News & Events
The WA Diocesan Directors team of Rosemary Taylor, Shendelle Mullane, Francis Leong and Sr Vicky Kithungu at the recent Catholic Mission National Conference held at the Mary MacKillop Centre in North Sydney. Photo: Supplied.
All four dioceses of Western Australia now have a Catholic Mission representative to work in conjunction with the Archbishop and Bishops to implement the national programs for Catholic Mission and the broader Pontifical Mission Societies.
The recent appointment of Sr Victoria Kithungu ASE as Diocesan Director for Broome, sees her join three other WA Diocesan Directors – Francis Leong in the Perth Archdiocese, Rosemary Taylor in the Geraldton Diocese and Shendelle Mullane in the Bunbury Diocese, all of whom work with their Diocesan parishes, schools, agencies and supporters to promote the work of Catholic Mission across Western Australia.
Sr Vicky is from Kenya and is the first overseas religious sister to be appointed to such an important diocesan leadership role in WA.
Shendelle has also commenced in the role of Province Director for WA, taking over from Francis Leong, who remains the Diocesan Director for Catholic Mission in the Perth Archdiocese.
As the Pope’s international mission agency in Australia, Catholic Mission empowers communities, children and church leaders around the world to reach their fullest potential.
“We partner with remote and overseas communities, helping them to flourish by supporting grassroots projects, including healthcare, education, and faith formation, and being an active voice for human rights,” Shendelle said.
“Together, we stand with vulnerable communities across the world, sharing not just resources, but faith, solidarity and care especially during these difficult and uncertain times.”
“Catholic Mission provides an opportunity to build real faith in action, so together we can strengthen the connection between the Church in Australia and the global mission of Christ across every corner of the globe.”
Shendelle said with the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday on Sunday 18 October 2026, the expansion of the Catholic Mission team in Western Australia was well-timed.
“By celebrating 100 years of World Mission Sunday - a cornerstone moment for the missionary Church - we honour a century of prayer, generosity and shared mission,” she said.
“On this anniversary of World Mission Sunday, established by Pope Pius XI in 1926, we look forward to working more broadly across the four Dioceses of Western Australia to promote the work of Catholic Mission throughout World Mission Month in October.”
Pope Leo XIV’s World Mission Sunday message for 2026 is centred on the theme ‘One in Christ, united in mission’, where he encourages “the whole Church to continue its missionary journey with joy and zeal in the Holy Spirit. This requires hearts united in Christ, reconciled communities and, in everyone, a willingness to cooperate with generosity and trust.”