Standing ovation at Mass for Archbishop Pell

Sydney
30 June 2002

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Standing ovation at Mass for Archbishop Pell

The Archbishop of Sydney, Dr George Pell, meets members of the Cessnock Catholic Charismatic Renewal prayer group after the Mass at St Joseph’s Church, Rozelle.

Archbishop George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, received a standing ovation that lasted several minutes when he met NSW Catholic Charismatic Renewal leaders – some from as far afield as Ballina and Albury – at a Mass in St Joseph’s Church, Rozelle.

He was the main celebrant for the Mass, which coincided with his birthday; it was followed by a luncheon in his honour.

The enthusiastic welcome was one of many gestures of support Sydney Catholics have shown their archbishop since his “ambush” interview on the 60 Minutes television program.

The archbishop expressed his support for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in his homily and commended members for their prayerfulness, enthusiasm and devotion to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He acknowledged the many young people in the church and reminded them that the youth of today is the Church of tomorrow.

A deep prayer life and a love of scripture are essential in a life of faith, after making Jesus the centre of our lives, he said.

And we know that Jesus is the centre of our lives if we naturally turn to him in times of difficulty, he added.

Dr Pell also recommended the study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, saying that all we need to know about the faith is contained there.

The archbishop’s birthday was June 8.