A book review by Gerald A. Arbuckle, SM

"This is a gem of a book. In a little over a hundred pages Michael Casey, OCSO, skilfully explores, and reflects on, some key aspects of Pope Francis’ social teachings."

Fr Vijay Bandanadam, Parish Priest of Benalla, shares one of his favourite recipes. The dish is so popular throughout India that it's place of origin is hotly disputed. Nevertheless, scholars suggest it originated in Hyderabad where Fr Vijay's Order is based.  So, now that you have an authentic biryani recipe from an authentic Indian Catholic priest, you have no excuse not to try and make this Australian take-away favourite at home!

Dr Chris Cotter and Ruth Lawlor have so far visited 28 Parishes and 11 schools across the Diocese to facilitate preparation and consultation meetings for the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council. If you have missed the meeting in your parish or school, you can now join one online. All are welcome!

Now in its eighth year, the Caritas Australia ‘Women for the World’ event has brought together Australians to stand in solidarity with their sisters across the globe, bringing in an impressive $106,000 for programs supporting women and girls in just one day.  

Described by founder of the event Michelle Fernon as a “global sisterhood that crosses borders, connects communities and creates change”, Women for the World highlights the need for continued focus on women’s empowerment and rights, particularly in vulnerable communities. 

A celebration of faith, culture, art-thinking, art making and inspiration from Sandhurst’s young.

“Look up! We’re in the world’s most beautiful art gallery, it’s the cathedral gallery;” Philomena Billington, once said to a Prep student at the MacKillop Art Awards. Listening to the words of the former Director of Catholic Education, attendees at the 2022 Awards raised their heads in awe, their faces bathed in the soft amber glow of Sacred Heart Cathedral, surrounded by the inspirational artworks of Sandhurst’s young people and the sweet voices of the Marist College Bendigo Choir – it was a spirit-filled occasion in which both hearts and minds were warmed.

A major new report by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has found people with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population.

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia has chosen its next National President to head the charity after the incumbent Ms Claire Victory steps down in March 2023.

Dale Wright, long-standing parishioner at St Brendan’s Shepparton, recounts a story about the loss of his wedding ring.  He shared this heartfelt reflection at the Married Couples Weekend Masses at St Brendan’s in early October.

Nine in ten Australians believe the biggest polluters should pay for the impacts of climate change. Polling, commissioned by Caritas Australia to coincide with COP27, finds climate change is the biggest global concern for two thirds of Australians, easily outranking armed conflict, even as war rages in Ukraine.