Since Anzac Day, 25 April, this year fell during the recent school holiday, the prayer at this first College Assembly of Term 2 focussed on this important day of National Remembrance. Also, in our acknowledgment of the traditional custodians of the land, we paid special respect to appreciate and remember, in particular, those Aboriginals who fought in wars on behalf of Australia, even though they were not recognised as Australian citizens. For this past injustice, we say “Sorry”. We honour their selfless contributions and remember them.

As a symbol of remembering those combatants who have passed away, three candles were lit in our remembering those who have died in the course of defending our country, our liberty, and our way of life: a candle for those who defended on the Land; a candle for those who defended on the Sea; and a candle for those who defended in the Sky.

After recitation of the Ode of Remembrance, the sounding of the Last Post, pausing for a minute’s silence and the sounding of the Reveille, we joined together in praying the following prayer:

A Prayer for Peace (from the Brigidine Sisters in Australia)

God of peace,  
may we become peacemakers by feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger,
planting kindness and nurturing right relationships wherever we are.
God of Justice,
may we become justice makers by sharing goodwill, upholding the rights of all beings,
sharing our gifts and nurturing justice wherever we are.
We pray for these things with humility, because of the hope that is within us,
and because of our faith in the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
We pray because of our love for Creation and because of our trust in a loving God.
Above all, we pray for an end to violence, and for peace throughout the world.

Amen.         

Angelo Gattone - Misson Coordinator