26 Sep 2022
Homily for the Solemn Pontifical Requiem Mass for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Homily for the Solemn Pontifical Requiem Mass for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

The Bible is ambivalent about monarchy.[1] The kings of the earth threatened the security of Israel, and the people long resisted having their own king, lest he be a rival to God’s sovereignty. The Jews were taught to “put not your trust in princes, in mortal men in whom there is no help”.[2] On the other hand, they thought of God as their heavenly king …

Continue Reading
26 Sep 2022
Homily for Mass of the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Homily for Mass of the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

He was only 15 when the Nazis deported him and his family to Auschwitz. His mother and younger sister were killed on arrival. He felt his God and his soul died that day also, and all his dreams turned to dust. But the boy and his father were able-bodied and selected for hard labour. They were transferred to Buchenwald in Germany where the father died soon after. But the boy survived to be liberated …

Continue Reading
16 Sep 2022
Visitor’s Address at the Annual Archbishop’s Dinner

Visitor’s Address at the Annual Archbishop’s Dinner

Thank you, Ms Hastings. It’s a pleasure to be back with you for this feast, both liturgical and culinary!

This week our nation, the Commonwealth of nations, and the world beyond are mourning the greatest woman leader of modern times. Whatever our views of monarchy and democracy, of the past or present role of Britain and its children in the world, of colonisation …

Continue Reading
16 Sep 2022
Catholic Women’s Network Launch

Catholic Women’s Network Launch

Welcome to my place for tonight’s official launch of the Catholic Women’s Network, a ministry to acknowledge all that Catholic women bring to our Church and city, and connect and support them better. I welcome distinguished guests, friends and colleagues.

This initiative would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of its faith-filled organisers. Here I want especially to recognise …

Continue Reading
16 Sep 2022
Homily for Solemn Mass of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross + Annual Visit to Sancta Sophia College

Homily for Solemn Mass of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross + Annual Visit to Sancta Sophia College

It was born out of boredom. Birmingham was one of the most heavily bombed cities during World War II and so Anthony Pratt spent a fair share of his time bored in bomb shelters. Inspired by Agatha Christie’s murder-mysteries, as well as the parlour games of his youth, Pratt devised a “who done it” boardgame. Players …

Continue Reading
12 Sep 2022
A MONARCH WHO UNITED US ALL

A MONARCH WHO UNITED US ALL

All Australians are united in sorrow as we mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Catholic community pauses to remember a wonderful Christian woman.
While Her Majesty was not born to rule, posterity will record her reign as a benchmark against which leaders will be judged for generations to come.
Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered as a model of public service …

Continue Reading
12 Sep 2022
10:10 PROJECT CONFERENCE “LIFE TO THE FULL”

10:10 PROJECT CONFERENCE “LIFE TO THE FULL”

I’m delighted to see so many faithful and joyful young people here today! Many say religious beliefs and values are out of favour with young people, that they’ve given up on God, and that while some are willing to volunteer for a bit for a good cause, they’ve largely moved on from those more idealistic days. Young people, the pundits claim, are more interested in getting ahead, having a series of short-term relationships …

Continue Reading