This new liturgical year of 2020 begins as we here in KW, and everyone the world over, are experiencing a new surge in Covid cases. Territories are being devastated by climate crises and populist governments such as those in Belarus and the US incite division and hatred among their own citizens. In our faith community we support each other to remain grounded in a spirit of caring, kindness, and hope. The Church throughout the ages has been supported by prophets to keep us focussed on Christ in the context of our time, so that we do not succumb to the allures of fear and greed, and indeed, false prophets. Currently, the pope of Rome is such a prophet. Through example he tirelessly redirects the Church (and humanity) away from valuing status, riches, and exclusivity, towards Christ’s example of love, inclusion, and social action.

  On October 3^rd, Pope Francis will sign his new encyclical Fratelli Tutti, in Assisi Italy. The title is taken from the 13^th century St Francis’s teaching to his fellow friars. In Fratelli Tutti, the pope is to examine inequality, fragmentation and offer ways for all human beings to restore relationship with one another. This official document will call us to a new era—post-Covid—that would acknowledge, value, and act on our interrelatedness with all human beings and the natural environment.