Dear Parishioners and Friends
The other day, I was reading the story of Maureen Moore, a Stolen Generations survivor. At a young age, her father abandoned the family. When the authorities took her away from her mother, she blamed herself. It was only much later that she realised that her mother was not to blame, and neither was she for the abuse she received at the hands of her violent, alcoholic husband. Fr Gerard Dowling helped her through counselling to escape self-blame, and gain confidence in herself. Ultimately, she helped him in his counselling ministry, and now, in her old age she continues to serve in church by greeting people and taking care of the young ones. In recognition for having lived out the Gospel values of care and love in her life and work, Maureen was awarded the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) Elder Service to the Community award.
‘I don’t do things for recognition,’ she says. ‘Greeting people in church and looking out for the kids at the back... I love doing it. I know nearly everybody, and if a new person comes in, I say, “Oh, welcome to our church. Take a seat and we’ll look after you.”’
Even if Maureen experienced great difficulty in her early years, she became a truly caring person through the love and care she received. What a great example she is!
As we mark National Reconciliation Week, we are called to reflect deeply on the sacred journey of acknowledging the truth, healing, and justice. We need to remember the painful history of our First Nations peoples, acknowledge the lasting impact of injustice, and walk together in humility and hope toward just and reconciled Australia.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to reconciliation. St. Paul reminds us that God “has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:18). Reconciliation is something we achieve through listening to and honouring the voices of the victims, respecting their culture, and honouring their deep spiritual connection to the land. It also calls for a collective acknowledgement and repentance for the sins committed, and a commitment to strive for justice through solidarity and other means.
May the example of Maureen and many others help us build bridges of understanding and peace, even within our small circles.
God bless you.
Fr Silvio
