A message from the Archbishop

TO THE PARISH PRIESTS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE

In recent days we’ve all been shocked by news of the fires that continue to rage in our region at a time unusual for this part of the world. The fires are obviously linked to the drought conditions which have been such a problem for so long. Given the likely continuation of the drought, the fires could be a general threat for quite some time.

First, we extend our sympathy and offer our solidarity to all who have lost homes and possessions in the fires. We are also close to them in prayer, asking God to quench the fires, to send rain upon the earth and to bring new life from the destruction. No doubt prayers are being offered in your communities, and I can only urge you to continue praying in the power of faith. There should be at least petitions in the Intercessions at each Sunday Mass. In the near future, there will also be a National Day of Prayer in the face of the drought and all it has brought in its wake. Stay tuned for details on that. The time will also come when we will have to provide financial and material support to those struck by drought and fire.

We all know that such things are part of the ecology of Australia and have been for thousands of years. But what is happening here is another sign of the facts we are seeking to identify and interpret in this Season of Creation, when we are exploring more deeply the Spirit-inspired teaching of Pope Francis in his Encyclical Letter Laudato Si on caring for our common home. Not all of our community have been struck personally by drought and fire, but what is happening concerns us all.
I leave you with the Collects given in the Roman Missal for times of drought and fire:

IN TIME OF DROUGHT
O God, Lord of creation,
by whose power the whole earth came to be,
look upon our parched land, we pray,
and bestow upon it abundant rain,
that pastures, fields and paddocks
may by your goodness thrive once more.
Through Christ our Lord.

IN TIME OF BUSHFIRES
Hear our prayers, O God, for the efforts
to quench the fires that rage in our land;
And, sustaining our spirits,
Keep us from all harm
And give success to the work of our hands.
Through Christ our Lord.


Archbishop Mark Coleridge

Archbishop of Brisbane 11 September 2019