Reflections on kindness
Opinion
The first thing I saw when I entered the Catholic Archdiocese’s Communications Office for the first time 16 months ago was a life-sized cardboard cut-out of Pope Francis. His smiling face and hand raised in welcome soon became part of daily life.
When I started my role as senior journalist with The Southern Cross in January 2024, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wasn’t raised against a religious backdrop but as a journalist, you are expected to remain impartial. There is no place for favouritism or distraction by specific viewpoints or external interests. There is, however, plenty of room for curiosity.
This week marks my last with the newspaper. As I sit down to reflect on my time with the small and devoted team at The Southern Cross, the community I’ve grown to love mourns the death of Pope Francis. The announcement made just hours before ‘penning’ this editorial adds profound weight to the importance of community, no matter our background, origins or beliefs.
It is also a reminder of the power of storytelling and the way it can enlighten us, challenge us, and ultimately connect us.
I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the stories I was able to tell via The Southern Cross newspaper and website. Particularly toward the people who trusted us to share their stories for the greater good.
This was a role that took me to the far corners of South Australia; to churches, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, thrift stores, outreach centres, aged care villages, bell towers, gardens, and homes.
The theme throughout? Kindness.
Interviewees ranged from CEOs committed to tackling inequality and injustice, to ‘normal’ parishioners with extraordinary lives; volunteers who donate their time, strangers who lend an ear and a smile to those in need, and those who dig deep daily to make life better for those around them. The selflessness permeating this archdiocese and its community was a thing to behold.
Among the memorable interviews was Jim and Reeva Cecil
(June 2024 issue) who turned to God during Jim’s terrifying health scare. I was struck by their raw honesty and the positive attitude that helped them through. I have no doubt their tale gave hope to others.
Then there was Nagina Zahra (nee Bakhtiari) whose family made headlines around the world in 2004 when they were deported in the early hours of the morning by Australian immigration officials after fleeing Afghanistan four years earlier. The story of Nagina’s journey back to St Aloysius College (June 2024) where she is now helping students settle into their new home was nothing short of remarkable.
Other tear-jerkers included proud Slovenian Anna Kalc was just 17 when she fled her homeland on foot with only God for company (May 2024), and Peter and Rosemarie Collyer who shared their 70-plus year love story (June 2024 issue).
Young musician Jesse Frick (September 2024) also brought tears to the eyes, only this time the waterworks were attributed to laughter. Jesse was barely 18 when a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis pulled the proverbial rug from under his feet and the way this bright, witty spark rolls through life helping to provide inclusive and supportive environments for artists with disabilities is commendable.
I was also enamoured by the rich and diverse multicultural landscape represented across parishes, and by Fr Michael Trainor’s feminist views and focus on a contemporary future. Bravo.
Special mention goes to the members of the Catholic Women’s League who on many occasions, fed my soul with stories and my belly with cake.
Herein lies the beauty of a role such as this.
In a world of distraction, influencers, and click bait, the coverage of meaningful stories has never been more important and sadly, less valued across mainstream media. The Southern Cross team, led by editor extraordinaire Jenny Brinkworth and big-hearted graphic designer Rosie McMutrie, is dedicated to them and I commend them for it.
I leave a better person, a better journalist, a deeper listener, and a friend. It was a privilege, and I thank you all for sharing the light that guides you.
Anna Kalc (centre) with her daughters Michelle Sinclair (left) and Carmen Jenko ahead of the annual Marian Procession.
