"Any act of war aimed indiscriminately at the destruction of entire cities or extensive areas along with their population is a crime against God and humanity itself. It merits unequivocal and unhesitating condemnation."Vatican II, Gaudium et Spes, n 80. The code name for the operation that lead to the first use of this weapon of… Read More »1945: Detonation of the first atomic bomb, New Mexico USA
"The ultimate destiny of the universe is in the fullness of God, which has already been attained by the risen Christ, the measure of the maturity of all things."Pope Francis, Laudato Si', n 83. Find out more about the moon landing here. For Reflection What difference does seeing the universe as a cosmos created by… Read More »Anniversary of the Moon Landing (1969)
Bill abolishing slavery throughout the British Empire was passed on the third reading in the House of Commons on this day.
On this day, we celebrate the contribution of Indochinese refugees to Australian society and reflect on the varying quality of welcome extended by our community to asylum seekers over the past fifty-five years. Our first Vietnamese-born Australian Bishop is Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv. He is the Bishops' Delegate for Migrants and Refugees… Read More »1965: First Indochinese refugees allowed to settle in Australia
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"With deep conviction I wish once more to declare that the use of atomic energy for purposes of war is today, more than ever, a crime not only against the dignity of human beings but against any possible future for our common home. The use of atomic energy for purposes of war is immoral, just… Read More »1945: Destruction of Hiroshima by atomic bomb
"Truth was Dominic’s motto and his goal. Dominic was born in Spain, the youngest of four children. He was outstanding for his love of truth, his clear thought, his organizing ability, and his sensitive, loving nature. For Dominic, love for people was part of his love for God."Loyola Press
"Countless people at home and abroad, including the hibakusha, hope that Japan, the only country to experience atomic warfare, will lead the international community in abolishing nuclear weapons. In response to that hope, we urge you to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons."Mitsuaki Takami, Archbishop of Nagasaki, President, Catholic Bishops’… Read More »1945: Destruction of Nagasaki by atomic bomb
What do you think are the real treasures of the Church? Little is actually known about St Lawrence, but the following legend, recounted by Franciscan Media, persists: As deacon in Rome, Lawrence was charged with the responsibility for the material goods of the Church, and the distribution of alms to the poor. When Lawrence knew… Read More »Saint Lawrence
Clare was born of a wealthy family in Assisi, Italy. As a teenager she became aware that Francis, the handsome, wealthy leader of youth in Assisi, had greatly changed. Clare’s community wanted to live according to the rule of Francis. Her community still exists today, the Sisters are called the Poor Clares. Loyola Press