The Mission One Heart Many Voices conference, hosted by Catholic Mission and Catholic Religious Australia in Sydney last month, attracted more than 300 participants from across the country, exploring the theme: Choosing Hope. Trust yourself to its leading.
The opening ceremony began with a powerful Welcome to Country led by Isaac Bamblett, a Bundjalung and Wiradjuri man.
Keynote speaker Estela Padilla at the MOHMV conference in Sydney. PHOTO: Catholic Mission.
Keynote presenters included Estela Padilla from the Philippines, Theologian and Member of the Synod on Synodality. Her address, titled “Searching your hope, trusting to its leading – Why be a Pilgrim of Hope?” explored the spiritual and practical dimensions of hope.
Workshops covered a wide range of topic areas, all reflecting the overall theme of Hope.
Estela reflected on the synodal journey between local communities and the Universal Church, and how hope emerges through personal, communal, and global experiences, describing hope as something that can take many forms including a rock and a bridge.
“My first description of hope is light inside of you … this light goes through your cracks of darkness, this light pushed me to breaking free,” said Estela.
Anna Cody, Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner, addressed the conference on the theme of Choosing. She spoke candidly about the ongoing reality of sexual abuse in Australia, particularly among marginalised groups such as migrants and LGBTQI+ individuals, and emphasised how creating safe spaces for people in distress can spark real change and build a safer future for all.
Fr Richard Lennan, a priest of the Maitland-Newcastle diocese and a theologian based in Boston, delivered his presentation by video-link on the possibilities for formation in a Synodal Church. And youth leader Madeline Forde from South Australia led a discussion with fellow youth ministry leaders about how we can listen to what young people are seeking in their faith journey and embrace and encourage the gifts they are offering to the whole Church.
On the final day, those attending the Conference Breakfast were inspired by hearing from students who had been part of Catholic Mission’s Interfaith Encounter inter-school program, which was followed by a panel discussion.
The breakfast also included the launch of formation.org.au, a new professional association for those engaged in formation for mission.
Lana Turvey-Collins introduces formation.org.au, a new formation network for mission. PHOTO: Catholic Mission.
Lana Turvey-Collins, Lead Facilitator of the newly created association, introduced formation.org.au, highlighting the benefits of this inclusive network, designed for anyone working in the space of formation for mission.
“This is a space to ask big questions, to connect with peers, and to broaden one’s horizons,” she said.
“One of the aims of this association is to provide a platform where those involved in formation for mission can access relevant resources and nurture meaningful connections,” Lana explained.
“Whether you bring deep experience and wisdom, or you’re just beginning your journey and looking for a mentor, there is a place for you here.”