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1966: Gurindji strike or Wave Hill Walk-off, beginning the longest strike in Australian history

On this day in 1966 the Gurindji walked off Wave Hill Station. What began as a strike over the refusal of Vestey Brothers to pay Aboriginal workers was to become a pivotal event in the struggle for the legal recognition of Aboriginal land rights. As the National Museum of Australia explains: "The Gurindji strike was… Read More »1966: Gurindji strike or Wave Hill Walk-off, beginning the longest strike in Australian history

1999: Death of Dom Helder Camara

"When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor, they call me a communist."Dome Helder Camara Dom Helder Camara (1909 - 199) was a Brazilian archbishop from 1964-1985. Richard Rohr explains that "under his guidance, the Catholic Church in Brazil criticized the country’s military dictatorships… Read More »1999: Death of Dom Helder Camara

Saint Augustine of Hippo

"You have made us and directed us toward yourself and our heart is restless until we rest in you."Confessions 1.1 Saint Augustine was one of the great founders of monasticism in the Western Church. The Augustinians in Australia describe his spirituality in the following way: "In Augustinian spirituality love for God is experienced as love… Read More »Saint Augustine of Hippo

International Day Against Nuclear Tests

Did you know that the Vatican ratified the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty on the very first day that it was opened for signature and ratification? The Holy See's diplomats continue to urge more states to ratify the treaty so that it will enter into force.

Social Justice Sunday

From 2020 forward, Social Justice Sunday will be celebrated on the last Sunday of August. Previously it was celebrated on the last Sunday in September. A Long Tradition The celebration of Social Justice Sunday is a long tradition in the Catholic Church in Australia. For almost every year since 1940, our bishops have joined together… Read More »Social Justice Sunday

1815: Founding of Sisters of Charity by Mary Aikenhead

"In 1815, Mary Aikenhead, with Alicia Walsh, after completing their novitiate, founded the Religious Sisters of Charity in Ireland. They were the first, so-called Walking Nuns who visited the sick in their homes and tried to alleviate the wide spread poverty. Mother Mary Aikenhead’s dependence on Divine Providence – “God will provide” – was the… Read More »1815: Founding of Sisters of Charity by Mary Aikenhead