Chaplain's Reflection

Witness to the ends of the Earth

This week we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus, related by Luke both in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1:1-11) and in the Gospel (Luke 24:46-53). And we also celebrate the culmination of Laudate Si Week in the Church. Jesus at his Ascension promises that the Holy Spirit will enable the disciples and the Church (his body according to Paul in Ephesians) to witness to him to the ends of the earth. It is that space, witnessing to our Creator - incarnate in creation, that our Ascension readings today point us to the church’s Laudate Si journey of greater love for our Creator, each other, and the home that we share. 

Ten years ago Pope Francis wrote his seminal encyclical, “Laudate Si”, referencing Saint Francis eight centuries ago who sang, “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.” [St Francis of Assisi - Canticle of the Creatures]. 

While celebrating the glory of our Creator (Ephesians 1:17-23), we are reminded too of the Creator’s authority invested in Christ and his church and the awesome fullness of all creation. Pope Francis reproves us in Laudate Si because, “This sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her.” [Laudate Si 2]

Laudate Si Week events have highlighted Catholic teaching on biodiversity, response to the cry of the poor, divestment, education, eco-spirituality and the climate crisis. The Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Caritas and our Australian Catholic Bishops enthusiastically endorse the Laudate Si Action Plan, engaging parishes, dioceses, religious orders, schools, businesses, farming communities, and organisations in utilising Australian church leadership, commitment, and imagination on the plan. (Bishop Vincent Long, May 2022). The ball is in our court. 

Two Hundred and Sixty Seven Popes

Continuity of the papacy from Jesus first disciples to the present is maintained with the recent election of Pope Leo XIV. With some bumps and hiccups on the road, the 2000-year-old institution of the church continues. From the most recent to the first, here are just a few snapshots of the outstanding characters who have led our church over 2000 years.

Leo XIV

2025 – Present, Pope #267

The first American to lead the Catholic Church Pope Leo XIV has demonstrated progressive tendencies on many social issues.         

Francis I

2013 – 2025 (12 years), Pope #266

Believing in the teachings of mercy as established by Jesus Christ, he had a deep commitment to the poor.

John Paul II

1978 – 2005 (27 years), Pope #264

The most recognized person in the world, he was the most travelled pope ever. He added a new Mystery of the Rosary and Scriptural Stations of the Cross.

Pope John XXIII 

1958 – 1963 AD (less than 5 years), Pope # 261

A much-loved Pope he opened the church to the modern world. He called the Second Vatican Council.

Leo XIII

1878 – 1903 AD (Over 25 years), Pope # 256

He is remembered for his efforts to reconcile Catholic Church teaching with modern ideas as well as for his intellectualism.        

Gregory I

590 – 604 AD (14 years), Pope # 64

Known as Gregory the Great. Creator of Gregorian chant

Leo I

440 – 461 AD (21 years), Pope # 45

Helped establish the understanding within the Church that Jesus Christ was a human man but also a divine individual.         

Peter

30 – 67AD (38 years), Pope # 1

Though Peter was just one of the apostles, he became the first leader of the Christian Church and the original pope.

Deacon Mark Kelly

College Chaplain