A prayerful and uplifting Eucharistic Celebration filled the Arena at the Cairns Convention Centre last week, marking a spiritual highlight of the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference.
The Mass, on the opening day of the conference was concelebrated by Bishop of Cairns Joe Caddy AM, Archbishop of Brisbane Mark Coleridge, Chair of the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education, Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher OP, and visiting bishops and clergy with a remarkable contribution from over 1,000 students representing every school in the Diocese of Cairns. Among them, a 400-voice student choir filled the space with song and spirit.
In his homily, Bishop Joe reflected on the Gospel, reminding the congregation that Jesus’ petition to God excluded no one:
“As we gather, we reflect on the awesome responsibility and privilege we share – to be instruments of God, creating and fostering environments where every student’s dignity is respected.”
He urged the Catholic education community to remain steadfast in their commitment to forming young people who respect human dignity, build bridges, and come to know Christ, working together to create “a more just and peaceful home for all God’s children”.
National Catholic Education Commission Executive Director Jacinta Collins praised the involvement of students in the Mass, noting how every school across the Diocese of Cairns was represented through offertory processions, the choir, and the readings.
“It was deeply moving to see the commitment and dedication of these young people. Their reverence, joy, and wholehearted participation made the celebration truly special. We are so proud of their witness to faith and the way they embody the spirit of Catholic education,” said Jacinta.
“The celebration was a powerful expression of faith in action, embodying the conference’s mission to unite Catholic educators, students, and leaders from across Australia and beyond.”
Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns Executive Director Durm O’Riordan said the Eucharistic Celebration set the tone for the entire conference, drawing together faith, community, and tradition in a way that deeply resonated with delegates.
“The highlight of the event for me was the Eucharistic celebration on the first day. The presence of Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons concelebrating with Bishop Joe underscored the historic significance of the occasion for all participants. The attention to ritual and symbol, such as the blessing of the crosses presented to each delegate, the water blessing by our local diocesan clergy, the magnificent replicas of St Monica’s Cathedral’s stained-glass windows as the backdrop for the altar, and the presentation and placing of the gifts by students, all added to the occasion’s grandeur.”
The Eucharistic Celebration was held in The Arena at the Cairns Convention Centre