Office For Justice, Ecology and Peace

1992: High Court Decision in the Mabo Case
2021-06-03 00:00 - 23:59 (Australia/Sydney)
Eddie Mabo – Marc Nemorin

This year marks the 29th anniversary of the Mabo Decision where six out of seven High Court judges agreed that the Meriam people held traditional ownership of the lands of Mer in the Torres Strait. Eddie Koiki Mabo successfully argued that his family’s ancestral land was not owned by the Crown. This landmark decision in the High Court of Australia overturned ‘terra nullius’, an understanding that Australia was empty land belonging to no one before British occupation. The decision paved the way for native title in the Native Title Act of 1993. Eddie died before the decision was handed down in 1992 but his life leaves a powerful legacy: the traditional connection and occupation of land by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is now recognised in law across Australia.

Going Deeper:

https://digital-classroom.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/mabo-decision

Prayer:

Prayer for Unity

Creator God, may the power of Your grace transform us.

Christ, give us courage and hope to manifest the unity we have in you, and to share our life with each other and the world.

Holy Spirit, empower us to work for justice for the people of the earth.

God, in your grace, transform the world.

Amen.

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC) of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA), 2007.

Artwork:

Eddie Mabo by Marc Nemorin

Music:

Koiki by Mau Power, featuring Radical Son

Koiki by Mau Power, featuring Radical Son

1989: Tiananmen Square Massacre, Bejing
2021-06-04 00:00 - 23:59
Today we remember the students who were killed in Tiananmen Square while protesting for democracy. For last year’s anniversary, Hong Kong Catholics organised an exhibition so that younger generations may gain insight into what happened. Find our more here.

Learn about the iconic image of a lone unarmed man confronting a row of tanks here.

The Tank Man

He will live forever in our memories.
His singular act of courage and hope
proclaimed the dignity of each person
in the face of powers and principalities.

God grant us his courage and his hope.

Sandie Cornish

2000: 50,000 people Walk for Reconciliation in Brisbane
2021-06-04 00:00 - 23:59

2004: Queensland Bishops issue 'Let the Many Coastlands be glad!' Pastoral Letter on the Great Barrier Reef
2021-06-08 00:00 - 23:59
“The Holy Spirit is clearly guiding us into a deeper sense ofcompanionship and care in regard to all the varied forms of life onplanet Earth. Not only is the Reef a precious ecosystem in itself, but alsoan integral part of the one web of planetary life that connects us all –the human species and all species of the land and sea, rainforest andreef, mountains, plains and inland desert.” Catholic Bishops of Queensland, Let the Many Coastlands be Glad!, 2004

Today is a great day to read Let the Many Coastlands Be Glad! again.

For Reflection

Imagine you were helping the Queensland Bishops to draft a pastoral letter on the Great Barrier Reef today. What has changed for the Great Barrier Reef since Let the Many Coastlands Be Glad! was published? Are there new issues to address? How might you take the teaching of Pope Francis into account in updating the Queensland Bishops’ teaching?

1838: Myall Creek Massacre, NSW
2021-06-10 00:00 - 23:59
Myall Creek Massacre (2003) by Vincent Serico (1949 – 2008)

The Myall Creek Massacre was just one example of the widespread culture of frontier violence against Aboriginal people in New South Wales in the 1830’s. Despite there being strong laws against this violence, the murder of Aboriginal people was generally accepted as part of the expansion of territory by settlers. Muswellbrook police magistrate Edward Denny Day described this ongoing conflict as ‘a war of extermination’ by some stockmen, settlers, and convicts.

When Aboriginal people killed stockmen near Myall Creek as part of this frontier conflict, an expedition from Sydney led by Major James Nunn, the Commandant of the New South Wales Mounted Police, massacred up to 50 Wirrayaraay people who were camped at Waterloo Creek. Their bodies were then burned. Nearby stockmen and settlers were also encouraged by the expedition to kill any Aboriginal people they encountered.

Breaking the conspiracy of silence around the murder of this group of Aboriginal people were a station manager named William Hobbs, local police superintendent Thomas Foster, and settler Frederick Foot. Eight men were tried and found guilty of murder in the Australian Supreme Court. They were hanged on December 18, 1838. For many in the colonial community of New South Wales there was more outrage around the execution of British citizens than the massacre of the Wirrayaraay people. Future perpetrators of violence against Aboriginal people took steps to cover their tracks and avoid prosecution.

The process of radical truth telling continues today in the quest for true reconciliation, justice and peace for all Australians.

Going Deeper:

https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/myall-creek-massacre

Prayer:

Prayer for Aboriginal Ancestors

Almighty God, ever-loving Father, by becoming human your Son has united himself with people of every race, language, and way of life, and through his death on the cross, mingled his blood with the blood of all Koorie people who have died unjustly throughout our history.

