VIEWPOIN Catholic
JULY - SEPTEMBER 2025
VOLUME 31. ISSUE 3
DIOCESE OF ARMIDALE
MEMBER OF THE AUSTRALASIAN CATHOLIC
PRESS ASSOCIATION
ISSN 1446-0041
JUBILEE YEAR PILGRIMAGES 2 1 3 4 5
SAINT CARLO ACUTIS EXHIBITION CANONISATIONS
38TH DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
AROUND THE DIOCESE
On Thursday 28 August, Year One students from St Mary’s Primary School Armidale attended a Eucharistic Miracles exhibition in the Torreggiani room. The exhibition showcased the work of Saint Carlo Acutis, who created a large catalogue of Eucharistic miracles from around the world on his website. Most of the many webpages describing and displaying the miracles were printed on large board for the students to view. The exhibition also featured a realistic tomb of Saint Carlo Acutis that is currently on display at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Assisi. The exhibition was skilfully presented by Mrs. Kate Hobbs, National Director, who had an approved relic of Saint Carlo Acutis’ hair. Some of the student’s responses were:
“He’s awesome! He did all these websites (webpages) and the tsunami miracle is cool”
“I would like to face my fear of flying and visit Carlo’s tomb. I think that would be special” “Praying with the relic was really special”
Jubilee Year Pilgrimages
Diocese of Armidale Pilgrim Stories:
Fr. Paul Chandler, Lorenzo Vaca and Augustine Vaca went on pilgrimage to Italy in July/August as part of the Frassati group. Journeying around Italy, to places including Turin, Florence and Assisi the pilgrimage finished in Rome during the Jubilee of Youth, where they were joined by one million other young pilgrims.
“I had such a great time in Italy. Seeing all the saints and holy men/women has really made me want to grow in holiness. Also, it was a blessing to see hundreds and thousands of young people with one thing in common. Their faith.” -Lorenzo
Celebrations continue in the Jubilee Year with our mini-Cathedral, replica Cathedral and relics of the saints touring the Diocese to schools and parishes. On 2 September, students from St Joseph’s Primary School Walgett visited St Mary’s Church Walgett to attend Mass and to learn about the Cathedral and the relics.
Jubilee Masses have been held in each of the Diocese’s deaneries. The next Jubilee Mass will be at St Brigid’s Quirindi on October 15.
“It was awesome to see hundreds of thousands of young Catholics from every corner of the world all gather in Rome to celebrate their faith together. The experience has left me with a growing sense of hope in my own life, and I hope more people can experience the same.” -Augustine
Travelling with the Bathurst Diocese, Brianna Woodhead also went on pilgrimage to Italy, walking over 100 kilometres from Assisi to Rome along La Via di Francesco (St. Francis’ Way). Brianna says she continues to see the graces of the journey pour out in the months since being back home in Armidale and is reminded of Saint Mary MacKillop’s words to her mother in 1866 “If we could but bear in mind that we are only poor travellers, that our home is not here, would we not joyfully toil on in the hope of soon reaching the happy home that we knew awaited us.”
St Mary’s Walgett Jubilee Year Mass with students
Diocese of Armidale Pilgrim Churches
There is still time to embark on a pilgrimage within our own Diocese! This Jubilee Year of Hope is a rare opportunity to ask big and expect abundant graces and miracles.
“For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20
A very special part of these pilgrimages is to gain a plenary indulgence. There are a number of ways to gain a plenary indulgence as set out in the Vatican decree of 13 May 2024 (scan the QR code)
In technical terms, a pilgrimage is a spiritual booster. It leads to more than a plenary indulgence alone – it creates the space to renew your relationship with God, to “not confirm yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2). While it does not change the external pressures on your life, it equips you with hope, encouragement, strength and grace to embrace the challenges with Christ beside you.
Pope Francis in the Jubilee Bull said, “Christian hope does not deceive or disappoint because it is grounded in the certainty that nothing and no one may ever separate us from God’s love...”
Carlo Acutis & Pier Giorgio Canonisation
Continued from first page ten days later on Sunday September 7 the exhibition was on display again. The Immaculata community organised a special live viewing of the canonisation of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. It was a great opportunity for parishioners from Armidale and surrounding parishes to celebrate these two young saints. The exhibition is due to make its way around each parish and school in the Diocese, commencing in October.
Saint john henry newman - Doctor of the church
“From shadows and images into the Truth” These words albeit in Latin are the words inscribed on the tombstone of the soon to be 38th Doctor of the Church- Saint John Henry Newman.
