“From today’s gospel [where Jesus tells his disciples to go to the lost sheep of the House of Israel] you can see why Pope Francis wants us to live that way. It’s not Jesus’ calling to be a star in his home town, but to go out – to the people who are like headless chooks!”

The Prayer of the Faithful that followed Bishop’s homily was brought to life with reference to this year’s Project Compassion weekly stories and the dramatic contribution of students belonging to the ASPIRE program. The refrain ‒

Hear then what our God asks of you: to live justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God.

‒ punctuated the liturgy at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

The concluding rite saw Bishop Bill send the members of the congregation out, as Pope Francis wishes.

“I am not just giving out Project Compassion boxes. I am commissioning you to take up Caritas’ Compassion Project and do all you can to create a just future for all….this Lent I commission you to contemplate, pray, listen, act justly, be generous, and fast from the things in your life that are unjust.”

Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal, Project Compassion brings thousands of Australians together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. Please visit Caritas Australia.

Follow mnnews.today on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.