Cross of Anzac — Hope for Life This year 2017 we celebrate two memorials within a relatively few days: Good Friday and Anzac Day. For many of us there is a very strong connection between the two. Bishop Peter Ingham of Wollongong in his Easter Message this year states …
Most of us come to this Christmas period physically and mentally tired; ‘running on empty’, hanging out for an few weeks of respite with family and friends, with summer days ahead and the hope of relaxation that January brings. We have been anticipating this time and the hope that it …
YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE CRAZY TO DIE FOR AN UNFOUNDED HOPE Throughout the centuries of the Church’s existence, there are countless examples of Christian martyrs who were prepared to give up their lives for the faith. From the Apostles who witnessed Jesus’ Resurrection, the early Christians who to a …
Gathered as One Family in Celebrating New Life As members of the Australian Defence Force we are very familiar with those ‘moments of remembrance’ as we gather silently and the Ode of Remembrance is recited. On these occasions we hear the sombre but noble words towards the end of …
