“Peace is possible when people listen deeply to one another and share their stories,” said Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton during his homily for the 2025 National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week Mass, celebrated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Embleton on Sunday, 6 July.
Bishop’s Sproxton’s message formed the central theme of the Mass, reflecting this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, which carries special significance during the Jubilee year.
Bishop Sproxton was joined for the Mass by concelebrant Embleton Parish Administrator Fr Konrad Gagatek, with a traditional smoking ceremony held before the beginning of the Mass.
Echoing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council’s theme, ‘Sent forth in strength and hope,’ the week emphasises unity and reconciliation through mutual respect and deep listening to First Nations peoples.
Drawing inspiration from the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Sproxton recalled the Pope’s inaugural greeting: “Peace be with you.”
He highlighted the importance of the familiar greeting, frequently used by Jesus in the Gospels and echoed in Catholic liturgical traditions.
Bishop Sproxton reminded the congregation that at this critical time marked by global conflicts and divisions, peace is the essential message that needs to be sown broadly and nurtured in human hearts.
“Pope Leo will be seeking to sow the seeds of peace and reconciliation throughout his pontificate. The seed of peace is the Gospel. It is urgently needed to germinate in human hearts and bear fruit in our societies,” Bishop Sproxton emphasised during the homily.
The Mass, which was prepared by Archdiocesan agency Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, invited parishioners and visitors to enter into prayer with open hearts, fostering appreciation for First Nations spirituality and drawing closer to Christ.
Bishop Sproxton affirmed that the liturgy would “renew our shared calling toward reconciliation, justice, and love.”
In illustrating the complexities involved in genuine reconciliation, Bishop Sproxton shared the compelling story of Bishop François Gsell, a Missionary of the Sacred Heart who ministered to the Tiwi People near Darwin in the early 20th century.
Recognising the oppressive tribal practice of betrothing young girls to older men, Bishop Gsell, in an extraordinary act of compassion and cultural understanding, “purchased” the marital rights of girls from tribal elders, protecting their freedom and dignity.
Bishop Sproxton recounted the dramatic story of Martina, a young Tiwi girl who sought refuge at Bishop Gsell’s mission after fleeing an abusive arrangement.
By understanding tribal customs and offering appropriate gifts as compensation, Bishop Gsell negotiated her freedom, thus protecting Martina and many other girls in similar circumstances.
Over the years, Bishop Gsell gained recognition for his unique and courageous approach, which was ultimately supported by the Territory Administration despite initial governmental questioning.
Reflecting on Bishop Gsell’s ministry, Bishop Sproxton quoted directly from Gsell’s memoirs: “I had to establish contact with the people, alone, slowly, prudently; I had to endeavour, to the best of my ability, to gradually learn their habits and customs so as to penetrate into their minds and hearts without hurt or shock.”
Bishop Sproxton used this narrative to underscore the vital necessity of listening deeply, recognising mistakes, and committing to the challenging yet rewarding journey towards reconciliation.
“Mistakes can easily be made, but reconciliation is possible when we all commit to listening and storytelling and have the desire to learn from the past and are open to receive what our First Nations people offer for the Church and society in general,” he said.
He concluded the homily by reiterating the call to action for all Catholics to walk together in faith, embracing the spirituality and rich cultural heritage of First Nations peoples: “Let the Spirit of Christ give us courage, strength, and hope for the future God is leading us into.”
The Mass set a reflective and hopeful tone for NAIDOC Week 2025, observed across Australia from the first Sunday in July.
It served as a powerful reminder of the Church’s ongoing commitment to peace, reconciliation, and genuine respect for First Nations peoples as we journey forward together in faith, hope, and mutual understanding.
