World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
2021-06-15 00:00 - 23:59 (Australia/Sydney)
Today is a good day to revisit the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement for 2016–17 ‘A Place at the Table: Social justice in an ageing society’. It celebrates the value, dignity and significant contributions of older people to the life of the community. In solidarity with all generations, older people have a rightful place in the heart of community life. The Bishops consider the circumstances of those who are approaching the end of their lives and warn of the loneliness, ageism and abuse that older people can experience. In particular, the Bishops warn about implications of the current community debate on euthanasia. The Bishops call for communities of mercy and love – where people reach out and minister to vulnerable older people, where bonds between generations are built up, and where no one is cast as being a burden or as rivals to younger generations.

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
2021-06-17 00:00 - 23:59

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict
2021-06-19 00:00 - 23:59
The United Nations has designated 19 June as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict since 2015. The day raises awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence. It honours the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world, and all those who devote their lives to fighting for justice for victims, survivors, and vulnerable people at risk of sexual violence. Although the right to live free from sexual violence is upheld in several international agreements such as the 1993 Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, violence persists – especially against women and girls in war zones – across the world. From the United Nations:

The term “conflict-related sexual violence” (CRSV) refers to rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilisation, forced marriage and any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity perpetrated against women, men, girls, or boys that is directly or indirectly linked to a conflict. The term also encompasses trafficking in persons when committed in situations of conflict for the purpose of sexual violence or exploitation. – United Nations

One consistent concern is that survivors do not come forward to report crimes due to the fear and cultural stigma they face. There are broader issues of discrimination and gender inequality at play, with women’s rights and full participation in society areas that can aid the prevention of sexual violence. The impact of COVID has also made it harder for reports to be processed. It is estimated that for each rape reported, 10-20 other cases are not documented. Sexual violence is a form and tactic of terrorism. As people committed to truth and healing, we stand in solidarity with survivors, listening to their voices and stories, and acting to protect those most at risk. All people have a right to fully participate in political, social, and economic life, and to access justice that supports their safety.

Prayer:

For Victims and Survivors of Violence

Loving God, you are the author and sustainer of our lives. You know the anguish of the sorrowful, you are attentive to the prayers of the brokenhearted. Hear your people who cry out to you in their need; strengthen their hope in your lasting goodness. We pray today for those who have died because of sexual violence. Draw them to yourself; let your face shine upon them. May they be greeted with choirs of angels and experience your eternal peace and joy. Be near to all those who have been impacted by sexual violence:those who have been hurt, lost their loved ones, or lost their sense of security.Be for them a steady comfort and safe resting place.Soften the hearts and steady the minds of those who would harm others. May hate be replaced with love, violence with peace, and darkness with your light. Amen.Adapted from the Catholic Health Association of the United States Prayer for the Victims of Violence.

Photo:

Rohingya human rights advocate and lawyer, Razia Sultana.

Music:

No More Violence by Hip Hop Femenino of El Salvador.

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

World Refugee Day
2021-06-20 00:00 - 23:59
Deuteronomy 10: 12 – 19 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Welcoming the stranger, the poor, and the marginalised is central to the lived expression of an authentic Christian faith. Both Scripture and tradition are clear in their teaching that refugees are to be treated with dignity and offered hospitality in new places if they are not able to stay in their home countries. We remember that Jesus was a stranger in Egypt with Joseph and Mary. Today, Pope Francis also urges us to compassionately support those fleeing violence and injustice through no fault of their own. In the Message for the World Day of Migrants in 2016, he encouraged Catholics around the world to recognise Christ in those who seek safety and welcome: Biblical revelation urges us to welcome the stranger; it tells us that in so doing, we open our doors to God, and that in the faces of others we see the face of Christ himself.

In welcoming, sustaining, and protecting refugees, we follow Catholic teaching and respond to the call of Christ for unity in respecting the dignity of every person. Welcoming Christ in Refugees and Forcibly Displaced Persons from the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, 2013: Any person at a frontier, who has a well-founded fear of persecution, has the right to protection and should not be returned to his/ her country, irrespective of whether or not they have been formally recognized as refugees. Refugees should be treated on the same level as citizens of the hosting country, or at least on the same level as other resident foreigners. They should be entitled to the rights which are ensured to them.

Going Deeper:

Australian Catholic Bishops Social Justice Statement 2015 – 2016 For Those Who’ve Come Across the Seas: Justice for refugees and asylum seekers. https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/2019/11/18/social-justice-statement-2015-16/

Refugee Council of Australia Events, 2021: https://www.refugeeweek.org.au

Prayer:

Pope Francis’Prayer on the 106th World Day for Migrants and Refugees, 2020.

Father, you entrusted to Saint Joseph what you held most precious: the child Jesus and his Mother, in order to protect them from the dangers and threats of the wicked.

Grant that we may experience his protection and help. May he, who shared in the sufferings of those who flee from the hatred of the powerful, console and protect all our brothers and sisters driven by war, poverty, and necessity to leave their homes and their lands to set out as refugees for safer places.

Help them, through the intercession of Saint Joseph, to find the strength to persevere, give them comfort in sorrows and courage amid their trials.

