Canberra-Goulburn Archbishop Christopher Prowse welcomed a full congregation to St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra on Saturday for the National ANZAC Day Mass. Source: Catholic Voice.
Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Balvo, clergy, Defence Force chaplains, political representatives and parishioners joined representatives from countries including Fiji, the United Kingdom, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Lebanon, Spain, Ukraine, the United States, Mexico, Chile and the Philippines.
Ambassador of Peru to Australia, Vitaliano Gaspar Gallardo Valencia, said the day carried a universal message.
“The meaningful message from today is that the sacrifice of the people has been made to defend our countries,” he said. “It’s very important recognition that we need to join with Australians to commemorate their lives and also remember that peace comes with sacrifice.”
He said the strong international presence reflected a shared belief in honouring those who gave their lives.
“When the ultimate sacrifice is done, then your soul should be joining God,” he said. “We are recognising that each one of us may face that kind of moment of decision – to sacrifice their life for others.”
Long-time parishioner and retired Air Vice Marshal Peter Weston, who served 34 years in the Air Force, said the day brought a renewed appreciation for the nation and its history.
“You get a great appreciation of how great this country is and the history of Australians who have fought to keep it the way it is,” he said. “It reminds later generations that there’s a tremendous heritage in this country that’s worth looking after.”
In his homily, Australian Army Chaplain Deacon Clinton McGoldrick drew on the Gospel image of a grain of wheat to reflect on sacrifice and service, connecting Christ’s death with the legacy of the ANZACs.
“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain. But if it dies, it bears much fruit,” he said.
“On this ANZAC Day, that Gospel speaks with special force. We remember the men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Army. Many were young. Many never came home. Their lives were poured out in service, courage and sacrifice.”
“It is a remembrance of costly love, duty and sacrifice. It asks us not simply to admire courage, but to imitate it.”
FULL STORY
Faith and sacrifice honoured at ANZAC Day Mass (By Veronika Cox, Catholic Voice)
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