Foreign Parts
Everybody seems to think that I should write about going to World Youth Day. I’m inclined to believe it would be more useful to write about it while I’m there, or even afterwards, but perhaps there’s something to be said for laying out my expectations, hopes and foreshadowings. People seem to think so. By the time you read this, I and the other 70-odd pilgrims will be about to depart.
Welcome Fr Camillus!
On Saturday 4 June, Bishop Bill Wright ordained Camillus Nwahia to the priesthood, in which he joins some 30 priests actively ministering to people across the diocese. This was a significant event for the diocese and for Camillus himself, who arrived in Australia from Nigeria only in 2011.
Aspiring to weirdness
ASPIRE Artistic Director heralds the latest ensemble production.
Encyclical anniversary sparks religious call to shift from fossil fuels
Few papal proclamations have reverberated more strongly throughout the world than Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’. Released a year ago, the encyclical was part of a deluge of statements from the major faith traditions in the lead up to the Paris Climate Agreement.
Labyrinths are not mazes but they are amazing
Max Greive has been a farmhand, mortuary attendant, pastor, youth/community worker and is currently a counsellor, spiritual director, artist and labyrinth facilitator. He shares his appreciation of the ancient practice of labyrinth walking.
Pilgrimage: learning to travel lightly on the road
People are always on the move. The increasing popularity of walking ancient pilgrimage routes like the Camino in Spain appeals to our desire to travel to foreign lands, experience different cultures, see new things, taste new foods, enjoy temporary release from the monotony of daily existence, escape from challenging circumstances or trying relationships, or simply take a holiday.
Sharing the vision: Pope Francis and Stan Grant
“We are better than this.” The words are those of Stan Grant in a passionate address which tore away the curtain from what he called, “the Australian Dream” and revealed the ugliness of this country’s inherent racism and its shameful history of murder, repression and dispossession of the First People of this land.
"Let me show you the world!"
It is an attitude that arouses my instant and involuntary aversion! Kenneth Grahame, the writer of The Wind in the Willows, knew of this mindset, illustrating it to perfection in his description of Mr Toad standing beside his canary-coloured caravan summoning his long-suffering friends: “Let me show you the world!”
DADEEs girls demonstrate significant improvement in activity levels and wellbeing
Professor Philip Morgan of the University of Newcastle shares an innovative program designed to involve Dads in increasing their daughters’ physical activity levels and self-esteem.
Show us your works and we will believe you
Leo Tucker introduces Blessed Frederic Ozanam, Founder of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Fevola snags success at blokes only barbecue
From the lush, pampered lawns of the MCG, to the scrubby tangle of the African bush, Brendan Fevola seems to thrive in a variety of environments.
The years that made Mary
In the Year of Mercy, Mary Curran from Hamilton reflects on a relatively brief but momentous period of her life, significantly influenced by the Sisters of Mercy.
Addressing a child's fear
Q My father-in-law recently died from cancer. This was difficult for all of us but particularly difficult for my seven-year-old son. Although my father-in-law eventually died peacefully in his sleep, my son overheard us talking about this. Since then, my son has become afraid of sleeping alone and says that he is scared he could die in his sleep too. How can I make this better for him?
Stan Grant talks to his country
This edition appears in NAIDOC Week and Aurora is proud to reprint, with Stan Grant’s permission, an extract from his personal meditation, Talking to my Country.
You're invited to walk in the footsteps of Bishop James Murray
Envisioned by the small but enthusiastic ‘Team Murray’ as part of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s 150-year celebrations, a pilgrimage has been planned for Saturday 29 October 2016, exactly one week prior to the dedication of the historic, now restored, St John the Baptist Church.
Opportunities for people with disabilities to reach personal goals
For 47-year-old Gordon, relocating to CatholicCare’s supported accommodation in early 2015 resulted in a number of benefits.
Believe you can make a difference
Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir insists that she had no aspirations to leadership, yet she is an exemplary and universally respected leader who exudes grace and charm. Dame Marie was the guest speaker at the annual Tenison Woods Education Centre Dinner (TWEC) held in Maitland in June.
Dear Brussels: Letters from Down Under
In the digital age, letter writing could easily be seen as somewhat passé. Surely Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and even ordinary old email are so much quicker and easier? Some students of St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton, might disagree.
