News & Events

"We will nurture relations that are kind, just, respectful and inclusive among each other..." (Chapter Statement)

In his Message for the Day, Pope Leo offers a scriptural meditation on old age, beginning with biblical figures such as Abraham and Sarah, Zechariah and Elizabeth, as well as Moses, all of whom were called in old age to be part of God’s saving plan.

“The Jubilee we are now celebrating helps us to realize that hope is a constant source of joy, whatever our age.When that hope has also been tempered by fire over the course of a long life, it proves a source of deep happiness.”

• Read the rest of the article here
• Read Pope Leo’s message here

Originally from Mexico and based in Latin America, Mauricio currently serves as Executive Secretary of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA). The CEAMA is responsible for implementing the outcomes of the 2019 Amazon Synod.

The Amazon Synod effectively called for bold new paths for evangelisation and the care of creation as the Amazon is a region of the earth deeply affected by environmental degradation, economic injustice and marginalisation of its Indigenous peoples.

Mauricio is also Director of Networking and Pastoral Programs at CELAM, the Episcopal Council for Latin America and the Caribbean. He was appointed by Pope Francis in 2021 to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. He was involved with the Synod on Synodality, serving as a table facilitator at the continental phase and bringing insights from Latin America to the global conversation.

This presentation was given at St Patrick's Cathedral Hall, Parramatta, on Wednesday 23 July 2025

Recently, she stepped down as Chancellor of Ministries for the Diocese, where she oversaw the creation of the Mission Enhancement Team.

Others might call these “achievements”, but Sr Ailsa sees everything that she has done in her life as a means of “helping influence people for good” so that their lives can be better.

This view of the world stems from her Mercy charism, which is devoted to promoting compassion, kindness and love.

“I think that sense of being with people in their struggles and in their endeavours to better their own lives brings hope,” she says.

“Hope has always been part of my aspiration; your faith in God brings hope and allows you to live with hope.”...

• Source: This article was originally published in the 2025 Ordinary Time | Winter edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine.
• You can read the digital version here

"We will protect the rights of the natural world and make practical efforts to stem the hurtful effects of climate change, pollution and the ‘throw away’ mentality..." (Chapter Statement)

All countries party to the Paris Agreement are required to detail their 2035 climate targets by this year, ahead of the climate summit in Brazil in November (COP 30). Australia is yet to release its target and supportive plan, and CRA has urged the government to ensure that Australia fairly contributes to limiting global heating to less than 1.5°C by committing to reach net zero climate pollution by 2035.

“Pope Leo XIV, in his message for the Tenth World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, has lamented that nature has been reduced to a commodity to be bartered for economic or political gain, with God’s creation turned into a battleground for the control of vital resources,” said Br Gerard Brady CFC, CRA President...

Read the complete media release from CRA here