As the people of the Great Southern Land of the Holy Spirit, our shared faith unites us in a commitment to respond with love to all, especially to those who suffer, as Jesus taught us in the Gospels.
As a Catholic school in the Mercy tradition, this calling impels us to address the hurts and injustices of the past and to be people of love with listening ears. We honour the stories of our First Nations people—stories of strength, courage, compassion, joy, and great suffering.
Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The 2024 theme, ‘Now More Than Ever’, reminds us all that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must and will continue.
Many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey have made us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect. Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation.
Reconciliation supporters must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. We must call out racism wherever we encounter it and actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent.
Now more than ever, the work continues in treaty-making, truth-telling, understanding our history, education, and tackling racism. We need connection, respect, action, and change. Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.
So, we pray…
Prayer for Reconciliation
God of all creation,
as we journey together in this Great Southern Land,
we pray for healing, forgiveness and unity,
creating a path of goodwill, with justice and compassion.
Jesus, through the power of your love, you have given us the courage, wisdom and strength to share our gifts and talents in humility.
In peace and understanding, we reconcile with each other.
Creator Spirit, we come together in prayer and thanksgiving for the many blessings we have received.
Allow your Spirit to wash over us and give us strength to walk together as one.
Amen
This Reconciliation Church prayer was written in 2014 by a small group of Aboriginal Elder women and Reconciliation Church staff members.
Image taken from https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/