In October 2012, the 50th anniversary of the commencement of the Second Vatican Council (11 October 1962) was commemorated. To celebrate this, the Holy Father has called for a ‘Year of Faith’ for the Universal Church from 11 October 2012 to 24 November 2013.

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Why Faith Matters is the theme of the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell's annual Pentecost message for 2013 - the Year of Faith. Click on "download this article" for the full Pentecost message. Here is an extract:

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The Archdiocese of Sydney’s social network site Xt3.com has launched an interactive countdown calendar to help pilgrims prepare for World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro.

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In 1917, in Fatima, Portugal was the centre of one the most important and amazing events of the twentieth century.Through three children, Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco, Our Lady appeared, in the face of moral crisis, and invited the whole world to repentance, conversion and reparation to God for all sins, both private and public.

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Pope Francis will make history on 12 May 2013, during the canonization of the newest saints to the Catholic Church. Not only is it his first canonisation ceremony, but he's set to become the Pope with largest number of saints created, overnight. The Pope will be canonising:

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The theme for World Communications Day 2013 is "Social Networks: portals of truth and faith; new spaces for evangelization". In this video, Xt3.com unpacks the World Communications Day Message written by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

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Professor Kerryn Phelps was the president of the Australian Medical Association when she was prescribed a drug that nearly killed her. The drug in question is Yaz or Yasmin - a contraceptive pill that hit the market in 2008 promising to clear up acne and reduce monthly symptoms. Australians were blissfully unaware of the thousands of women in the US who had reported severe side effects from Yaz and Yasmin. The side effects included heart attacks, strokes, blindness and deadly blood clots.

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Listen to Cardinal Dolan's amazing speech as he accepted the Wilberforce Award. In his acceptance speech he talked about the joy of baptising his grandnephew Charlie and how he observed the transformation of Charlie's parents whose lives now revolved and were absorbed with their new baby Charlie.

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Despite news reports on Tuesday that two kidnapped Syrian archbishops in Aleppo had been freed, the Greek Orthodox Church said they hadn't received proof of their release and that the two prelates spent the night being held against their will. During the general audience on Wednesday 24 April, Pope Francis issued a call to peace in Syria, where the armed conflict has had devastating consequences for the entire population.

One priest-to-be was spat upon. Others endured tearful reactions when they told their parents. Almost all face puzzled questions from mystified friends. But nevertheless, young people are still signing up to be priests and nuns.

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