The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light … As the ending of this year comes ever closer, we can be confronted with a sense of urgency to make sure all things on our list are ticked off and neatly packaged so we can breathe a sigh of relief. Realistically we know that not to be the case. We Religious have been living with uncertainty for too long to fall into that trap – or perhaps we might need to be reminded again. What better way than Advent, writes CRA President Br Gerard Brady CFC.

A new report from Caritas Oceania, Caritas Australia and Jubilee Australia Research Centre, has revealed the total annual finance needs for Pacific nations facing climate mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage costs could conservatively sit at around USD$1.5bn. 

The Synod on Synodality came to completion last month after a two-year process engaging all the participants in spiritual conversations.  Its authority was affirmed by Pope Francis who immediately released the final document which had been the subject of intense deliberation in the final weeks of the Synod, writes CRA President Br Gerard Brady CFC.  

One of the two bishops appointed by Pope Francis to be auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Melbourne belongs to a Religious congregation based in the Philippines. 

Every moment in life has the potential to be a ‘God-moment’, as Mary MacKillop reminds us: “There where you are you will find God” (1871). Perhaps the most obvious of these moments are those of birth and death. Have you ever been present at either? Personally, I have yet to witness a birth, even that of an insect or animal, but I have had the privilege of sitting with a friend as she died and holding her hand as she travelled that last journey, writes Sr Mary Cresp RSJ.