News and Events

News and Events... Updated regularly

Cardinal Bychok CSsR takes possession of the Basilica of Hagia Sophia in Rome...

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On June 22, 2025, the second Sunday after Pentecost, the date on which the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church celebrates the feast of All Saints of Ukraine, Cardinal Mykola Bychok, CSsR, took possession of the Basilica of Hagia Sophia, better known as the “Church of the Ukrainians,” in Rome.

Mykola Bychok, CSsR of the Lviv Province of the Redemptorists, aged 45, bishop of the Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul of Melbourne for Ukrainian Catholics in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, is one of the cardinals crea t ed by Pope Francis at his last Consistory in December 2024 and became the youngest of the cardinals.

With a solemn liturgy and in the presence of numerous Catholic faithful, the Church of Hagia Sophia listened to the words and testimony of the Redemptorist missionary, now a cardinal of the Catholic Church: “Taking possession of this church,” the young cardinal observed, “means, therefore, forging a profound bond with the generations of faithful who have gathered here, especially those who have carried the cross of exile, persecution, and displacement. Hagia Sophia is more than a building. It is a living testimony to the resilience and hope of the Ukrainian people.”

Cardinal Bychok said he felt invested with a “renewed mission”: “To be a bridge between East and West, past and future, heaven and earth.” “I do this not alone, but with all of you,” he told to the faithful present inside and in the atrium of Hagia Sophia.

Fr Anthony Pathe CSsR 101 years old RIP...

Today is also a sad day for us as a Region (and the Provinces of South Africa and London) as we mourn the passing on of one of our two founding Fathers, Fr Anthony Pathe, who died this morning in South Africa, aged 101 years. fr anthony pathe cssr

In front of my desk is one of the two Account ledgers (whoseinformation I am slowly entering into the laptop) that Fr Pathe and Fr Foster bought on 12 August 1960, three days after arriving in Salisbury. These account ledgers were to serve as ‘Chronicles of the Rhodesian Foundation’ (1960 – 1977). It is a privilege that we have this treasure in our possession. Maybe just to share a few insights from the accounts:

CSsR Pilgrimage in Footsteps of Ss Alphonsus and Gerard...

After months of planning we landed at Napoli Airport on the 10th of May 2025. A group of 26 men and woman from different backgrounds. Following some words of welcome from Ms Claire Carmichael the Pilgrimage Organiser our coach took us to the Basilica of Our Lady of Pompeii where Bishop Ralph Heskett CSsR of Hallam England presided over the mass and Fr Richard Reid CSsR preached marking the official beginning of our pilgrimage. He encouraged each one of us to let the pilgrimage begin in our hearts. After this and moments of personal prayer we retired to beautiful town of Sorrento. Fr Peter Morris CSsR took charge of leading Morning and Evening Prayer everyday throughout the pilgrimage. He did this with delight, which joyfully set the day and put a cap on it in the evening.

After an early start(!) we arrived safely in Naples - Napoli

On the foothills of Vesuvius we passed one of our monasteries - Colle San Alfonso

Day II Today we went to Napoli to visit three special places in the life of St Alphonsus, that is Our Lady the Virgin Church where he was baptised, Napoli Cathedral where he was ordained priest and the Hospital of the Incurables where he ministered in the early days of his priesthood. We managed to visit the Cathedral and Our Lady the Virgin Church where we celebrated the mass. Fr Peter Morris CSsR presided and preached on our sharing in the life of Christ. We then proceeded to the Cathedral of Naples where St Alphonsus was ordained a priest. In that cathedral he is honoured as one of the illustrious sons of Naples. The group took some time to marvel at the city and then we went back to Sorrento.

In the Church where St Alphonsus was baptised

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Conference of Religious AGM 2025...

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Religious Leaders Unite in Synodal Leadership and

Oppose the Assisted Dying Bill

Over 80 leaders of religious congregations gathered last week in Northamptonshire for the 2025 Conference of Religious England and Wales (CoR) Annual General Meeting, held under the theme “Synodal Leadership – Forward Thinking – Outward Facing.” The two-day gathering featured keynote input from Sr Maria Cimperman RSCJ and included space for deep reflection, listening, and shared discernment.

Members explored priorities such as synodal leadership, increasing diversity, nurturing new leadership, and strengthening the collective voice of religious in the Church and wider society.

As part of the gathering, attendees expressed their united opposition to the Assisted Dying Bill, standing together in support of life and dignity at every stage, and exploring ways to respond collectively as people of faith.

The AGM concluded with a renewed commitment to synodality, inclusivity, and collaborative leadership—affirming the enduring value of religious life in service of Gospel witness and social justice.

COREW

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV...

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Pray for our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV

Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of Ss Alphonsus and Gerard CSsR...

Before long many photos will be posted on this site!

In the meantime have a look at our booklet that accompanied us on our way.

Cardinal Mykola Bychok CSsR,

“I asked the new Pope to pray for Ukraine”...

May 12, 2025

cardinal bychok cssr

Cardinal Mykoła Bychok, a Redemptorist who participated in the conclave, shared his impressions of this historic event, and spoke about his conversation with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV in an interview with the Ukrainian Greek Catholic channel Žyve TV.

According to the bishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul in Melbourne, Australia, the experience of participating in the conclave was extraordinary. “Emotions that are difficult to convey, because it is something incredible, an event that attracts the attention of the whole world – both believers and non-believers,” the cardinal said.

Two moments were particularly moving for him: when the cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel in procession and when everyone found themselves on the balconies of St. Peter’s Basilica, awaiting the announcement of the new pope.

Personal Conversation with the Newly Elected Pope

Cardinal Bychok spoke about his brief personal conversation with the newly elected Pope shortly after his election: “When I approached him, I told him that I am a bishop for Ukrainians in Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania. I assured him of my prayers and that Ukraine and Australia will also pray for his service to God, the Church and humanity. I also asked him to remember Ukraine in his prayers for a just peace and an end to the war.”

Atmosphere of prayer during the conclave

Cardinal Bychok emphasized that the conclave took place in an atmosphere of deep prayer: “There is a lot of time during the counting of votes. And it is not like shown in the movie Conclave. It is completely different – there is a lot of prayer. Above all, it is an appeal to the Holy Spirit, an appeal to the Holy Spirit to guide our vote and our actions, so that the person who is the best among all is truly chosen.”