The Catholic Leader: Features

Grateful for St Pio's assistance

Together for prayer: Wynnum's Guardian Angels Padre Pio prayer group

St Padre Pio, the Italian saint who died on September 23, 1968, has inspired many around the world and drawn them to prayer, including one group of devoted followers at Wynnum on Brisbane's bayside. Journalist PAUL DOBBYN has witnessed their fervour (14/03/2010)

The memories of Rosewood

Rich history: St Brigid's, Rosewood, today

Brisbane priest FR BILL O'SHEA, who grew up in Rosewood, south-west of Brisbane, was guest speaker at a social and supper held in the town on February 6 as part of the centenary celebrations of St Brigid's Church, Rosewood. This is an edited version of his speech (07/03/2010)

The heart that pumps water

Fr Paul Finlayson: "(Experts) said if we could stop the mining, our irrigation system for the rice would have water for the next thousand years, but if the mining began, we would have water for only seven years"

Columban Father Paul Finlayson is committed to opposing mining in the part of the Philippines where he lives and works, for the good of the environment and the people he serves. PAT McCARTHY spoke to him about his reasons (28/02/2010)

We need prayer that will help us understand the good news

Archbishop John Bathersby: "Let us become a praying Archdiocese filled with new people and a new Archdiocese, exactly as Jesus desired"

In this years Lenten message, ARCHBISHOP John Bathersby explains what we need above all is prayer, prayer that will help us understand the good news of Jesus (21/02/2010)

Experiencing life in Cambodia

Line of poverty: Thousands live in appalling conditions below the poverty line in this slum community on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. The community has built dwellings along a roadside and over a large drain so that effluent and rubbish drops into the drain and is periodically flushed out following rain

After an invitation from the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, Caritas Australia, a group of Queensland educators along with Caritas representatives travelled to Cambodia last November for 10 days to see the work of Caritas first hand. QCEC executive officer for communications Gerard Delaney reports (14/02/2010)

An inspiring Schoolies alternative

Computer training: St Columban's 2009 captain Jacinta Donnelly teaching a Year 11 student at Sacred Heart, Hagita, how to use computers

At the start of the 2010 school year, a group of young people at Caboolture, north of Brisbane, has a special message for students entering Year 12 and thinking ahead to Schoolies Week plans. ROBIN WILLIAMS reports (07/02/2010)

Surrogacy leads to confusion

Surrogacy: "The bill redefines the meaning of parenthood, creating a legal construct completely divorced from biological realities"

Queensland Bioethics Centre director RAY CAMPBELL, who is a spokesman for Brisbane archdiocese matters of bioethics, explains the archdiocese's concerns about the surrogacy legislation to be considered by the Queensland Parliament (31/01/2010)

Vinnies' precious memories preserved

Looking back: Suzy Nunes and John Campbell with the minutes of the first meeting in 1907 of the Society of St Vincent de Paul's Particular Council of South Brisbane

The reason behind the return of an artificial limb to the St Vincent de Paul Society makes up one of the interesting tales unearthed with the establishment of the society's state archives, library and a new exhibition. Journalist PAUL DOBBYN takes a look (24/01/2010)

Pope urges all to be stewards of the Earth

Climate for peace: Archbishop Philip Wilson has spoken out on Pope Benedict XVI's message on climate change

Climate change and our response to it were central to Pope Benedict XVI's 2010 World Day of Peace message on January 1. Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president ARCHBISHOP PHILIP WILSON comments on the document (17/01/2010)

Teen helping to fulfil doctor's legacy

Walking tall: Gold Coast teenager Brett Grabbe-Clare-Nazer on Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

Gold Coast teenager Brett Grabbe-Clare-Nazer is celebrating this Christmas having already given much of himself to pay tribute to a special friend and better the lives of some of the poorest children in the world. Journalist ROBIN WILLIAMS spoke wit (25/12/2009)

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