Called to be peacemakers
News
The faithful were reminded of the call to be peacemakers and “stewards of this ancient land” at the annual Australia Day Mass held in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral.
Hosted by the Knights of the Sothern Cross, Therry Theatre and the Catholic Women’s League, the Mass began with an Australia Day reflection by Mercy Sister Kathryn Travers.
“Today we are gathered to celebrate the wonderful gift we have been given, this country, with its people, the beautiful and varied landscapes and its brilliant flora and fauna,” she said.
“We can give so much to our country, one person at a time.”
In his homily, Archbishop Patrick O’Regan referred to the words of the Gospel reading – “blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God”.
“Let us recommit ourselves to be true stewards of this ancient land and to all who call it home, let us honour our First Peoples who teach us what it means to care for Country, let us remember all those affected by violence and recommit to building a society where peace is not merely an absence of conflict but the presence of justice, dignity and mutual respect,” he said.
“That is the call, the deepest call, to be peacemakers.
“In giving thanks today let us commit ourselves anew to this work of peacemaking…starting with our families, our parishes, our workplaces, our nations. In doing so we are participating in God’s own work of reconciliation and healing.”
The Mass included the presentation of the John Brewer Memorial Scholarship to this year’s recipients.
