Principal's Reflection

On Tuesday 25th of April, many shrines around Australia will hold services which will honour the men and women who have gone to war and fought for their country. It is the anniversary for the landing of the ANZACS as part of the allied forces in Gallipoli in 1915.

In our own liturgical calendar, our Catholic communities have commemorated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through the Easter celebrations.  

Simplistically, I have been asked by my own children, why is it that we commemorate war where so many people are injured and killed, and commemorate the death of a man who was working to provide followers with the Kingdom of God? In answer to these questions, I remind my children that through these sombre events in our calendars, we are commemorating and not celebrating the sacrifices that have been made for us.  A sacrifice of lives that were given so that we may live in peace, harmony and freedom. 

Still today, throughout the media, we are visually confronted with images of people around the world whose freedom and peace are taken away due to terrorism and religious persecution.  We view news reports of two of our world’s leaders celebrating and flaunting their power in the form of nuclear weapons and machinery.  It is unfortunate that we have been unable to learn from our previous losses and hope for a world where all individuals are equally valued and respected. 

As we approach Anzac day, may we join in prayer for those who have served their country, those who have lost their lives and pray for forgiveness for those who continue to persecute their citizens.

Lest we forget

Loving Father,

We pray in thanksgiving for those who served in our armed forces during the time of war.

Especially we pray for those who made the supreme sacrifice for us by giving up their lives in defence of their countries.

We pray that the offering of their lives may not have been in vain.

We dedicate ourselves to the cause of justice, freedom and peace and pray for the wisdom and strength to build a better world.

We make this prayer though the Prince of Peace

Christ our Lord

Amen

Chantelle Gauci

Acting Principal