On Friday, December 1, the Thomas More Centre held a Christmas lunch for approximately 40 sponsors, volunteers, and friends of the National Civic Council and Australian Family Association in Perth.

Warwick D'Silva, West Australian manager of the Thomas More Centre, welcomed all present at the lunch. He spoke about the hope that the Perth office will be another of several nationwide "hubs" for the TMC in WA. Warwick also foreshadowed the role that the TMC will have at the forthcoming Democratic Conference in February.

Augustine Italiano, vice president of the Democratic Club at Campion College in western Sydney, then addressed those present. The club offers a space for open conversation about things that matter.

After mentioning how the Democratic Clubs of decades past helped shape campus discourse and the intellectual and political development of their members, Augustine advocated passionately for the growth of TMC-style groups and events in the universities. As for the achievements of the club he helps to lead, it has already organised talks ranging from economics to bioethics to Australia's current challenges, with Bob Katter and Tony Abbott being among the speakers.

Other speakers at the lunch included Michelle, who spoke about the importance of political campaigns motivated by Christian Social Teaching, and Bill, who shared stories from his decades-long involvement with the Movement.

A couple of days later, Warwick also addressed the men’s group at the Catholic Youth Ministry retreat, where he shared his plans for TMC activities in WA.

What’s On - Talks on St Nick and the New Adam

Speaking of events - in Brisbane, we are excited to announce that Dr Amelia Brown, senior lecturer in Greek History and Language at the University of Queensland, will be giving a free talk in the hall at Mary Immaculate Church, Annerley at 5.30pm for a 6pm start on Thursday, December 21.

She will discuss the life of St Nicholas and his legacy in charity, and among monks, young people and especially sailors in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages.

Drinks and light fare will be provided. Please RSVP here for catering purposes.

Then, on Thursday, January 11, we will be launching the TMC Speaker Series in Brisbane with a talk on The New Adam: How Jesus Undoes the Fall of Man in the Gospel of John at the Indooroopilly Library in the community meeting room at 6pm, followed by drinks and dinner at Pig 'n' Whistle next door.

Discover how John the Evangelist portrays Jesus as a new Adam who recapitulates and reverses the fallen actions of Adam.

Let us know you're coming by registering here.

Our interview with The Little Rascals actor Bug Hall will also be released on YouTube very soon.

Stay tuned!

The Thomas More Centre team