Australia Day carries different meanings for people

Genuine reconciliation needs more than structural change – it requires inner healing where truth is named and dignity restored, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council said in a statement ahead of Australia Day. Source: ACBC Media Blog.

The statement, an extract of which appears below, was released on 22nd January along with a reflection guide designed to help individuals, families, and parish groups explore the significance of Australia Day through the lens of faith, justice, and reconciliation. 

“As a Catholic faith community, NATSICC recognises that genuine reconciliation is not only social or structural, but deeply personal and spiritual…

On January 26, we take up that call in Australia by choosing to listen before we speak, to stand beside those who carry pain, and to build communities where truth, justice and friendship can grow, trusting that in Christ we can become one family.”

NATSICC Australia Day Reflection and Discernment Guide can be found here.