15 August 2014 - Members of the Filipino and Australian Catholic Community in Sydney expressed their deep joy and appreciation over the visit of the Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, to Sydney from August 1 to 3.

During his visit to Sydney, Cardinal Tagle officiated masses held at the St. Mary’s Cathedral on August 1, at the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Kingsgrove on August 2, and at the Marist High School in Parramatta on August 3. The mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral was followed by Cardinal Tagle’s talk on  “Catholic Church in Asia: Joys and Hopes, Griefs and Anxieties.” He also spoke on “Christian Families: Called to Holiness” at the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Thousands turned up to attend the masses and to listen to Cardinal Tagle’s message.

In his messages to the Filipino community, Cardinal Tagle encouraged individuals and families to continue to grow in faith amidst various challenges that impact on the person as well as on the family unit. He also mentioned the scheduled visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines in January 2015.

During the August 3 mass at the Marist High School in Parramatta, Fr. Renato Paras was also recognized for his long service to the Catholic community as the first Filipino Chaplain in Australia.

While in Sydney, Cardinal Tagle also met with the Filipino clergy and religious and with the Filipino community media.

Philippine Ambassador Belen F. Anota and Philippine Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis conveyed their thanks to Bishop Peter A. Comensoli and to Bishop Anthony Fisher for the arrangements made by the Archdiocese of Sydney and the Diocese of Parramatta, to ensure Cardinal Tagle’s successful visit to Sydney.

Cardinal Tagle’s visit to Australia was arranged by the Archdiocese of Melbourne. From Sydney, Cardinal Tagle proceeded to Melbourne where he was conferred an honorary doctorate by the Australian Catholic University. END