On 31 July, Pope Leo XIV officially approved the decision, the last step before the title is conferred upon him.
What does it mean to be a doctor of the church? The latin word docere literally means to teach. A Doctor of the Church is someone whose writings are especially wise, sound and beneficial to the faith. Their teachings are orthodox, their writings have universal value for Christians, and that they have made a significant contribution to theology or spirituality. Regarded by many as the greatest English Catholic intellectual of the last 500 years, and with an output of over 40 volumes covering theology, philosophy, sermons, poetry and fiction, you may wonder where to start.
The Dream of Gerontius and Lead Kindly Light are probably two of Newmans most well-known poems, which were later set to music. They were both written in very difficult times in Newman’s life. The Dream of Gerontius a poem written in 1865, explores the journey of a soul (Gerontius) from death to judgment and towards heaven. The famous English composer Edward Elgar, himself a Catholic, set close to half of the 1230-line poem to music. This, Elgar’s most famous choral work, remains a staple of the choral repertoire performed in concert halls and cathedrals worldwide. Lead, Kindly Light, is a beloved hymn and poem written by Newman in 1833. He composed it on his return voyage to England, when he was stranded in Sicily due to illness and travel delays. The original title was “The Pillar of Cloud,” and refers to the biblical image form Exodus, where God leads the Israelites through the desert as a pillar of cloud and fire by night.
Although performed in cathedrals worldwide, perhaps the most moving rendition of Lead, Kindly Light happened shortly after 3:45pm on Tuesday 16 February 1909 – underground. West Stanley Colliery in England was the sight of the third largest mining disaster in England’s history. Following a huge underground explosion where a fireball and thick smoke erupted from the shaft, which caused a reversal of airflow that sucked the smoke back down, many men and boys lay dead in the different coal seams throughout the mine. Incredibly, a group of 34 men and boys in the Tilley seam had found a clean pocket of air. A few of them panicked and left the group, they died instantly after inhaling the poisonous gas. The remainder sat in almost total darkness, when one of them began humming the hymn “Lead kindly light.” In no time at all, the rest of the miners joined in with the words, “Lead kindly light amidst the encircling gloom, lead thou me on, the night is dark, and I am far from home.” After 14 hours, 26 men were rescued, four others were later rescued.
Newman who lived to the ripe old age of 89 said of music “I never wrote more than when I played the fiddle (violin). I always sleep better after music. There must be some electric current passing from the strings through the fingers into the brain and down the spinal marrow. Perhaps thought is music.” (Ibidem, Vol. XXII, OUP 1972, p.9).
around the diocese
CONFIRMATIONS AT WARIALDA AND EAST TAMWORTH
Students from St Joseph’s Warialda joyfully received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday 30th August at St Patrick’s Church in Warialda — a profound step in their faith journey and a beautiful affirmation of their commitment to Christ. Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, may they be strengthened in grace, guided in truth, and inspired to live out their faith with courage and compassion. We thank Bishop Peter Murphy and Fr Deleep Antony RCJ for leading our celebration and thank all families and parishioners for their support. Let us keep them in our prayers as they continue to grow in love, wisdom and service.
On Friday, August 22, Year 6
Confirmation candidates from St Nicholas School participated in a special retreat day held at the school. The day provided a valuable opportunity for the candidates to prepare for their upcoming Confirmation, focusing on prayer, personal reflection and community building.
Throughout the day, the candidates had the privilege of meeting with Bishop Peter Murphy, who spoke with them about the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the virtues. The retreat activities were designed to encourage the students to reflect on their personal faith journeys and to share their stories and experiences with peers and mentors. A big thank you to the Year 11 students from McCarthy Catholic College who helped facilitate the retreat.
Around the diocese
CATHEDRAL PARISH - EUCHARISTIC RETREAT
15 - 17 August, 2025
“The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.”
- Saint Carlo Acutis -
The Cathedral Parish Eucharistic Retreat was blessed to have Fr Sean Davidson lead the Retreat on 15-17 August 2025. It was an extraordinary weekend, opening with Mass on Friday evening, with talks from Fr Sean about the power of the Eucharist, opportunities for prayer, including adoration and benediction in the Cathedral, children’s ministry and all Sunday homilies at the Cathedral were given by Fr Sean.
Fr Sean’s love for the Eucharist was palpable. He spoke of the great graces that are poured out to each person from Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and explained that it is our receptivity that determines the amount of grace that we receive. Sharing his own conversion story before Eucharistic Adoration, he encouraged all to “fan” their desire before receiving Holy Communion, as St Faustina did. He described the three elements of the Eucharist: sacrifice, communion and presence, including the remarkable gift in growing in our union with God. As Christ humbled Himself to become present in the ‘host’, he explained the incredible risk of indifference God is willing to take to be accessible to us.
