The Catholic Leader

Catholic bishops’ conferences from around the world call for an end to Iran conflict

Catholic News Agency — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 23:21:21 +0000

HERE is a roundup of Catholic world news you might have missed: CATHOLIC bishops in Europe and Asia are calling for deescalation of the Iran war as the conflict broadens across the Middle East. “No political leader has the authority to unleash war at will,” the Irish bishops said in a March 4 statement. The Australian […]

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Patricia blessed to work with ‘fantastic women’ serving vulnerable Queenslanders on International Women’s Day

Joe Higgins — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 23:30:00 +0000

WHEN Patricia McMahon is out helping people in the community, she always feels like she gets more out of it than they do. Ms McMahon has dedicated 13 years to St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland and, since 2022, has served as the first female state president in more than 130 years of its history. […]

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It is time to seek peace, not war, Padre Gary Stone writes as Israel and US missiles hit Iran

Guest Contributor — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:30:00 +0000

By Deacon Gary Stone AS Israeli and US bombs and missiles pound Iran into the dark ages, in a relentless campaign which, in the words of US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, “will show no mercy, nor follow rules of engagement,” God must weep and despair of what has become of humanity. As a veteran myself […]

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Truth is not a weapon, it is a path to freedom, Ashley Prisk writes

Guest Contributor — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

By Ashley Prisk RECENTLY, I was discussing the concept of truth with a group of teenagers. We began by looking at how different perspectives shape the way we read the Bible and this starting point led us into a more thoughtful discussion. The difference between subjective and objective truth is complex. At first, we considered subjective truth […]

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Formal fits under $50 – pop-up coming to Caboolture

Staff writers — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:00:00 +0000

FOR one day, St Columban’s College Chapel, Caboolture will be transformed into a formal fashion shopping destination. The first St Vincent de Formal event on Saturday March 7, from 9am to 4pm will feature hundreds of outfits and accessories for sale – all priced under $50. “At past events, people have been blown away by […]

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Maronite priest says no one knows what comes next as Lebanese people caught in the middle of fighting

Joe Higgins — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

MISSILE and drone strikes are escalating across the Middle East and Brisbane Maronite priest Fr Fadi Salame says the people of his village in southern Lebanon feel like they have “no say” in what happens next. Lebanon has become a battleground again after Hezbollah forces launched rocket attacks into Israel in recent days. Israel launched a counter-offensive and sent troops into Lebanon in response. In Brisbane, Fr Salame said […]

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Greg has been caring for senior Australians at Centacare Waminda for 25 years

Joe Higgins — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:54:04 +0000

GREG Henry is looking back on a quarter-century of care at Centacare Waminda and his message to those just starting out was simple – “just be yourself”. He said the “true Greg” was a “bit of a jokester”, rarely ever seen by clients without a smile on his face. He said an authentic approach to care helped him build long and meaningful connections with the […]

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Australian Catholic Bishops Conference leader calls for peace in Middle East

Guest Contributor — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:15:52 +0000

This is a statement from Archbishop Timothy Costelloe , president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and Archbishop of Perth. IN this season of Lent, Pope Leo has encouraged us to pray for peace, to “fast from words and acts of hatred and conflict” and to rediscover the peace Christ offers. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference […]

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Catholic education leader Dr Sally Towns steps down after decades of promoting excellence

Staff writers — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:00:00 +0000

AFTER more than 30 years in Catholic education – four of them as as executive director of Brisbane Catholic Education – Dr Sally Towns has resigned for health reasons. Dr Towns’ work with the archdiocese would “benefit us for decades to come”, Brisbane Archbishop Shane Mackinlay said. “Sally is a much-loved and exceptional leader, and […]

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Civilian death tolls rise as Ukraine war enters fifth year

Guest Contributor — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

By Georgia Whiteley CARITAS Australia has urged the international community to pay attention to rising death tolls as the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year since the full-scale invasion in 2022. Last year, more than 2500 civilians were killed and 12,000 injured, a 31 per cent increase since 2024. Caritas Australia humanitarian manager Sally […]

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Pray the rosary, Gulf bishop says urging calm as Iran retaliates after US-Israeli strikes

Catholic News Agency — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 03:49:16 +0000

IRAN”S retaliation to US and Israeli strikes on February 28 has spilled beyond Israel, with missiles and drones aimed at multiple countries hosting US forces and key regional infrastructure as the Middle East braced for a wider confrontation. Reuters reported strikes or attempted strikes involving Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Jordan, […]

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Fr Francis shares vision to help bring parishioners closer to God

Kymberlee Gomes — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:00:00 +0000

SEVERAL parishes in Brisbane archdiocese are welcoming new parish priests this year. We spoke to a few and while they’ll all bring their own gifts to their ministry, there’s one common theme – they want to connect with their parishioners. Stay tuned to the Catholic Leader to find out a little more about our parish […]

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Indooroopilly Parish to mark 100 years of faith with multiple celebrations

