Elizabeth Joice was 32 years old when an MRI detected aggressive spinal cancer. She decided not to fight it; she’d just enjoy whatever time she had left.
14
May
2017
13
May
2017
HOMILY FOR MASS AND PROCESSION FOR CENTENARY OF THE FIRST APPARITIONS OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY OF FÁTIMA – ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL, SYDNEY
On this day, 13 May, 100 years ago a woman, “brighter than the sun”, wearing a white mantle edged with gold and holding a rosary, appeared to three children.
07
May
2017
HOMILY FOR MASS OF THE 4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR A SHRINE OF ST MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP, NORTH SYDNEY
When on visitation some years ago in this very parish of North Sydney, I went to the parish primary school. As I entered a tiny-tot, who saw I was unusually dressed, asked what I was.
30
Apr
2017
HOMILY FOR 3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER + CENTENARY OF ST. PATRICK’S BONDI – ST PATRICK’S CHURCH, BONDI
People have reflected upon the meaning of friendship ever since the Book of Genesis described the first one – between Adam and Eve.
24
Apr
2017
HOMILY FOR ANZAC DAY VIGIL MASS – ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL, SYDNEY
‘Total war.’ Even today it has an ominous ring. The phrase was coined by the German General Erich Ludendorff to describe what happened in the First World War.
23
Apr
2017
HOMILY FOR 2ND SUNDAY EASTERTIDE (DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY) YEAR A – ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL, SYDNEY
Poor St Thomas. He gets a bad rap, even from his brother-apostle John in our Gospel today (Jn 20:19-31). He’s been dubbed ‘Doubting Thomas’ ever since, pilloried for his lack of faith, his failure to accept the testimony of his friends.
16
Apr
2017
Homily for Mass for Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord – St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney
The picture of Abdul Hamid Youssef, cradling his dead twins, Ahmed and Aiya, broke the heart of our world last week. Abdul lost 22 relatives, including his wife Dalal al-Saha and two nine-month-old children, during a chemical weapon attack by the Syrian government on its own people.
15
Apr
2017
Homily for the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of the Resurrection of the Lord St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney
The picture of Abdul Hamid Youssef, cradling his dead twins, Ahmed and Aiya, broke the heart of our world last week.
14
Apr
2017
Good Friday Celebration of the Passion of the Lord St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney
There are many versions of the story. Famously rediscovered by St Helena in the year 326, the Cross of Christ had been an object of devotion from the earliest times.
13
Apr
2017
HOMILY FOR THE CHRISM MASS – ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL, SYDNEY
Feet. Not the most glamorous part of the human body. But as I realized more clearly last year when I was off them, we need our feet to stand, for balance and support, to bear our weight and get ourselves from A to B.
13
Apr
2017
MOST REV ANTHONY FISHER OP ARCHBISHOP OF SYDNEY EASTER MESSAGE 2017
Brexit, impeached presidents in Brazil and South Korea, new presidents in America and the Philippines, an attempted coup in Turkey, civil war in Syria…
13
Apr
2017
HOMILY FOR THE MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER – ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL, SYDNEY
Feet. Not the most glamorous part of the human body. But as I realized more clearly last year when I was off them, we need our feet to stand, for balance and support, to bear our weight and get ourselves from A to B.
10
Apr
2017
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP's message in response to the bombings of two Coptic churches in Egypt
At the beginning of the holiest week in the Church's year, we have been appalled by the bombings of two Coptic Christian churches in Egypt by ISIS, the dozens of deaths and injuries, and the images of blackened and blood-stained sanctuaries.
09
Apr
2017
HOMILY FOR THE MASS OF PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD – St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney
What a sight! Jesus entering Jerusalem and greeted as a king, the crowd casting their cloaks before him and waving victory palms.
04
Apr
2017
SANCTA SOPHIA COLLEGE ANNUAL ARCHBISHOP'S ADDRESS – Sancta Sophia College, Camperdown
Thank you Dr Leach and may the force be with you! I'm grateful to you all for hosting me once again at this annual Archbishop's Mass and Dinner.