Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Fides) - Australia will stop for one minute silence on Sunday 16 January to remember the tsunami disaster. Prayer vigils will be held all over the country in memory of the victims in the affected countries in south east Asia. At midday the nation will observe a minute of silence as a sign of mourning to recall the earthquake and the fury its repercussions in which so many were killed.
The Day of Remembrance will be marked by public ceremonies presided by state authorities and various religious services organised by different communities.
As soon as the tragedy struck the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference assured the Bishops of the affected areas, full spiritual and material support from the Catholics in Australia. Caritas Australia launched a fund raising campaign which brought a generous response of 4 million dollars for aid programmes in the affected areas.
Catholics all over the country will take part in special prayers and Masses planned for Sunday. In Sydney archdiocese there will be a special Mass at St. Mary’s cathedral. In a message for the occasion, the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell said: “Once again we will join in prayer to remember the dead and their families and for those who are still frantically searching for the family and friends and those who will have to rebuild their lives and their homes” (see also Fides 13/1/2005).
A special Mass will also be celebrated at the multicultural pastoral care Centre in Brisbane for Indonesian immigrants. Christian Churches in Queensland have organised an ecumenical service at the Anglican Church of St John. There will also be a special Mass in Melbourne with special prayers for the victims and their families.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/1/2005 righe 28 parole 298)