Kymberlee Gomes — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

PLANNING is in full swing at Holy Family Parish Indooroopilly as it prepares to celebrate its centenary. Five events to mark the milestone will be held between March and July 2026. The first afternoon tea will be held on March 14 from 3pm to 5pm at 37 Ward Street, Indooroopilly to commemorate the laying of […]

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Pope Leo calls for the end to ‘spiral of violence’ in Middle East

Kymberlee Gomes — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 01:33:43 +0000

PEACE is not built on weapons and destruction, Pope Leo XIV has said calling on world leaders to assume their moral duty “to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss”. More than 200 people are believed to have been killed, including at least 100 at a school, as US and Israeli […]

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Sri Lankan police arrest former top intelligence official over 2019 Easter suicide bombing

Staff writers — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:26:37 +0000

SRI Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department has arrested Major General Suresh Sallay, the former director of military intelligence at the time of the 2019 Easter suicide bombings that targeted several churches. Authorities said they detained Major Sallay for 72 hours for questioning under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, according to a news report, which said investigators are […]

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Leadership and faith – Archbishop to share insights with Brisbane professionals

Kymberlee Gomes — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:11:00 +0000

IN A world that’s changing faster than ever, questions often arise about the future of the Church and how education and artificial intelligence could help shape our faith. United by a common belief, trust in God and a hopeful vision, Brisbane professionals will gather for a conversation and lunch with Archbishop Shane Mackinlay and ABC […]

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Brisbane welcomes nearly double the number of people at Rite of Election than previous year

Joe Higgins — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 23:25:56 +0000

THE Holy Spirit is opening “floodgates” of grace in Brisbane, parish adult formators say, as 454 adults take their next steps towards reception into the Church at Easter. Brisbane Archbishop Shane Mackinlay welcomed 207 catechumens and 247 candidates at the Rite of Election at St Stephen’s Cathedral on Sunday, February 22. The total of 454 people almost doubles last […]

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Thousands flock to Assisi for historic viewing of St Francis’ remains

Catholic News Agency — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:19:03 +0000

HUNDREDS of pilgrims lined up before dawn on Sunday to be among the first to pray before the exposed relics of St Francis in his basilica in Assisi, Italy. Nearly 400,000 people are expected to venerate the saint’s relics while on public display, outside the stone tomb in a crypt where they usually rest, till […]

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God offers new possibilities, not prohibitions, with his invitation to love, Pope Leo says

CNS — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 23:07:28 +0000

WHILE Satan tempts humanity with the lie of gaining unlimited power, God offers the gift of true freedom that leads to real love, relationships and fulfillment, Pope Leo XIV said. Beginning with the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, humankind has had to face “the age-old dilemma: can I live my […]

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The Church is proof of God’s plan to unite humanity, Pope Leo says

CNS — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 06:30:00 +0000

THE Catholic Church is not merely an institution, but a visible sign of God’s plan to unite all humanity in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, Pope Leo XIV said in his weekly general audience. The pope continued his series on the Second Vatican Council, emphasising one of its principal documents, the Dogmatic […]

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Brisbane archdiocese backs new protections for faith communities, warns against powers to ban speech

Joe Higgins — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 07:00:00 +0000

BRISBANE archdiocese is voicing support for a new state bill targeting antisemitism and terrorism that increases penalties for people interrupting Masses, assaulting priests and stealing from churches, but questions sections targeting free speech and religious freedom. Faith communities across Australia “have experienced harassment, graffiti, threats, and organised protest activity directed at congregations and clergy”, the […]

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Ash Wednesday – Where do the ashes come from and what do they mean?

Kymberlee Gomes — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 04:36:59 +0000

CATHOLICS across the world begin the 40 days of Lent with ministers marking their foreheads with ashes at Ash Wednesday liturgies every year – but why ashes, where do they come from and what do they mean? Ash Wednesday gets its name from the act of penitents coming forward to have ashes placed on the […]

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Ask the Holy Spirit for help choosing a Lenten penance, Brisbane priest says at packed Ash Wednesday Mass

Joe Higgins — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:09:42 +0000

CROWDS at St Stephen’s Cathedral today prove Ash Wednesday is still one of the most popular days in the Church calendar. Dominican Father David Willis celebrated the 12.30pm Mass at the cathedral and said in his homily that Lent was like “quality time with our heavenly Father”. He said Jesus in the Gospel referred many number times […]

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Listen and respond to the word of God, Archbishop Mackinlay says in Lenten letter

Staff writers — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 04:34:00 +0000

BRISBANE Archbishop Shane Mackinlay says Lent is a time to turn to God and renew our relationships with those around us. Here’s his Lent pastoral letter for 2026: There have been significant changes for us in the Archdiocese of Brisbane over the last year. Shortly after Easter last year, Pope Leo XIV succeeded Pope Francis, […]

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Holy See ‘will not participate’ in Trump’s US-led Board of Peace, Cardinal Pietro Parolin says

Catholic News Agency — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 01:07:43 +0000

CARDINAL Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, announced on February 17 that the Holy See “will not participate in the Board of Peace,” an initiative promoted by US President Donald Trump to address various conflicts around the world, such as the one in Gaza. The Holy See “will not participate in the Board of Peace […]

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