MESSAGE ON THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED (ALL SOULS’ DAY) (YR C)
Friday 31st October 2025.
My dear people,
I start by sharing with you the sad news that my aunt, Flavia Hector, died last Sunday 26th October. The funeral was held on Monday. In Mauritius, funerals are held the day after the death. I sincerely thank those of you who have expressed your condolences. Of your charity, will you pray for the repose of the soul of Flavia Hector and for my uncle, her widower and her daughter, son in law and grandchildren, as well as the whole extended family?
Unfortunately, owing to the small patronage of the last fundraising event, the Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons and the Beach Boys Concert – A tribute to America’s most iconic vocal groups of the 60’s, there was a deficit of $2,425. By the grace of God, I contacted one of our benefactors and he covered that amount. I would like very sincerely to thank everyone involved in the organisation of the evening and those who came on the night. It was obvious that it was a great night for those present.
The Archdiocese of Melbourne is blessed to host the Australian Catholic Youth Festival this year. This three-day festival is one of faith, prayer and community – like a mini World Youth Day! It will provide a great chance to meet young Catholics, grow in faith, and be inspired in daily life. I am delighted to announce that 34 of our younger parishioners have decided to go. Praise Jesus! You are invited to help with raising funds to send them to this event which has the potential to change their lives and make them intentional disciples of Jesus Christ. The first of these fundraising activities will be a special collection at Masses over the weekend. Please give generously.
There is another item of great news with Christ the Priest, which I would like to share with you. Christ the Priest Catholic Primary School has reached the wonderful threshold of having 500 students. We thank and praise Jesus Christ himself for this wonderful achievement. It has been thirteen years since CtP had 500 students. This is important because it speaks to the longevity of the school. We also thank Mrs Adele Vesty, Principal of CtP, her team and the wonderful community of CtP for that achievement.
I finish my fortnightly message mentioning again the great blessing that our parish has been chosen to host the First Class relic of St Carlo Acutis and his Exhibit of Eucharistic Miracles. St Carlo is the first millennial saint since he was born in 1991. He is also one of the first two saints canonised by Pope Leo XVI. As mentioned at Mass, if you have not already done so, please write your name down to stay with the First Class relic for one hour as it is not possible to leave it alone. The relic will be available for veneration from 8am to 8pm from Monday 2nd November to Friday 7th November. It will be available on Saturday from 8am until 10:30 am because of a wedding at 12:30pm. There will be several books about St Carlo Acutis available for purchase over the week, and these could be read while you are spending time with the relic. Furthermore, there will be an exhibit cataloguing the research about the Eucharistic Miracles he undertook. Hope to see many of you there.
We continue turning to our patron saint and we ask for her intercession.
St Catherine of Siena, Pray for us.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Fr Richard Rosse PP