Hear our prayer as we remember those who died in defence of their land and traditions. Grant peace for them and all who now live in this land. May the walls which prejudice raises between us crumble beneath the shadow of the outstretched arms of him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

Amen.

Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Victoria.

Artwork:

Myall Creek Massacre (2003) by Vincent Serico (1949 – 2008) Music:

We Sing by Kutcha Edwards

We Sing – Kutcha Edwards

1975: Enactment of the Racial Discrimination Act
2021-06-11 00:00 - 23:59

1988: Barunga Statement presented by Aboriginal leaders to Prime Minister Bob Hawke
2021-06-12 00:00 - 23:59
The presentation of the Barunga Statement to Prime Minister Bob Hawke was an important moment in the movement for a treaty. Learn more about how the Statement came to be presented at the Barunga Festival here.

1969: Affirmation by Arbitration Commission of the principle of equal pay for women performing equal work
2021-06-19 00:00 - 23:59

1950: The Korean War begins
2021-06-25 00:00 - 23:59

1945: Introduction of unemployment benefits in Australia
2021-06-30 00:00 - 23:59

1971: Yvonne Goolangong Crawley wins Wimbledon
2021-07-02 00:00 - 23:59

1970: Death of women's rights activist Jessie Street
2021-07-02 00:00 - 23:59
Who was Jessie Street?
Jessie Street (1889-1970) was an activist, a feminist and a lifelong campaigner for women’s rights, the peace movement and the elimination of discrimination against Aboriginal people.

2016: Election of Linda Burney as first Aboriginal woman member of the Australian Parliament
2021-07-02 00:00 - 23:59
The Hon Linda Burney MP has contributed significantly to the development of Indigenous communities locally, regionally and nationally as an educator, championing reconciliation in Australia, as Member of the NSW Parliament, and as the Federal Member for Barton.

In 2014 she received a NAIDOC Week lifetime achievement award. You can read the citation here.

1935: Birth of the Dalai Lama in Tibet
2021-07-06 00:00 - 23:59

1839: Massacre of Aboriginal people at Chimney Pots, Grampians, Vic: 60 people estimated killed
2021-07-06 00:00 - 23:59

1985: Sinking of Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior in Auckland
2021-07-10 00:00 - 23:59

1971: Aboriginal Flag first flown, Adelaide SA
2021-07-12 00:00 - 23:59
Does your parish, school or Catholic organisation fly the Aboriginal flag? If not, perhaps you can consider doing so on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday and other special dates such as Sorry Day, NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week?

Find out more about the Aboriginal flag here.

1995: Proclamation of Aboriginal Flag and Torres Strait Islander Flag as official flags of Australia
2021-07-14 00:00 - 23:59
Did you know that the Australian national flag is not the only official flag of Australia? The Australian Aboriginal Flag and Torres Strait Islander Flag were proclaimed as official flags of Australia on 14 July 1995. Find out more here.

This would be a great day to invite people from your local Aboriginal Catholic Ministry or local Land Council to talk to your parish, school or group about what it means to them for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to be officially recognized.

1945: Detonation of the first atomic bomb, New Mexico USA
2021-07-16 00:00 - 23:59
“Any act of war aimed indiscriminately at the destruction of entire cities or extensive areas along with their population is a crime against God and humanity itself. It merits unequivocal and unhesitating condemnation.” Vatican II, Gaudium et Spes, n 80.

The code name for the operation that lead to the first use of this weapon of mass destruction was ‘Trinity’. It is a distressing reminder of the disordered relationship with God that underpins the quest for the power to destroy the whole of creation.

The International Campaign Against Nuclear Weapons are marking the 75th anniversary of the detonation of the first atomic bomb with a webinar and campaign of action.

Anniversary of the Moon Landing (1969)
2021-07-20 00:00 - 23:59
“The ultimate destiny of the universe is in the fullness of God, which has already been attained by the risen Christ, the measure of the maturity of all things.” Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, n 83.

Find out more about the moon landing here.

For Reflection

What difference does seeing the universe as a cosmos created by God make to our attitude to the moon landing and to on-going space exploration?

1833: Approval of Emancipation Bill
2021-07-26 00:00 - 23:59
Bill abolishing slavery throughout the British Empire was passed on the third reading in the House of Commons on this day.

1965: First Indochinese refugees allowed to settle in Australia
2021-08-02 00:00 - 23:59
On this day, we celebrate the contribution of Indochinese refugees to Australian society and reflect on the varying quality of welcome extended by our community to asylum seekers over the past fifty-five years.

Our first Vietnamese-born Australian Bishop is Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv. He is the Bishops’ Delegate for Migrants and Refugees and the Chair of the Bishops’ Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service. Learn more about how Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen’s coat of arms tells his story here.

