Marist Asia Pacific Center

The Australian Brothers celebrated their national Day in style. We had a Eucharist celebration and social in the evening. Written here below are excerpts from Brother Mark’s introduction of the Australia National Day:

The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews, today’s first reading, says ‘you have endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, sometimes partners with those so treated’. The writer could well have been talking to the Aboriginal people, the original inhabitants of Australia.

What the day recalls is the landing of the First Fleet of British Army Officers and convicts (criminals) in Sydney Cove in 1788, the year before our founder was born. It was the beginning of ‘White Australia’ and the growth of white Australia has often been at the expense of the traditional owners of the land – the Aboriginal people. In fact, there has been systematic dispossession of Aboriginal people from 1788 on … with little effort to understand their culture or spirit even today, removing children from their families (Stolen Generations), taking land by force. Suffice to say, the theme chosen for today’s Liturgy is Reconciliation: Unity in Diversity.

by Br. Patrick, FMS

Australia Day Celebration

by: Br. Ralp, FMS

The recognition of Australia‘s National Day began at MAPAC at the morning eucharist. Br. Mark who animated the liturgy spoke of the significance of ythis day and referred to the ongoing efforts being made to forge stronger links with the aboriginal community in reconciliation for psat and present abuses of Australia‘s aboriginal inhabitants. In the evening the celebration continued with a prayder service which also highlighted aspects of the country’s past, showed some of the scenic beauty of the land and explored aspects of the Australian identity.

Following this we enjoyed a sumptiuos meal prepared by our cooks interspered with an Australian quiz, some singing and gambling game called ‘two up”. The winners received furry replicas of Australian fauna.

Our guests included three RNDM Sisters, Kate, Clare and Claudia; a Columban Sister Kathleen Coyle and our two Passionist student sisters. An enjoyable evening was had by all.