National Director's Message

Dear friends in Christ,

I hope you are well. Thank you for the prayers and material help you offer to our vital work supporting the faith where it is most in need. Over the last two months we have seen an outpouring of love for our brothers and sisters in Lebanon following our national emergency appeal. I have been in ongoing communication with one of our key project partners on the ground and I can tell you this is a situation that is going to need support for a long time to come. As the situation moves from the immediate emergency response, ACN will continue to be there offering help and hope to the people. Praise God that even despite the massive disruption of Covid-19 this year, the benefactors of ACN have continued to do what they can, when they can. God bless you.

In seeking to encourage support for situations like Lebanon and the broader suffering Church around the world, ACN Australia has for many years offered beautiful religious gifts in thanks for a contribution towards our mission. This month we have a very special gift. 17 October 2020 marks the 10th anniversary of the canonisation of Australia’s first Saint, Mary of the Cross MacKillop. In celebration we have commissioned a beautiful commemorative set of Rosary Beads.  

These rosary beads were designed and handmade in Italy by the Ghirelli family who have been producing rosaries for over thirty years, including the official rosaries for the last three Popes. This set features Mary MacKillop on the central medal with her name and canonisation date on the reverse side. The Our Father medals show Our Lady, St Joseph, the Sacred Heart and Mary MacKillop’s words ‘Trust in God’. The crucifix is intricate, emphasising the Sacred Heart of Jesus. All the medals and links are finished in vintage bronze and the actual beads are faceted copper bohemian glass. Each rosary comes in its own keepsake pouch. This commemorative rosary has been produced with the consultation and approval of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.  

I am particularly excited to offer this rosary to you as it was made exclusively for our benefactors. I invite you to make your most generous offering for the suffering Church and receive this gift in grateful thanks.

St Mary of the Cross, Pray for us. 

Bernard Toutounji. 

National Director - ACN Australia