Newsletter

As a college community, we commemorated ANZAC day by holding a whole school liturgy service. Held in our hall at our assembly proceeding the national day of remembrance, prayers and reflections enabled us to remember together with compassion, people who died and whose lives were maimed by war with sorrow.

The notion of war has lain before our eyes recently. Each day in the media we see the destruction in Ukraine of centuries-old cities and centres of civilisation. We see the young soldiers on both sides brought into the conflict either returning with severe outcomes or not returning at all. Along with the lives of numerous refugees continuing to flee the horrific situations they are placed in. This situation is unfortunately not too uncommon for many families in our community, resulting from conflicts in many parts of the world.

Recognising the impacts of war is a key component of ANZAC day and in our reflection during the service, was shared the story of recognising people for who they. This linked with our 2022 College theme of RESPECT and how lately efforts have been made to acknowledge and correctly record the details of indigenous service in Australia.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a long tradition of fighting for Country and have served in every conflict and commitment involving Australian defence contingents since before Federation. When the Second World War broke out, Indigenous Australians were still not legally allowed to enlist, but many did so falsifying documents and information.

It is recently that their details are being corrected, acknowledging their true identities. The work that these people are doing is actually a step toward reconciliation, putting an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander face on the ANZAC legend. It’s about respect and giving that person their due.

In prayer we seek the guidance of our Lord to turn away from conflict and hatred and realise the impacts our actions have on others now and in the future. And so, we pray:

God of peace, inspire us to devote ourselves for the common good that we may build up the harmony and peace for which the Anzacs fought and died. From this, may peace and unity spread across our land and may the peoples of the world turn from war and violence recognising all people as our sister and brothers.

Amen.

Michael Chesser, Director of Catholic Mission and Mercy Ethos