Section Archive: Being Just Neighbours
Compassionate consumption

Compassionate consumption

As Catholics, we have a great history that includes meat-free Fridays, vegetarian contemplative orders and powerful social justice statements, writes Mercy Sister Elizabeth Young. Isn’t it time to reassess our...

Posted on: August 16, 2016

Laudato Si’ continues to inspire

Laudato Si’ continues to inspire

It’s a year since Pope Francis’ ground-breaking encyclical “Laudato Si” was released. Catholic Earthcare Australia’s Tess Corkish outlines the impact of the Pope’s eco-manifesto, particularly here in Australia.

Posted on: June 21, 2016

My friend Lee

My friend Lee

“It was obviously a big step for Lee to make friends outside of her ethnic circle,” says Asther Bascuna-Creo. “There are some migrants who have been in Australia for many,...

Posted on: April 19, 2016

Why I’ll be marching

Why I’ll be marching

On the weekend before world leaders gather in Paris for the UN climate summit, millions of people will gather in cities throughout the world and march together for global action...

Posted on: November 17, 2015

The cost of nuclear power

The cost of nuclear power

In the same week that Japan remembered the horrors of the 1945 nuclear bombings, and only four-and-a-half-years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the Japanese Government restarted the country’s nuclear power...

Posted on: September 15, 2015

Common threads: Francis’ encyclical and Benedict’s rule

Common threads: Francis’ encyclical and Benedict’s rule

The concerns and values expressed in Pope Francis’ new encyclical “Laudato Si” are also central to the rule of St Benedict, says Good Samaritan Sister Mary McDonald.

Posted on: July 21, 2015

“I never thought this could happen to me”

“I never thought this could happen to me”

When I meet someone affected by the lottery of life, how do I look after them? And what is the most caring way to respond to the question, “why did...

Posted on: May 19, 2015

Where do you, or will you, push?

Where do you, or will you, push?

Good Samaritan Sister Mary McDonald echoes the advice of Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister: “To change a policy or practice, join a group that is committed to the same issue. Then,...

Posted on: May 19, 2015

About children

About children

In our time how can we place children front and centre of our concern? How can we make them visible, particularly if government and society seem no longer drawn to...

Posted on: March 17, 2015

Anti-Muslim sentiment on our own soil

Anti-Muslim sentiment on our own soil

When we take the time to get to know a Muslim person and engage with them face-to-face, the stereotypes and preconceived ideas begin to break down, writes Ashleigh Green.

Posted on: September 16, 2014

Having places where you are welcomed and belong

Having places where you are welcomed and belong

Recent media reports surrounding the circumstances of infant Gammy are heart-rending, writes Moira Byrne Garton.

Posted on: August 19, 2014

On friendship

On friendship

Good Samaritan Sister, Pam Grey, asks: What does ‘asylum’ mean, if not something of friendship? What is friendship, if not sanctuary for the soul?

Posted on: July 15, 2014