SPECIAL REPORT: Archbishop Costelloe supports nationwide month long prayer initiative
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe has this week called on Catholics from across the Archdiocese to support a prayer initiative from Australian Catholic Marriage and Family Council. Image: Supplied.
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has this week called on Catholics from across the Archdiocese to support a prayer initiative from Australian Catholic Marriage and Family Council.
In a statement to Catholics nationwide, Bishop delegate for Marriage and Family, the Most Rev Bishop Michael Kennedy of Armidale Diocese (northern New South Wales) has initiated a month of prayer and fasting to be held in parishes during October 2017.
The annual initiative, now in its second year, is a prayer initiative and not a political one, said Bishop Kennedy.
“It does take on an extra significance this year as it falls in the middle of the plebiscite campaign,” Bishop Kennedy explained.
“As you already know, the Government has decided to hold a postal plebiscite on the definition of marriage in Australia,” Bishop Kennedy said.
“Over the coming weeks and months, the future of marriage will receive a lot of attention.
“We will be called on in many different ways to help promote marriage as between one man and one woman but perhaps the most important thing we can do is to pray,” he said.
Bishop Kennedy also encouraged priests and clergy to redouble their efforts during this time to pray and preach about the beauty and importance of maintaining the current definition of marriage for the good of the Church and the nation.
“I encourage you to support your parishes to celebrate Mass, pray the Rosary and undertake Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during this time with the special intention of marriages and families in mind,” Bishop Kennedy said.
Australian Catholic Marriage and Family Council member couple Christopher and Rosina Gordon gave their experience on marriage and family in lieu of the month long prayer initiative and timely political climate.
“This prayer campaign is particularly timely this year given the announcement of the postal plebiscite on marriage beginning on September 12,” Mr and Mrs Gordon said.
“The family unit of father, mother and children holds a unique significance in our society.
Mr and Mrs Gordon explained that families today are strained due to financial pressures and getting the balance right between work and leisure.
“In the big metropolitan cities and elsewhere, commuting to and from work and the cost of housing can impact upon family harmony.
“School curriculum and co-curriculum activities are more demanding than ever often leaving Mum and Dad feeling more like a taxi service.
More than ever we need divine assistance from our loving Father-God and the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary, Mr and Mrs Gordon emphasised.
“The Month of Prayer and Fasting for Marriage and Families is a precious time to again ask Our Risen Lord for the graces we need to be better husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. We encourage you to participate as best you can,” the Gordons said.
A short video has also been prepared to promote the initiative. Click Here to watch the video.
Read More 'Family and Marriage in 2016' The Record Magazine, Issue 02, February 2016