ANZAC

ANZAC Day

Sacred Space

In this Centenary year of ANZAC, we remember the suffering, courage and friendship of all those who fought in that war and in all wars.

Today we use symbols, to create a scred space, which helps us to remember the contribution of those who served Australia.

The Cross

The cross is to remind us of all the soldiers and civilians who like Jesus gave their live unselfishly for others.

An Australian Flag

An Australian flag is laid beneath the cross to remind us that this is truly a national day of prayer for peace, when we pray for all those who died or were injured in war.

Red Poppies

During the First World War, red poppies were among the first plants to spring up in the devastated battlefields of northern france and Belgium. We placed red poppies at the foot of the cross to remind us of the great sacrifice of those who lost their lives, and the need to turn from war and hatred to become peace-seeking people

Rosemary

Rosemary has particular significance for Australians, as it is found growing wild on the Gallipoli peninsula. When rosemary is crushed a strong scent is left. This herb aids memory; it is used as a symbol of rememberance because it has a smell that is unforgetable

A picture of Our Lady Help of Christians ans St Mary of the Cross Mackillop

pictures of Our Lady Help of Christians and St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, the patron Saint of Australia, are placed in our sacred space. During war people often prayed to Our Lady Help of Christians for peace. Whilst St Mary of the Cross Mackillop's strong dedication to people in society, especially the most vulnerable, is an example of how to live our lives in service of others.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord God, be with us today as we gather to pay tribute to those who have been involved in our Nation's battles. As we remember those who have died in war, let us pray that God will give us the grace to serve Him until our life's end.

Greeting

John 15:9-17

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. ‘I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

We gather together today to remember those who fell amidst the valleys and ridges of Gallipoli, on the terraced hills of Palestine, in France and Belgium, on the sands of the North African desert, amidst the mountains and olive groves of Greece, Crete and Syria, in the skies over Europe, in Singapore, in the jungles of Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, in Korea and Vietnam, East Timor and most recently in Afghanistan. We remember Lord those who suffered as prisoners of war, and those who died in captivity. Our Servicemen and women have left us a splendid heritage. may we and our successors prove worthy of their sacrifice. We dedicate this day, ourselves to the cause of justice, freedom and peace, and for the wisdom and strength to build a better world.

All: Amen