One of the features designed to promote the spirit of the Jubilee year theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”, is the Jubilee logo. It features four stylised figures representing humanity coming from the four corners of the Earth, embracing each other to symbolise solidarity and fraternity. The figure at the front holds a cross, which is shaped like a sail – one of the signs of Christian hope, symbolising the certainty of the victory of good over evil.
The sail imposes itself on the sea, moved by the events of life. The cross ends in the shape of an anchor, another symbol of hope that brings confidence and security in life.
In my conversations with parishioners, not only in our parish but also in other parishes, I occasionally hear a great sense of concern or apprehension about the decline in attendance at both Catholic Mass and schools. It is true in certain areas of the Church. However, the latest research on global Catholic population seems to suggest otherwise.
A quick update drawn from the 2025 Pontifical Yearbook released by The Vatican’s Central Office of Church Statistics shows the Catholic population has surpassed 1.4 billion globally. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of Catholics increased by 1.15%, reaching 1.406 billion. The African countries saw a remarkable 3.31% growth. The Americas home to nearly half of the global Catholic population, while Asia also experienced growth, with an increase of 0.6%. Europe has shown a slight improvement in its presence, offering hope for the Church’s future in this region. Oceania, too, has seen positive progress, with a 1.9% increase in the number of Catholics, reached over 11 million in 2023. (source: CathNews)
These stats indeed give us great hope for our faith community. On a local level, we are accompanying seven catechumens and candidates during this period of serious discernment and preparation for their entrance into the Catholic faith. Though I arrived after the program started, it has been a very enriching journey with them so far.
In another aspect of the sacramental life of our parish, more than 60 children will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. I am very grateful to Tricia Norman and Katarina Steele, along with our school teachers, who have been preparing the children for this important step in their faith journey. The message of God’s love and mercy, as well as the work of educating and forming people to be instruments of hope and reconciliation in the world, is indeed more relevant and needed more than ever today. May their lives be enriched by these special moments through the sacred sacrament of reconciliation.
“Hope does not disappoint us” (Rom 5:5), as we continue our Jubilee year together with hope in Christ; lets hold on firmly to his Cross which is the anchor for all that we do as Christians.
With many blessings,
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
Cora Annesley says:
Excellent