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SUBIACO REACHES OUT: Perth parish adopts, backs man’s initiative VISTA 4
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TAG TEAMS: Youth ministry doorknocks to invite lapsed back VISTA 1
FIRST MESSAGE: What Benedict said the day after being elected Page 12
Pontificate begins Pope will rely on prayers from us ■ By Cindy Wooden of CNS, in Rome
In a liturgy rich with symbols and promises, Pope Benedict XVI formally began his ministry as head of the universal Church, and Catholics from around the world pledged their love and obedience to him. On the morning of April 24, Pope Benedict, elected on April 19, walked down to the tomb of the martyred St Peter in the Vatican basilica to pay homage to the first bishop of Rome. Then, with some 150 cardinals, he processed into a sun-bathed St Peter’s Square to begin the Mass and receive the main symbols of his office: the fisherman’s ring and the pallium. “At this moment, weak servant of God that I am, I must assume this enormous task, which truly exceeds all human capacity,” Pope Benedict said in his homily. The 78-year-old Pope said he would rely on the prayers of all Catholics and the grace of God. “I do not have to carry alone what in truth I could never carry alone,” he said. The new Pope said his inaugural Mass was not the moment to present “a program of governance,” but rather a time to promise to try be a good shepherd to Christ’s flock, to rescue those who are lost, to help the poor and to build unity among all believers in Christ. An estimated 350,000 people attended the Mass, including delegations from more than 130 countries and from dozens of Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant churches. The German-born Pope’s 81-year old brother, Father Georg Ratzinger, was seated in the front Continued on page 2
Perth bishops to consult youth ■ By Hugh Ryan
Archbishop Barry Hickey and Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton will conduct a major consulation with young people in the Archdiocese during May. The Archbishop announced this week that between 60 and 70 young people (aged under 40) would be invited to attend two and possibly three evenings during which they would give advice to their Bishops. The young people would be nominated by youth groups, ethnic groups, education, people with disabilities, seminarians, seven of the larger parishes, and the Respect Life Office. Continued on page 10
Benedict XVI waves to the crowd following his inaugural Mass blessing people with his right hand, newly weighted by the fisherman’s ring. Photo: CNS
CITIZEN OF THE WORLD A pioneering Italian Bishop was suspected by many and even fell foul of the Vatican, but was later recognised as a guiding light for migrants and those who assist them.
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INDEX Parents as role models: It’s You! - Page 7 The ABC wins our award for bigotry - Page 7 Guy Crouchback: Only Rome could pull this off - Page 7 Chinses bishop’s death reveals divide - Page 9
BENEDICTINES ARE BACK The appointment of a priest from Ner Norcia to Dardanup in the Diocese of Bunbury re-opens a chapter commenced in the mid-nineteenth Century.
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