As we head towards the end of the calendar year, we are entering into the season of Advent and a new liturgical year. This liturgical year will be an extra exciting one for us, as Pope Francis has declared it The Year for Consecrated Life.

All of us who are living in consecrated life welcome this recognition from the Holy Father that there is much to celebrate in the Gospel-centred life we have been called to live. It is not a life without challenges, but it is a life filled with deep joy. 

With Mission Sunday (October 19) now behind us and the Mission Month of October drawing to a close, it is good to reflect on some of the key themes that have emerged in our celebrations.

The first theme that springs to mind is Joy. As we have come to expect from Pope Francis, his Message for World Mission Sunday was infused with joy, the ‘Joy of the Gospel’, which we are all called to share.

For many years now the Divine Word Missionaries have been commited to interfaith dialogue and interfaith living and learning, and so in the wake of the recent terrorist raids in Sydney and Brisbane, we find ourselves looking at the situation with a unique perspective.

Certainly the first thing that needs to be said is that we support the law enforcement authorities in their work of preventing crime. Where problems arise is when people begin to confuse criminal activity with the presence and lawful activity of all Muslims. 

Earlier this month, the Catholic Church in Australia celebrated National Vocations Awareness Week.

As I write this message, the world is in mourning for the people on board Malaysian Airlines Flight 17, which was shot down by missile over Ukraine. In the wake of such violence, we pray for the gentle repose of their souls, that they may rest in peace, with God, their loving creator.

I have just finished reading Pope Francis’ Message for the 88th World Mission Day, to be celebrated on October 19 and once again, the spirit at the heart of the Holy Father’s message is Joy.

As I write this message Australia is preparing to celebrate National Reconciliation Week in the last week of May.

The theme chosen for this year’s National Reconciliation Week is ‘Let’s Walk the Talk’. What a challenge that is for us all.

Easter blessings to you!

It is with the joy of the Risen Lord that I greet you this month. Of course, we are always an Easter people, but the celebration of the great feast of the resurrection always brings this into sharper focus for us.

It’s good to ask ourselves now, what does this mean for us as we seek to live a missionary life?

As I write this message, the Church has entered fully into the season of Lent, and is also marking the first anniversary of the election of Pope Francis.

Lent is always a good time to take spiritual stock and I have been thinking in these recent days of the wonderful example that Pope Francis is being to all of us who seek to live Christ’s mission.

I think, if asked what they find most striking about Francis, many would say it is his simplicity. 

It has been a whirlwind start to the year for me personally and for the AUS Province of the Society of the Divine Word more generally.

Since taking up my role as Provincial on New Year’s Day, I, together with the Provincial Council, have been looking at our various missionary ministries and prayerfully examining how we can build on the existing energy and experience that exists in those ministries and carry them forward with fresh passion and enthusiasm.