Service personnel, veterans, diplomats and community members gathered in solemn remembrance at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra on Friday for the National Anzac Day Mass. Source: Catholic Voice.
Canberran veteran Mike Goodyear began his day at the Mass before heading to Anzac Parade for the RSL ACT Veterans’ March.
“It’s remembrance. It’s remembrance for those you have served with,” he said.
“Some aren’t with us today – whether they passed away during peacetime or in operational service. For me, it’s very important to come here and centre myself for the rest of Anzac Day, and remember those who have gone before us.”
Mr Goodyear, an infantry officer and 1976 graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon, served for nearly 50 years, undertaking overseas operations, exchange duty, and exercises throughout the Asia-Pacific.
“For me, faith is about remembering,” he said.
“The lovely thing about this service here at the cathedral is that it is a national Anzac Day Mass. It has a national focus, and looking around at all the people here, including military attachés, it also carries an international focus.
“The choir is superb, and that makes this such a memorable occasion. The music and the choir give it that deep spiritual dimension.”
Fellow veteran John Edwards said the ecumenical nature of the service was significant.
“Faith for me is an inclusive thing,” he said. “I’ve served with people of many different faiths. The cathedral service this morning was a centring aspect of that.”
In his homily, Fr Raphael Abboud spoke of the deep sacrifices made by those who served.
“They left behind their homes and families to serve the greater good,” he said.
“Many never returned. But their sacrifice planted the seeds of peace, unity and national identity. Their courage and selflessness continue to inspire generations.”
Fr Abboud noted that, in the spirit of the Resurrection, we remember that Christ’s death on the cross brought eternal life.
“The ANZAC spirit reminds us that even in suffering, there is hope. Even in darkness, light can shine,” he said.
FULL STORY
Faith, Sacrifice and Remembrance: National Anzac Day Mass (By Veronika Cox, Catholic Voice)