2014: Death of Ms Dhu, an Aboriginal woman, at South Hedland, WA, sparking a national outcry
2021-08-04 00:00 - 23:59
More information here.

1945: Destruction of Hiroshima by atomic bomb
2021-08-06 00:00 - 23:59
“With deep conviction I wish once more to declare that the use of atomic energy for purposes of war is today, more than ever, a crime not only against the dignity of human beings but against any possible future for our common home. The use of atomic energy for purposes of war is immoral, just as the possessing of nuclear weapons is immoral, as I already said two years ago. We will be judged on this. Future generations will rise to condemn our failure if we spoke of peace but did not act to bring it about among the peoples of the earth. How can we speak of peace even as we build terrifying new weapons of war? How can we speak about peace even as we justify illegitimate actions by speeches filled with discrimination and hate?” Pope Francis, Address at the Peace Memorial, Hiroshima, 24 November 2019.

The hibakusha, as the survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are known, are becoming fewer. You can read the story of Junko, who now lives in Sydney, here.

Pope John Paul II was the first Pope to visit Hiroshima. You can read his address from 1981 here. It was in response to this address that the Catholic Bishops of Japan established the 10 Days for Peace which run from 6 to 15 August. This is a good time to pray for peace and nuclear disarmament.

You can find more information about the atomic bombs here.

Saint Dominic
2021-08-08 00:00 - 23:59
“Truth was Dominic’s motto and his goal. Dominic was born in Spain, the youngest of four children. He was outstanding for his love of truth, his clear thought, his organizing ability, and his sensitive, loving nature. For Dominic, love for people was part of his love for God.” Loyola Press

1945: Destruction of Nagasaki by atomic bomb
2021-08-09 00:00 - 23:59
“Countless people at home and abroad, including the hibakusha, hope that Japan, the only country to experience atomic warfare, will lead the international community in abolishing nuclear weapons. In response to that hope, we urge you to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.” Mitsuaki Takami, Archbishop of Nagasaki, President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan, in a Letter to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 12 December 2019.

Saint Lawrence
2021-08-10 00:00 - 23:59
What do you think are the real treasures of the Church?

Little is actually known about St Lawrence, but the following legend, recounted by Franciscan Media, persists:

As deacon in Rome, Lawrence was charged with the responsibility for the material goods of the Church, and the distribution of alms to the poor. When Lawrence knew he would be arrested like the pope, he sought out the poor, widows, and orphans of Rome and gave them all the money he had on hand, selling even the sacred vessels of the altar to increase the sum. When the prefect of Rome heard of this, he imagined that the Christians must have considerable treasure. He sent for Lawrence and said, “You Christians say we are cruel to you, but that is not what I have in mind. I am told that your priests offer in gold, that the sacred blood is received in silver cups, that you have golden candlesticks at your evening services. Now, your doctrine says you must render to Caesar what is his. Bring these treasures—the emperor needs them to maintain his forces. God does not cause money to be counted: He brought none of it into the world with him—only words. Give me the money, therefore, and be rich in words.” Lawrence replied that the Church was indeed rich. “I will show you a valuable part. But give me time to set everything in order and make an inventory.” After three days he gathered a great number of blind, lame, maimed, leprous, orphaned, and widowed persons and put them in rows. When the prefect arrived, Lawrence simply said, “These are the treasure of the Church.” The prefect was so angry he told Lawrence that he would indeed have his wish to die—but it would be by inches. He had a great gridiron prepared with coals beneath it, and had Lawrence’s body placed on it. After the martyr had suffered the pain for a long time, the legend concludes, he made his famous cheerful remark, “It is well done. Turn me over!” Franciscan Media

Saint Clare
2021-08-11 00:00 - 23:59
Clare was born of a wealthy family in Assisi, Italy. As a teenager she became aware that Francis, the handsome, wealthy leader of youth in Assisi, had greatly changed. Clare’s community wanted to live according to the rule of Francis. Her community still exists today, the Sisters are called the Poor Clares. Loyola Press

Saint Maximillian Kolbe
2021-08-14 00:00 - 23:59
Pope John Paul II said of Father Kolbe, “He won a victory of love. He loved both his fellow prisoners and those who put him to death. There is no greater love than this.” Loyola Press

1963: Bark petition from Yirrkala presented to Parliament
2021-08-14 00:00 - 23:59
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies explains that “the Yirrkala Bark petitions of August 1963 were sent to the Parliament by members of the clan groups living in the area of Yirrkala. Written in both Yolngu Matha and English, and presented on painted bark boards depicting country, the petitions protest the excision of land from the Reserve where they live, where they hunt and where their sites of significance are situated.” Find out more here.
