Australia faces record antisemitism, spy chief warns

Australian Bishop Urges Christians to Walk With the Poor

The Catholic Weekly·🇦🇺 Australia·Nov 4, 2026

Bishop Tim Harris of Australia has called on Christians to move beyond financial donations and build personal relationships with people experiencing poverty. Speaking in Queanbeyan ahead of the World Day of the Poor on November 15, Harris emphasized that encountering Christ requires active companionship with those in hardship. He cited Foodbank Australia’s 2026 Hunger Report, which shows 3.6 million households face food insecurity, as evidence of a worsening cost-of-living crisis. Harris urged believers to challenge societal injustices and advocate for systemic change to restore dignity to vulnerable communities.

Sydney cemetery honors homeless dead amid burial system review

The Catholic Weekly·🇦🇺 Australia·Nov 3, 2026

Rookwood Catholic Cemetery in Sydney, Australia, holds annual memorial services to honor homeless individuals who died without known families. The event addresses concerns raised by NSW Health regarding unmarked communal burials and communication gaps for the deceased. Lauren Hardgrove of Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria emphasized dignity for all, while St Vincent de Paul Society’s Leo Tucker highlighted the enduring bonds between outreach workers and those they served. The organization is contributing to a government review to improve arrangements for people who die without financial means, ensuring communities can properly farewell their members.

Catholic women's group meets in Malta to support Middle East and Mediterranean

Vatican News (Portugues)·🇲🇹 Malta·Nov 3, 2026

The World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations held its fourth meeting in a European country, gathering approximately 90 participants from 35 nations to share experiences of women living in conflict zones. Evaline Malissa Ntenga, president of the Tanzanian Catholic Women's Organization, explained that the event aimed to provide a safe space for women from the Middle East and Mediterranean to be heard. The group emphasized solidarity and recognition for Christian communities often overlooked in countries like Iraq and Iran. The meeting also included administrative sessions and preparations for the 2027 general assembly in Spain.

Translated from Português

Rockdale priest urges hope after vandalism at school memorial garden

The Catholic Weekly·🇦🇺 Australia·Nov 3, 2026

A man damaged Christmas lights, statues, and crosses at a memorial garden adjoining St Joseph’s Primary School in Rockdale, Australia, on Monday, November 2. The suspect was later charged with property damage and appeared in Sutherland Local Court. Parish priest Fr Yacub Barkat expressed shock but relief that a statue of Our Lady remained intact. He highlighted community solidarity from diverse groups and urged focus on Advent preparations. The Archdiocese of Sydney condemned the attack, emphasizing the sanctity of places of worship.