Aboriginal Catholic leaders from communities across Darwin Diocese gathered last month to reflect on the 40 years since St John Paul II’s historic visit to Alice Springs.
Under the theme “Walking Together in Christ: 40 Years On!”, the September 21-25 gathering of the Aboriginal Diocesan Pastoral Council at Nungalinya College, Darwin, brought together Aboriginal leaders from Central Australian communities, communities in and around Wadeye and Daly River, the Tiwi Islands and Darwin for prayer, listening, fellowship and discernment about the future of Aboriginal Catholic leadership in their communities.
Darwin Bishop Charles Gauci said he was deeply encouraged by the gathering and by the strength of faith and hope expressed by leaders from across the diocese.
“I was so heartened by the gathering of our Aboriginal leaders. A common desire was for a deeper understanding of our faith. There was also a deep desire to pass it on to others, especially our young people,” Bishop Gauci said.
“There is a lot of hope, often in very challenging situations. What came through very strongly was the desire of people to grow in their faith, to strengthen leadership within their own communities and to ensure that faith is passed on to the next generation.”
A significant focus of the gathering was remembering past Aboriginal Catholic leaders who laid foundations of faith in their communities. Participants shared stories of leaders whose lives were marked by prayer, service, teaching, visiting the sick, music, art and passing faith to younger generations.
Across these stories, common qualities emerged: strong Catholic faith, humility, patience, service, cultural strength and a commitment to forming young people. The stories provided an important reminder that leadership is not simply about holding a position, but about faithful service within family, community and Church.
Community discussions also explored how God’s Spirit has always been present among Aboriginal peoples – through Country and creation, family and kinship, Elders, language, stories, song, dance, art and traditional knowledge.
Importantly, ADPC was also about looking forward. Communities identified practical hopes including stronger local leadership teams, greater participation of young people, children’s catechesis, regular Mass and prayer, Bible reading, healing and bush retreats, and closer collaboration between elders, younger leaders, priests and Catholic organisations.
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ADPC 2026 Celebrates Faith, Culture and Leadership (Darwin Diocese)
