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Pope Leo XIV has acknowledged CSSA\u2019s contribution to Australian society over seven decades (Supplied)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV has acknowledged CSSA\u2019s contribution to Australian society over seven decades (Supplied)<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV has sent a message to Catholic Social Services Australia, marking the organisation\u2019s 70th anniversary.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This acknowledgment from the Pope underscores CSSA\u2019s enduring witness to the Gospel and its vital contribution to Australian society over seven decades.<\/p>\n
Central to the Pope\u2019s message is the Gospel passage from Matthew 25:40: \u201cAs you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.\u201d This scripture lies at the heart of CSSA\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n
CSSA chief executive Jerry Nockles, said, \u201cIt is CSSA\u2019s Gospel theme that calls, guides, and encourages our work every day. Receiving this message from Pope Leo XIV is a momentous honour and a significant recognition of the work our community does.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Nockles reflected on the Pope\u2019s powerful words that \u201cthe moral greatness of a nation is manifested, above all, in its capacity to accompany, protect and love those lives that are most fragile.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIn these challenging times of change and division in Australia, the Holy Father\u2019s teaching is a timely and critical reminder,\u201d Dr Nockles said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPope Leo is the global statesmen the world so desperately needs today. His voice is urgently needed to inspire nations to uphold dignity and solidarity with those most in need.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis call to walk with the most vulnerable is just as urgent here in Australia.\u201d<\/p>\n
The message to CSSA reinforces the call to action laid out in the Holy Father\u2019s encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Holy Father calls us to \u2018get our hands dirty in the construction zone of our time\u2019 \u2013 a vivid call to active involvement and practical engagement in our communities. This is a powerful invitation to move beyond words and take real, hands-on action to build a more just and compassionate society,\u201d Dr Nockles added.<\/p>\n
The anniversary year will be commemorated with a gala dinner at Parliament House in Canberra on August 12 to celebrate CSSA\u2019s enduring legacy and future mission.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe anniversary offers us an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to serving the Australian community with faith, compassion, and justice,\u201d Dr Nockles concluded.<\/p>\n
Bookings for the Gala Dinner can be made at Trybooking<\/a>.<\/p>\n Read Pope Leo XIV\u2019s message to Catholic Social Services Australia<\/a>.<\/p>\n FULL STORY<\/p>\n