From the Principal

During Laudato Si Week, Australian Catholics are called by Pope Francis to reflect on the importance of our common home. This year’s theme, ‘Hope for the Earth, Hope for Humanity’ reminds us to set aside time with God and each other to advocate for the marginalised, who are so negatively impacted by the climate crisis. Early in his Encyclical, Pope Francis references Pope Saint John XXIII’s own Encyclical which, written more than fifty years ago, with the world teetering on the brink of nuclear crisis, not only rejected war, but offered a proposal for peace.  Pope Francis writes, ‘Now, faced as we are with global environmental deterioration, ……I would like to enter into dialogue with all people about our common home.’ (p10) Later in his Encyclical, Pope Francis writes, ‘the disappearance of a culture can be just as serious, or even more serious than the disappearance of a species of plant or animal… In this sense, it is essential to show special care for Indigenous communities and their cultural traditions…..For them, land is not a commodity but rather a gift from God and from their ancestors who rest there, a sacred space with which they need to interact if they are to maintain their identity and values.’ (p119, 120)

On 26 May each year, we acknowledge Sorry Day to mark the anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in the Australian Parliament in 1997. The report detailed the history of the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, under laws enacted by Australian governments. The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998.

Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd tabled a motion in Parliament on 13 February 2008, apologising to Australia’s First Nations people, particularly the Stolen Generations and their families for the laws and policies that inflicted such profound grief and loss. 

It was at that same time, in a small library room at a previous school that I was privileged to hear this apology and witness the profound impact this acknowledgment had on a small group of First Nations students and support staff. Crammed into the small space listening intently to Kevin Rudd’s words prompted a significant outpouring of emotion. The impact of the word ‘sorry’ can be profound.

National Sorry Day has since become the National Day of Healing, with the week following known as National Reconciliation Week. The 2023 theme for National Reconciliation Week is Be a Voice for Generations, encouraging all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives - where we live, study, work and socialise.

The following Prayer is written by Elder Aunty Dr Doseena Fergie 

God of Mercy and Grace –

in your quest to bring about justice. You understand what it is like to persevere in an unjust society when you suffered and died on the Cross. Have mercy on us.

This Land weeps in sorrow. It is filled with sadness and grief because of the atrocities of the past and present. Have mercy on us.

We yearn for conciliation and peace in this place. To yarn and listen deeply to each other with Care and Compassion.

God of Truth –

You are pure and true – we worship you for who you are. There is no one like you – for you shine in the darkness.

Enable all the peoples of this Country to desire, listen and understand the True History of this Land. For only then can we walk this journey together.

Jesus, you are the tree life. Help us to be your instruments of Truth, by the Power of your Holy Spirit. We pray for discernment and wisdom to impart your Truth.

Deliver us from devastation and bring about Healing to Country and our communities.”

Our Healer –

May all Creation, the birds, animals, fish, trees, plants, rocks, mountains, waters, and peoples be healed to flourishing. Strengthen us, lead us, inspire us into action, ignited by our faith in you Lord Jesus.

Help us not to lose Hope.

For it is only through justice, forgiveness and Love can there be Healing and Peace.

Amen.

Daniel Mahon

Principal