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By Eric Martin and Amanda Murthy
Uniting as one Catholic Church to give thanks for faith and culture, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community from across Perth gathered last Sunday, 12 July at Embleton Parish Holy Trinity Church despite the postponement of the 2020 NAIDOC celebrations due to some COVID-19 restrictions still in place.
Despite this decision, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) encouraged all parishes in Australia to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday on July 5.
Celebrating Mass was Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (ACM) Chaplain Father Sebastian Fernando, who in his homily related the Gospel readings to the strength and contributions of the communities to this country.
“Jesus often spoke in parables and stories, and here we are today, listening to the words of Jesus,” Fr Fernando said.
“As a community of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and as a Catholic community, your stories are the source of your spirituality, faith, values, beliefs – and just as the stories of your ancestors have been passed down to you, you will be able to pass yours to the future generations.
“History will show that it is through the seed (hard work) of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, and through your generosity that I have witnessed many times during my ministry, that has provided in abundance to this country – so be proud of all you have accomplished and I continue to pray to God to guide you all as a community and people of faith,” he stated.
Fr Fernando, who has been Chaplain with ACM since 2018, served the community in Kimberley for two years, and lived in the Aboriginal communities for 10 years, added that his mission is not to convert people of the community, but instead to be and journey with them, through the joys and struggles.
“My ministry includes visiting hostels, hospitals, assisting for the religious classes at Clontarf Aboriginal College, and yes, I do pray with the people or give them the Holy Eucharist where relevant, but my main goal has always be to just sit and be with them, to educate myself of their culture and most of the time, this ends up being a case of them wanting to know more about the faith.”
At the conclusion of Mass, ACM Director Donella Brown expressed her gratitude to all attendees, for making it possible to reunite with the community to give thanks, sing, listen to stories and be together in celebration.
“With all the restrictions of COVID-19, the chance to gather as a community again has been welcomed by all,” Donella Brown cited.
“The bonus is that on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday, it was an opportunity to include aspects of our culture in the Mass and to celebrate this with our non-Indigenous sisters and brothers who joined us on the day.
“This day continues to be a time of healing for all and a day of recognising that Aboriginal culture has place in our society and Church.
“As Pope John Paul II said at Alice Springs in 1986 “You are part of Australia and Australia is part of you. And the Church herself in Australia will not be fully the Church that Jesus wants her to be, until you have made your contribution to her life and until that contribution has been joyfully received by others.” Donella Brown added.
“Even though we did not have a smoking ceremony Christine Taylor was able to give the Acknowledgement of Country on behalf of the Noongah elders.”
Sister Delores Coffey, who was in attendance with several other religious sisters from various orders, says she was happy to be able to pray with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities.
“It was such a pleasure to hear so much singing and music during the Mass,” she said.
“It makes such a difference.”
The Mass was celebrated using the Missa Terra Spiritus Sancti, or Mass of the Land of the Holy Spirit. The rite has its’ origins in the Diocese of Broome and is well known to many Catholics, with the songs and rituals aiming to further engage the congregation in a joyful celebration.
“When you look at the Mass and you look at our way of Church and our own beliefs, it’s about the stories, symbols, songs and rituals; and the passion and commitment in how we celebrate Mass,” Donella Brown explained.
“The songs that we’ve been singing today and the stories that have come out of those songs, the Gospel readings, the symbols that were used, the story that came with the message stick and the acknowledgement of country – we celebrate all of these with passion.”