Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP

Thank you very much for those kind words of introduction.

The causes of poor mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and suicide are complex and require serious study and compassionate treatment. It is far too important an issue in our community and we should not play politics with mental health.

Welcome to All Saints Church for the Funeral Mass for Fr Frank Furfaro. I acknowledge the presence today of Fr Frank's two sisters, Josie and Tina, their husbands and his extended family, to whom in particular I extend my sympathies and those of the Archdiocese of Sydney.

The allegations against Cardinal George Pell aired on the ABC's 7:30 Report were extremely distressing for all parties, are as yet untested, and have been emphatically denied.

With the federal election just around the corner, we all have to decide who to vote for. This is not always an easy decision, but it is a very important responsibility, for Catholics as for others. We all must decide who deserves our vote.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, It is a joy to be back with you in St Patrick's Cathedral on this historic occasion as Bishop Vincent Long van Nguyen OFMConv is installed as Bishop of Parramatta.

The news of the mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida is heartbreaking.

Your Eminence the Grand Mufti of Australia and President of the Council of Imams, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed; Your Highness Shiek Kamal Moselmane of the Supreme Shiite Islamic Council of Australia; Mr Hafez Kassem, President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils; and other leaders or representatives of the Muslim community;

I write today to thank you all for the thousands of prayers and expressions of concern for me, that have come by email and letters, with gifts and cards, in so many different ways since I got sick at Christmas time.

What an awesome opening this has been for our Australian Catholic Youth Festival! And you might say: surprising. After all, our theme – “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God”

A very warm to our Forum for the student leaders in the systemic and congregational schools of the Archdiocese.

My thanks to Mr Darryl Courtney-O'Connor AM, Founder and Chair of the International College of Management, Sydney, and his wife Anne, for inviting me to give the Graduation Address today.