News & Events

Symbolism of the Candle and the time

The time 6:47 pm local time marks when the gunmen opened fire on people gathered for a Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach. 

This gesture draws on the existing tradition of a candle in the window, which historically has symbolized welcome, hospitality, a guide for the lost, and a beacon of hope and remembrance for loved ones.

In a statement released last night, Archbishop Costelloe said the loss of innocent lives is a “tragedy beyond measure”.

“The twisted motives behind those who perpetrated these terrible acts are now clearly linked with the scourge of antisemitism,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

“This is a shocking and deeply distressing reality which calls into question our own understanding of ourselves as Australians.

“In a country which prides itself on its tolerance and open-hearted hospitality this blind prejudice and hatred points to a dark and destructive stain in our society which threatens not just our Jewish brothers and sisters but, in fact, all of us.”

Archbishop Costelloe said Australia must “rediscover our conviction that nothing can ever justify this destructive violence”.

• Read the complete article in CathNews here

In the early days her work was mostly among the people of Dublin, but in time the Congregation spread and became one of the largest Congregations of women in the world.

Catherine's life as a Sister of Mercy only spanned ten years. In that time she worked tirelessly to respond to the need of the poor and sick. She set up a number of foundations for this purpose both in Ireland and England and was about to make her first foundation in North America when illness overtook her. She died in 1841.

She was a woman of prayer and of deep faith. Her philosophy was"Let us take one day only in the hands at a time, merely making a resolve for tomorrow. Thus we may hope to go on, taking short, careful steps, not great strides ... Each day is a step we take towards Eternity ... The final step will bring us into the presence of God"

The Story of the Sisters of Mercy arriving in Parramatta and the early history of the Parramatta Congregation can be read on our websitehere.

"As Mercy women religious, we will continue to develop healthy ways of living and working together as a community of equals, participating graciously in the evolution of religious life and contemporary expressions of mercy." (Chapter Statement 2016)

The St Vincent de Paul Society said an Australian Human Rights Act was needed “to enshrine protections for the basic rights everyone in Australia deserves”.

“A family should have access to stable housing; a person should be able to see a doctor regardless of their bank balance; every child should have access to a quality education regardless of their postcode – but sadly, that’s not the case in Australia in 2025,” the society’s national president, Mark Gaetani, said.

“Housing, health and education are not aspirations; they are everyday essentials and should be protected by law.

Read the complete article in Cath News here

For details about the campaign, visit Human Rights Act Australia.