Dear CCA members and friends,
I would like to share an update on a journey I have undertaken this year—one that feels particularly aligned with our identity and mission as the Cardijn Community Australia.
Although the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures was commemorated in 2025, its influence continues to shape my reflections throughout 2026. Earlier this year, the Vatican announced that 2026–2027 will be celebrated as the Year of Saint Francis, marking the 800th anniversary of his death. This special jubilee invites the Church to enter a period of spiritual renewal, simplicity, and peace, inspired by Francis’s example.
During this time, I have been revisiting three important papal teachings: Laudato Si’, Laudate Deum, and Dilexi Te. Each of these documents has prompted me to reflect on the deeper transformation needed in our world—both spiritually and socially. They call us to integrate contemplation with meaningful action, and to root our care for creation and for one another in a renewed interior life.
In this spirit, Richard Patrick Branson (Pat) and I have joined the Thresholds of Transformation Programme. This programme encourages intentional reflection, inner awareness, and a contemplative approach to daily life. It invites participants to explore their spiritual foundations and develop the capacity to act with attentiveness, compassion, and clarity.
This experience has reaffirmed my conviction that CCA is being called to strengthen its commitment to both inner and outer transformation.
On the inner level, I believe we need to create spaces for reflection, prayer, discernment, and mutual support—spaces where we can grow spiritually and deepen our relationship with God and one another. On the outer level, we are invited to renew our engagement in areas such as justice, peace, and care for creation, ensuring that our actions emerge from a grounded and discerning heart.
These two dimensions—interior grounding and outward engagement—are inseparable. Without deep reflection, action can lose direction and depth; without action, reflection risks becoming detached from the real struggles and hopes of the world. The spirituality of Saint Francis, the teaching of Pope Francis, and the vision of Joseph Cardijn all affirm the importance of holding these movements together.
As Pat and I continue through the Thresholds of Transformation Programme, we will share insights that may support our community’s journey. My hope is that 2026 will be a year in which CCA grows in spiritual depth, communal discernment, and courageous action.
I’d Love to Hear Your Journey Too
As we walk this path of renewal together, I warmly invite CCA members and readers to share your own journeys of transformation—whether spiritual, personal, or connected to your work and community. Hearing from one another helps us grow as a community and strengthens the bonds that sustain our shared mission.
If you feel comfortable, please let me know how your journey is unfolding this year. You can reach me directly at greg.lopez@australiancardijninstitute.org
Thank you for your ongoing commitment and your faithful presence in this shared mission. May the spirit of Saint Francis and the inspiration of Joseph Cardijn guide us as we continue walking together.
Warm regards,
Greg