Friday 1 May 2026
Archbishop Costelloe SDB officially launches 2026 Winter Appeal for LifeLink
In his appeal message this year, the Archbishop shares with us that he was inspired by not one, but two special announcements by Pope Leo XIV.
“Firstly, that World Missions Day this year would be a celebration to mark the 100th anniversary of the Day’s establishment by Pope Pius XI. Pope Leo’s theme, “One in Christ, United in Mission”, presents an opportunity, an invitation, for Catholics around the world to celebrate and reflect on the profound ways that our Church agencies work together to bring Christ’s love, dignity and hope to our brothers and sisters most in need. =
The second was the announcement by Pope Leo XIV proclaiming this year as the “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. In announcing this special observance, the Holy Father reminds us that “peace with God, peace among people and peace with creation are inseparable dimensions of a single call to universal reconciliation”, said Archbishop Costelloe SDB.
“St. Francis’s life of service to the poor and his commitment to strengthening his faith every day mirrors the message of love, hope and service that I share with you and all the generous supporters of my Winter Appeal for LifeLink throughout this Archdiocese,” said His Grace.
In his appeal letter, the Archbishop also speaks of the war in Iran, Israel and Lebanon and the tentacles of despair and hardship which have enveloped the world, where thousands of people have been killed or injured, and millions have been displaced.
It appears that the whole world is suffering in some way as a direct and ongoing result of this conflict. Although so far away, here at home in Perth, throughout Western Australia and around Australia, we are most certainly being impacted as household finances are being stretched to unimaginable limits.
Fuel increases of 50%. Families forced to choose between filling the car with petrol, buying food or being late with rental or mortgage payments.
Our LifeLink agencies, particularly those on the front line of need within the community such as The Shopfront, are reporting huge increases in the number of people seeking help and practical assistance.
The Archbishop, in his call for people to generously support his annual appeal, said,
“I know every family and individual is sharing the pain of the escalating financial hardships occurring right now. But, as we face these challenges and make plans for how we will each respond, it is vitally important that we remain mindful of our brothers and sisters in need who continue to call on us for help.
Let us remember people already in crisis, living in their cars and now facing soaring fuel prices. Let us think of the many children facing financial stress, housing instability and food insecurity. These are the realities of families navigating difficult circumstances whilst trying to provide stability and hope for their children”.
Included with the Archbishop’s letter this year, is a special copy of our LIFELINKS newsletter, which in this issue, shares the good news of the outstanding work of Centrecare Inc.
This Catholic organisation is spearheading a national campaign to End Child Poverty in Australia whilst still providing accommodation, counselling, training and many other services to those in need throughout WA. Centrecare receives funding support from LifeLink, thanks to your generous gifts to my appeals.