Prayer

Prayer for Reconciliation Week

Today let us pray for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who have contributed over time to our collective Australian Identity. Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families. We acknowledge and pay tribute to the Elders who have re-entered the dreaming, may their spirits walk alongside us always.

As a Catholic community we acknowledge that Australia’s history, since time immemorial, holds the oldest living continuous culture in the world. May we celebrate this culture through unity, community and a shared story. We acknowledge the many diverse nations and their ancient stories that have been passed down from generation to generation and continue to be shared in Aboriginal communities today.

We pray that all will continue the learning journey to discover more about the history of Indigenous Constitutional Recognition and the Voice to Parliament, allowing for genuine, meaningful and supportive dialogue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities across our country.

As a Catholic community, we recognise that by raising awareness and knowledge of reconciliation, all peoples can Be a Voice for Generations. Through deep listening, connection with Country, sharing stories and having the courage to speak out for equity, fairness, and justice, we pray for a nation that celebrates our cultural identity, with dignity, and pride.

The Catholic Tradition, grounded in the mission and teaching of Jesus, compels us to respect the sacred dignity of each person. Therefore, we pray for Justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

May all Australians:

come together and continue to build our shared Australian Identity.

unite and stand together as a community in peace and harmony for reconciliation.

have the strength to stand up against racism, living out the Gospel command to love one another as Jesus showed us.

commit to a voice of truth telling, creating spaces in our communities for truth-telling and deep listening, leading to action for justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

strive to develop genuine, lasting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Let us pray today that Reconciliation will live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by just and respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Amen