Following the retreat, the Cathedral Parish Eucharistic Adoration Program began in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel, with adoration now available from Monday to Thursday, 8 am-8 pm, and through the night from Friday 8 am to Saturday 8 am, with benediction at 8 am followed by Holy Mass. A roster is in place to ensure two people (‘Guardians’) are with the Blessed Sacrament at all times.
If you are interested in joining the roster please email: sistersoftheimmaculata@gmail.com with your available times, or if you are not able to commit to an hour, you are welcome to drop in for a visit at any time.
Welcome fathers clarence & Mario
Introducing two of our new priests to the Diocese from the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Missionaries in the Philippines, Father Clarence Canafe and Father Mario Mendoza. We sat down with them and asked them a few questions so we could all get to know each other better!
Fathers what are your first impressions of Australia?
Fr Mario: In terms of wildlife, the cockatoo impressed me the most. On the way to Narrabri, we saw a group of crows feasting on a dead kangaroo. I would like to visit the Opera House, St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, the art gallery, museum, the capital Canberra.
Fr Clarence: For me I think the word is, huge! Compared to the Philippines, we are a small group of islands. I am fascinated by what I am seeing - so many animals we have never seen before.
Armidale people are so warm and welcoming. When I see them, they greet me. That makes a good impression on me.
Fathers what are your hobbies and interests?
Fr Clarence: I like the outdoors, mountain biking, basketball. These are the hobbies I have been doing all my life. Mountain biking is a form of relaxation, an opportunity to gain friends and also a form of ministry. I develop friendships and help people. I get invited to bless people, their family members their homes, say Masses for them.
Fathers Mario and Clarence taste testing the Australian iconic spread Vegemite.
the chosen at gunnedah
Fr Mario: Me I am not a sporty person, but I do love listening to music. I enjoy visiting beautiful landmarks and the natural environment. I am in awe at the different animals I see in Australia, the different coloured birds we don’t see in the Philippines. Recently I visited Mt. Kaputar, where there were lots of wallabies. Since I was young, I loved swimming at the beach. Growing up I lived very near the beach.
Fr Clarence has been appointed as Assistant Priest to St Nicholas Parish, Tamworth and Fr Mario Assistant Priest to St Edward’s Parish, South Tamworth. Give them a ‘friendly G’day’ when you see them about.
The Chosen series is a historical drama based on the life and ministry of Jesus, as seen through the eyes of the disciples and those who knew him.
St Joseph’s Gunnedah parishioners who had watched the series were eager to invite other parishioners to come together to view an episode of the series every fortnight. The Parish Pastoral Council was very supportive of this initiative.
The series skillfully highlights the struggles of the disciples in their understanding of Jesus’ teaching and the difficulties and stubbornness of the Jewish people to accept Jesus as their chosen Messiah. The excellent cast soon endears the viewer to the characters they depict. Jonathan Roumie who plays the part of Jesus is a devout Catholic who has his own personal story of surrender. Jonathan’s depiction of Jesus draws you ever closer to the humanity of Jesus. To bring the series to the big screen creative license regarding some aspects of the personalities of the disciples and other characters has been done by the Series Producers. Nonetheless St Joseph’s parish has remained focused on deepening their understanding of the Gospels and the complexities that Jesus faced to bring about the new kingdom of repentance and belief. Fr Abmar Dumayag, Parish Priest of Gunnedah, provides the group with reflection questions after each viewing.
A great parish initiative which brings people together and provides an opportunity for fellowship and sharing of their faith journey.
around the diocese
VINNIES SLEEP
OUT
Friday, August 22
Twenty-four participants braved the -1°C temperatures overnight for the annual Vinnies Sleepout. Some participants slept on cardboard inside the Sport UNE new Hall while others slept in the courtyard outside. Thanks to the support of the Armidale community, a total of $37,000 was raised which will go directly to participants of the Fresh Start Program at Freeman House. Freeman House provides residential and inpatient alcohol and other drug treatment to adults experiencing substance related harm and dependency.
Our keynote speaker for the night, Diana Connell from Global Sisters shared her personal experience as a survivor of domestic violence and homelessness and the role the St Vincent de Paul Society played in supporting her to secure stable housing.
Bishop Murphy also spoke to the group about our love for the poor and the great work of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