Grant to those who welcome them some of the tender love of this just and wise father, who loved Jesus as a true son and sustained Mary at every step of the way.

May he, who earned his bread by the work of his hands, watch over those who have seen everything in life taken away and obtain for them the dignity of a job and the serenity of a home.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, whom Saint Joseph saved by fleeing to Egypt, and trusting in the intercession of the Virgin Mary, whom he loved as a faithful husband in accordance with your will.

Amen.

Artwork:

Freedom (2013) by ‘Mohammad’ Villawood Detention Centre, NSW (Coffee on Paper)

This image is one of a number of works made with instant coffee powder that has been diluted in water and then put to the page. The technique was initiated by an Iraqi detainee who had some knowledge of art and who liked to paint in his free time. Upon entering detention, he had no access to paints, so he reached for whatever was at hand, in this case finding an alternative use for instant coffee. Coffee painting has gained a life of its own inside the Villawood Detention Centre and is now something of a tradition. The recourse to food as an artistic medium speaks to the ingenuity of detainees who have limited access to adequate materials and tools.

Music:

Shine Your Light (Song By Refugees) Feat. Ricky Kej, Aditya Narayan, Neeti Mohan and Salim Merchant

Sts John Fisher and Thomas More
2021-06-22 00:00 - 23:59

Olympic Day
2021-06-23 00:00 - 23:59

Nativity of John the Baptist
2021-06-24 00:00 - 23:59
John the Baptist is the herald for the Messiah, his cousin Jesus. He forms a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, and like Jesus, pays the ultimate cost for speaking truth to power. John challenged what was evil and immoral in his day, witnessing to the promise of a loving God. John was often portrayed as mad and wild, wandering through physical and social deserts, and existing mainly on the bounty of the land. The prophet’s road is one where we find inspiration and courage, and baptism is our ongoing call to live lives that bring justice and peace to those around us. The cost can be high for embracing God’s love in the everyday reality of our lives. The cost of not embracing it is even higher.

Who are the prophets in our midst who we would rather not hear? How can we lift them up and work with God’s love, alive and active in our world today? What do we need to change to follow the baptismal call to conversion of life?

Prayer:

John the Baptist, Witness to Truth

God, source of our hope, through John the Baptist you gave us an example of a man close to the concerns of your own heart, and alive to the needs of his time. May we too draw on his courage, forthrightness and love of you and your people. May we live into his characteristics and become more fully witnesses to Christ’s love for today’s world. We ask this, confident of your generosity and encouragement. Amen.

Adapted from the Sisters of St Joseph, Evening Prayer, 2010.

Artwork:

The Baptism of Christ (c. 1448 – 50) byPiero della Francesca (c. 1415 – 1492)

Music:

Benedictus by Steve Angrisano

Day of the Seafarer
2021-06-25 00:00 - 23:59
Courage, I am with you. Matthew 14: 27

The International Day of the Seafarer is co-ordinated each year by the International Maritime Organisation. In 2021, the focus is again centred around encouraging governments to support seafarers amid the pandemic. The organisation is calling for a fair future for seafarers. Major issues include fair treatment, fair working conditions, fair training, and fair safety: ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention

A new declaration calling for seafarers to be considered essential workers is gaining support across international boundaries, with almost 70 countries signing on. Catholic agency Stella Maris Australia supports this declaration; the Catholic agency provides spiritual and practical support to seafarers, while also engaging in international advocacy on their behalf. The agency also actively supports local efforts to approach the Australian Government in regard to the ongoing rights and wellbeing of seafarers. The Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change calls for better practices in facilitating changes of crew, and for early access for seafarers to COVID-19 vaccinations. Many seafarers are affected by expiration of contracts, the inability to disembark at some ports, and physical and mental health challenges. The Neptune Declaration states:

“This is not an acceptable way to treat seafarers, who are the frontline workers of the maritime industry, carrying 90 per cent of global trade….Fatigue after extended periods at sea has significant consequences on the physical and mental wellbeing of seafarers.”

Click here to access the Neptune Declaration.

For resources from Stella Maris for Sea Sunday, July 11, 2021: stellamarisaustralia.org

Prayer:

A Prayer for Seafarers

Be with Seafarers, Lord, on all their voyages, to cheer them and keep them safe in all dangers. Let nothing afloat or on shore cut them off from you. May they please you in everything they do. Bless all on board their ship, whatever their responsibility. Enable everyone to do their duty. Help them to be good shipmates and bring them back again safely to their homes and to those who long for their return, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

From The National Liturgy Office of New Zealand.

Photo:

International seafarers with staff of Stella Maris, Melbourne.

Music:

Eternal Father, Strong to Save by John Bacchus Dykes.

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

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
2021-06-26 00:00 - 23:59

Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
2021-06-29 00:00 - 23:59

2009: Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth)
2021-06-29 00:00 - 23:59
“Knowing that we, as persons and communities, are part of God’s family gives us a vision and energy to serve a truly integral human development.” Pope Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate, n 78.

Read a general introduction to Caritas in Veritate here.

World Social Media Day
2021-06-30 00:00 - 23:59
Can you imagine living through a pandemic without social media? World Social Media Day is a time to recognise and celebrate social media’s impact of global communication.

