Catholics throughout Australia have been challenged to celebrate Aboriginal and Islander Sunday with fresh vigour and energy on July 1 this year, under the theme: Love one another as I love you.
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) has prepared liturgical material to assist parishes to celebrate the day in the best possible way.
Chairman of the Bishops' Commission for Relations with Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, Archbishop Barry Hickey, has urged that this commemoration help Catholic communities "grow in awareness of the unity in love that should exist among all the sons and daughters of God".
NATSICC Chairperson Elise Heiss said that Aboriginal and Islander Sunday was a time to celebrate together and to keep reconciliation alive.
"During this wonderful time of reflection and celebration, we must always stand strong in our faith in Jesus Christ, and remember his words, 'love your neighbour as you love yourself'. We are united in God's words of love," she said.
"Reconciliation is about building a new relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and the wider community. One that heals the pain of the past and ensures we all share fairly and equally in our National Citizenship."
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday held special significance this year, coming shortly after the 40th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum on the vote for Aboriginal people to be counted in the census.
artwork by Melissa Bricknell
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