1945: Destruction of Hiroshima by atomic bomb
"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… Read More »1945: Destruction of Hiroshima by atomic bomb
St Mary MacKillop
St Mary of the Cross Mackillop is the first Australian to be recognised as a saint. You can learn more about her life here. For Catholics in Australia, the life and work of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop has become an inspiration and a part of their identity. In Catholic Social Justice Series paper… Read More »St Mary MacKillop
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Do you know who the name of the Indigenous people of the place where you live? Check the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies map of Australia here. Find out more about why the United Nations decided in 1994 to celebrate a World Day of Indigenous Peoples on 9 August here.
1945: Destruction of Nagasaki by atomic bomb
"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’… Read More »1945: Destruction of Nagasaki by atomic bomb
Saint Lawrence
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… Read More »Saint Lawrence
Saint Clare
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
International Youth Day
12 August was first designated International Youth Day by the UN General Assembly in 1999, and serves as an annual celebration of the role of young women and men as essential partners in change, and an opportunity to raise awareness of challenges and problems facing the world’s youth. More information here. 2020 Theme: To be… Read More »International Youth Day
Saint Maximillian Kolbe
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
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… Read More »1963: Bark petition from Yirrkala presented to Parliament