catholicweekly.com.au 2 NEWS 21, February, 2021 FROM PAGE 1 Since 2011 all of the money it raises goes to Fr Pedro’s as- sociation, Akamasoa, which has transformed the garbage dump into a town, building homes, schools and providing education for children. Akamasoa means ‘Good Friends’, and with the help of thousands of teachers, health and social workers and vol- unteers, Fr Pedro provides for about 25000 people, the majority of them children un- der 15 including orphans and those abandoned by their par- ents, through the provision of employment, welfare, and ed- ucational opportunities. While it is a valuable con- tribution it is just a drop in the ocean of the need, says SFRCC committee member Jeannette Beaudoin, who was the first to meet Fr Pedro in 2010 and last visited Antananarivo in 2016. “We are very proud of him and so pleased that he has been nominated,” she said. When SFRCC secretary Sinisita Filitoga went with Jeannette to Magadascar in 2013 she was “astounded” by the work Fr Pedro was doing. “It was extraordinary and very beautiful,” she said. “While it is work to raise money in Sydney for Akamo- soa, it is much easier than what he faces there every day,” she said. “He is in my opinion the Mother Teresa of today. He is the voice of the poor.” Fr Jan agrees that there is “something extraordinary” about the missionary priest. “He never begs for help, but with just a few words makes you understand deep in your heart that it is your obligation before God to share with the Catholics have been supporting heroicwork amongpoor for years Sydney link to Nobel nominee Fourth time’s a charm, we hope: Sydney priest Fr Jan Chrzczonowicz knows Vincentian priest Fr Pe- dro Opeka and his work among the poorest of the poor in Madagascar well. PHOTO: ALPHONSUS FOK I n this edition Our story begins in 1839 with the Australasian Chronicle, continuing with the Freeman’s Journal in 1850. Level 13, Polding Centre, 133 Liverpool Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. Phone (02) 9390 5400 | Vol 73, No 5172. The Catholic Weekly is published by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney ABN 60 471 267 587 and is printed by ACM Australian Community Media, 159 Bells Line of Road, North Richmond NSW, 2754. News Movies, books Archbishop’s homily HSC Achievers 1-13 10-11 16-20 28-29 SUB-EDITOR Peter Rosengren (02) 9390 5400 REPORTERS Marilyn Rodrigues (02) 9390 5410 David Ryan (02) 9390 5408 Debbie Cramsie (02) 9390 5396 SUBSCRIPTIONS Rita Ng (02) 9390 5411 ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Steve Richards (02) 9390 5404 Katie Clarke (02) 9390 5402 DESIGNERS Renate Cassis Mathew De Sousa Faith in the trajectory of life catch it now at: thiscatholiclife.com.au LEAVE A GIFT Archdiocese of Sydney Catholic CHARITIES Order your FREE Wills and Bequests Guide today 1800 753 959 or
[email protected] myWill SUPPORTINGTHE MINISTRIES OF THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY Leaving a gift in a Be met on arrival at Melbourne Airport or Southern Cross Station. Personal and caring service. Pre-bookings preferred. Baby seat available. English-speaking driver greets you on arrival. » Meet and greet service » Female-friendly and safe BOOKINGS 1300 139 740 or email
[email protected] MELBOURNE? Coming to Your safety is our No.1 priority! PERSONALIZED CABS Helping build a brighter future for children and families in crisis. Dunlea Centre 35A Waratah Road Engadine NSW 2233 Phone 02 8508 3900 AUSTRALIA'S ORIGINAL BOYS' TOWN A place for change... www.dunleacentre.org.au poor,” he said. “We are very grateful to Catholic Mission who only charge 10 per cent administration fee and tax de- ductibility for our very gener- ous donors,” he added. “It’s a very important and noble thing to remember, that even when we are undergoing trials and hardship, there are always people inmore precar- ious situations than ours. “Through our generosity, we express our gratitude to God for His presence in our life and show our solidari- ty with Jesus suffering in the poor.” Catholic Mission na- tional director Fr Brian Lucas said that his organisation is “proud to work in cooperation with Fr Jan and the French community to raise funds in support of the work of Fr Pe- dro”. Fr Pedro holds a Legion of Honour, France’s highest award, and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize along- side Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, environmental ac- tivist Greta Thunberg, former president of the US Donald Trump and others. For more information visit australi- ansformadagascar.org He never begs for help, but with just a fewwords makes you understand deep in your heart that it is your obligation before God to share with the poor.” Fr Jan Chrzczonowicz