Here are some ideas for activities:

Revisit the Social Justice Statement Making it Real: Genuine human encounter in our digital world with your parish, school or community group.Share examples of positive uses of social media to promote social justice.Review the social media policy or guidelines of your parish or community group.Write reviews of your favorite spirituality apps for your parish Facebook page or Catholic magazines – you can submit them for our Social Justice Trends!

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

Coming of the Light Festival
2021-07-01 00:00 - 23:59
The Coming of the Light is a holiday celebrated by Torres Strait Islanders on 1 July each year. It recognises the adoption of Christianity through island communities during the late nineteenth century. Find out more here.

2012: Commencement of the Fair Work Amendment (TCF Industry) Act
2021-07-01 00:00 - 23:59
Many of the outworkers in the garment industry are migrant women. They are often vulnerable to exploitation due to limited English language skills or lack of knowledge about their rights as workers. The 2012 amendment to the Fair Work Act aimed at ensuring fair pay and conditions for them. Find out more here.

The amendment was the result of an extensive fair wear campaign by trade unions and community groups. At the international level, the Fair Wear Foundation continues to work for safe, dignified and properly paid work in the garment industry.

Check out the website of Ethical Clothing Australia to find out how to ensure that your clothing was not made in just conditions.

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
https://www.nationalwomenslibrary.org.au/aboutus/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.

St Thomas, Apostle
2021-07-03 00:00 - 23:59
We feel great kinship for the apostle Thomas because, like him, most of us curiously combine faith and doubt. We sometimes share the enthusiasm St. Thomas expressed when upon Lazarus’s death Jesus decided to go to Bethany. “Let’s go too,” Thomas said to the other disciples,“that we may die with him” (see John 11:16). But also like him we sometimes wonder where Jesus is headed and where he is taking us (see John 14:5).

International Day of Cooperatives
2021-07-03 00:00 - 23:59
The United Nations International Day of Cooperatives is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of July. This year, the theme of the International Day of Cooperatives 2020 is Cooperatives for Climate Action. Since 1995, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and the United Nations have been setting the theme for the celebration of the International Day through Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC).

Find out more here.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday
2021-07-04 00:00 - 23:59
Access resources for the celebration of this Sunday produced by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council here. We provide an overview here.

These videos were produced in 2020 however they still contain useful messages for the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday.

Bishop Don Sproxton’s Message for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday is the first Sunday in July. NAIDOC Week follows because it is always celebrated in the first full week of July.

Here is an online Acknowledgement of Country that you can use at your own events.

Online Acknowledgement of Country from NATSICC

Find out more about NATSICC’s concerns for First Nations communities facing COVID-19 and the ways in which NATSICC is responding here.

NAIDOC Week
2021-07-04 00:00 - 2021-07-11 23:59
The theme of NAIDOC week this year is “Healing Country”

Country is inherent to our identity. It sustains our lives in every aspect – spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and culturally. It is more than a place. When we talk about Country it is spoken of like a person. Country is family, kin, law, lore, ceremony, traditions, and language. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it has been this way since the dawn of time. .. Healing Country means hearing those pleas to provide greater management, involvement, and empowerment by Indigenous peoples over country. Healing Country means embracing First Nation’s cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia’s national heritage. That the culture and values of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders are respected equally too and the cultures and values of all Australians. The right to protect Country and culture is fundamental. Destruction and desecration of our sacred lands or ancient sites – some of the oldest human occupation sites on the planet – is an enormous loss for both our nation and the world. …Healing Country means finally resolving many of the outstanding injustices which impact on the lives of our people. It must be a fair and equitable resolution. Fundamental grievances will not vanish. In the European settlement of Australia, there were no treaties, no formal settlements, no compacts. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people therefore did not cede sovereignty to our land. It was taken from us. That will remain a continuing source of dispute. To Heal Country, we must properly work towards redressing historical injustice. While we can’t change history, through telling the truth about our nation’s past we certainly can change the way history is viewed. After 250 years, our children and our future generations deserve better. NAIDOC National Committee

The NAIDOC 2021 theme, Healing Country, recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. This is also a great time to get in touch with your local Aboriginal Catholic Ministry or to check out NATSICC TV to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences, perspectives and contributions to life of the Church 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

1945: Blessed Peter To Rot
2021-07-07 00:00 - 23:59
On this day in 1945 Blessed Peter To Rot was martyred in Papua New Guinea. Find out more about his life here.

St Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions
2021-07-09 00:00 - 23:59
Augustine Zhao Rong was a Chinese soldier who accompanied Bishop John Gabriel Taurin Dufresse of the Paris Foreign Mission Society to his martyrdom in Beijing. Not long after his baptism, Augustine was ordained as a diocesan priest. He was martyred in 1815. Beatified in groups at various times, these 120 martyrs were canonized together in Rome on October 1, 2000. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-augustine-zhao-rong-and-companions/

Find out more here.

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

World Population Day
2021-07-11 00:00 - 23:59
World Population Day is an annual event, observed on July 11 every year, which seeks to raise awareness of global population issues.
