The Catholic Weekly 5 September 2021

catholicweekly.com.au 2 NEWS 5, September, 2021 Call 02 9649 6423 or visit www.catholiccemeteries.com.au Consecrated lawns and chapels Sydney’s only Catholic crematorium Monthly mass for the Repose of Souls Funeral directors available for a Catholic service Bereavement pastoral care Serving the Catholic community for over 150 years FROM PAGE 1 Twenty years ago, Australia was one of the first nations to join the US-led intervention in Afghanistan to remove the Taliban, making promises to protect and promote dem- ocratic freedoms, human rights, the rule of law, the rights of women, and minor- ity groups. Australia’s commitment contributed to an education for millions of Afghan girls, women being able to work, a vibrant and free press, and improved protection for mi- nority groups. As the Taliban tightens its grip on the nation, these achievements are being laid to waste in plain view of the world. Archbishop Fisher ex- pressed gratitude to the Mor- rison government for describ- ing its initial commitment “to take 3000 friends and allies from Taliban-controlled Af- ghanistan as a floor and not a ceiling”. “We pray that all those who need to flee to safety do make it out of the country before all avenues are closed and do find a safe haven,” the arch- bishop added. “Those lucky enough to make it to Australia seeking protection will need all the support that we can give.” Fr Peter Smith, Promoter of Peace and Justice for the Sydney Archdiocese, said the world had watched the situa- tion in Kabul and Afghanistan collapse into chaos in recent weeks. “And all of us have had the same thought, ‘what can I do to help?’ “This appeal will not only raise needed funds but also give those who need it access to healthcare, education and welfare support as they make their home among us,” he said. “I have been inundat- Archbishop kicks off special appeal ed by requests from people across our community to do something to help. This is that something right now. The Jus- tice and Peace Office will work to ensure the money gets to those who need it as quickly and directly as possible,” con- cluded Fr Peter Smith. The UN and aid agencies are preparing for a Syria-scale refugee crisis. The appeal means that those who find their way to Australia will have support and resources waiting for them. These dark times remind all of us that we really are our brother and our sisters’ keeper. In a 19 August letter to Mr Morrison, President of the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Evacuees crowd the interior of a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft carrying nearly 700 Afghans from Kabul to Qatar on 15 August. PHOTO: CNS, COURTESY DEFENCE ONE HANDOUT VIA REUTERS Conference Archbishop Mark Coleridge said there had been “an outpouring of concern for the people of Afghanistan”. He said the 3000 places offered “is a substantial com- mitment, but more is needed”. Based on estimates from key humanitarian organisa- tions and pledges from other countries, Archbishop Coler- idge proposed that at least an- other 17,000 places be made available. “Australia has stepped up before in response to signifi- cant humanitarian crises, and I urge your government to be generous,” he wrote, adding that Catholic agencies “stand ready to assist your govern- ment with resettlement of ref- ugees as an expression of our great concern for the people of Afghanistan”. The bishops’ call was sup- ported by agencies such as Jesuit Social Services, the Jes- uit Refugee Service and Cari- tas Australia as well as com- munity networks such as the Afghan Australian Advocacy Network. JRS also urged Australians to contact their local MPs, calling on them to ensure im- mediate government action to increase refugee intakes. Donations to the Sydney archdiocesan appeal can be made online at www.our- faithourworks.org EDITORIAL P25 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 5200. 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 Editorial & Letters 1-11 8-9 25 28 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Kenny (02) 9390 5348 EDITOR Peter Rosengren (02) 9390 5400 REPORTERS Marilyn Rodrigues (02) 9390 5410 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 O F THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY Leaving a gift in a With increased violence unfolding in Afghanistan, Pope Francis appealed to all Christians to fast and intensify their prayers. “I ask everyone to continue to help the needy and to pray that dialogue and solidarity may lead to the establishment of a peaceful and fraternal coexistence and offer hope for the country’s future,” he said, after praying the Angelus with visitors in St Peter’s Square on 29 August. He said he had been following the news out of Afghanistan “with great concern”. “I take part in the suffering of those who are grieving for the persons who lost their lives in the suicide attacks that happened last Thursday and of those who are seeking help and protection,” he said. The pope was referring to a 26 August suicide bomber attack against crowds des- perate to leave the country. Pope Francis calls for prayer NEW