New Pope elected- Pope Leo XIV

Habemus Papam! We have a Pope!

As the white smoke came out of the chimney in Rome, we were excited to hear the news that a new Pope had been elected to lead the Church on Friday.

“The name a Pope chooses already signals to the Church and the world something of his priorities and style. By choosing the name Leo XIV our new Pope has signalled that he sees himself in line with the last century of Catholic Social Teaching.  We may expect to see him speaking out on some of the issues of our day including the displacement of peoples and migration, ongoing violent conflicts in many parts of the globe, social cohesion and climate change.  His first words to the world were ‘Peace be with you’.  He is sure to be a Pope who will pursue peace and justice.”  (Taken from Rev. Dr Brendan Reed).

Pope Leo XIV’s first greetings to Rome and to the world: “Peace be with you all!

Dear brothers and sisters, these are the first words spoken by the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for God’s flock.  I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world.  Peace be with you!”

Father Mathew also mentioned on Sunday, that the Pope had visited Mareeba in 2005 as the head of the Augustinian order, and Mrs P had dinner with him during his visit!

We continue to pray for our new Pope Leo XIV as he takes on the important role of leading our church.

Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians: May 24

Saturday, May 24 is the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, patroness of our country, Australia. The first Australian provincial Synod held in Sydney in 1844, placed the Church in Australia under the patronage of Mary using the title Help of Christians.

As Australians, we can turn to Mary, to help us in our need, calling upon her to pray with us to her Son Jesus.  We might pray for peace and unity in our nation, and to pray for the youth of our country. 

As this feast falls on a Saturday this year, we will hold prayers in our classrooms on the Friday before.

God bless,

Mary MacCallum