Last week thirty-one priests gathered at the Seminary in Carlton for our annual In-Service. Sister Frances Baker a Mercy Sister who is a Moral Theologian led the three days. Her task was to reflect on some of the documents of Pope Frances. His Encyclical Letter on the Ecology and Climate Laudate Si and his apostolic exhortation on love in the family — Amoris Laetitia.
In Laudate Si Pope Francis sees the world through St Frances of Assisi and sees all creation as a sister who needs to be cared for and loved. But we have often plundered her resources in the short term with no thought of preservation for the future and future generations.
In Amoris Laetitia he again looks at many things but obviously how to protect and support family life. He recognises that there will be difficulties and we cannot just close the door. He sees that we all have something to offer even without certain relationships. And integration of all people is so important, and pastoral care by pastors must show the way.
We are certainly blessed with this man Francis who is our leader and a true Shepherd of the flock.
Fr Michael Morley
12th October 2018
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