Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Weekly Parish Mass - podcast of Eucharist, including readings, prayers, homily)
Greetings from Surfers Catholic parish!
Please find linked below the latest edition of the Parish weekly Homily and link to the (audio) podcast of the mass, especially produced for those who are unable to be with us at mass.
https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-anzac-day-remembrance-solemnity-in-australia-and-new-zealand-2023
Many thanks,
The Parish Team
ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL – AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. - - 25TH APRIL
Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Mass - Podcast
ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL – AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. -- 25TH APRIL
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Please listen to my audiorecordings of the readings, prayers, and reflections for Anzac Day, April 25th2023, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-anzac-day-remembrance-solemnity-in-australia-and-new-zealand-2023
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Readings for ANZAC DAY
First Reading: Is 9:1-6 (p.593): Wide is the dominion of the Lord, in a peacethat has no end.
Ps 71:2–4, 7–8, 12–13, 17 (p. 594): Justice shall flourish in his time and fullnessof peace forever.
Second Reading 1 Cor 1:18-25 (p.224):God's weakness
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION John 14:27. Alleluia, alleluia! Peace I leave with you, says the Lord, my own peace I give you. Alleluia!
Gospel – John 14:23-29. The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.
Image: {Australia: New South Wales, Sydney. Studio portrait of Len Siffleet incivilian clothes. On 24 October 1943, NX143314 Sergeant Leonard G (Len)Siffleet, along with his two Ambonese companions, was executed by order ofJapanese Vice Admiral Kamada, in command of the Japanese fleet at Aitape, forhis role as a wireless operator in a commando operation in Japanese occupiedNew Guinea. Sgt Siffleet was a member of the M Special Unit of the ServicesReconnaissance Department (SRD)}. Universal Studios Sydney (Donor C. Mills) -http://cas.awm.gov.au/photograph/P02547.001
On the background of Shutterstocklicensed Item ID: 613609064 - Canberra, Australia - March 18, 2017. Poppy Walllists the names of all the Australians who died in service of armies. The redpoppy has become a symbol of war remembrance (ANZAC Day) the world over. Contributor– katacarix
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At dawn on this day in 1915, during World War I soldiers from theAustralian and New Zealand Army Corps, landed at Gallipoli,. This national dayof remembrance honours the courage and the self-sacrifice of those who servedin that campaign, and that war and indeed all wars, and conflicts andpeace-keeping operations. We particularly recognise the sacrifice of thefallen. We commend them to God's eternal care... and we also pray ferventlythat the peace and justice, which they sought to defend and preserve, willdwell richly in our land and in our world and that God's peace and reverencewill make a home in the hearts of every person in this world.
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Many who returned from serving in the wars often did not speak of theirexperiences…They were so deep and indescribable.
Today we respect their silence… and we also respect their times of sharing; ofwhatever they did feel was important for us to know, and to take to heart. To'never forget' - lest past history be repeated… or core principles be lost.
Today, and every year at this time, we willingly and gratefully pause toremember and pray - give thanks for those countless men and women who served intime of war…. And who sacrificed everything…. For the sake of their families, theirfriends, their colleagues… their mates.. and their country.. and the freedom,the love, the friendship and peace that lay behind their service and sacrifice.
Over many decades now, there has been a conscious collecting of manyrecollections of those who lived through these times….. to preserve theirvoices and messages for future generations…. As the sharing of experiences of awide variety of people have continued from people who served in time of war ….It has shown that even if 2 people have served in the same theatre of war atthe same time, they could very well have different responses. Varyingreactions, different perspectives and memories relating to the samesituations. They each bring their unique insight to the broader story. Anzacday is an opportunity to highlight the diversity of experiences and wisdom ofthese people, as well as the similarities of the experiences. (both thedifferences and the similarities are important and instructive).
(https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/resources/ww2-veterans-reflect-anzac-day-their-own-words)
For example
Leonard (Len) George Siffleet.
{Australia:New South Wales, Sydney. Studio portrait of Len Siffleet in civilian clothes.On 24 October 1943, NX143314 Sergeant Leonard G (Len) Siffleet, along with histwo Ambonese companions, was executed by order of Japanese Vice Admiral Kamada,in command of the Japanese fleet at Aitape, for his role as a wireless operatorin a commando operation in Japanese occupied New Guinea. Sgt Siffleet was amember of the M Special Unit of the Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD)}.Universal Studios Sydney (DonorC. Mills) -
We deliberately choose to remember him from a photo of him before he went off to war. Len was young man from Gunnedah who died – aged only 27 - at a place called Aitape ("pronounced Eye-tarp-ee), on New Guinea's northwest coast on the24th October 1943.
I am sad to say, I didn't know his name until recently, but we all would very much recognise his picture, although we may not have known his name at the time or much about him…… Tragically and horrifically, A photo was taken of him moments before his execution by beheading. It has since become one of World War II's most enduring and powerful images. (We choose not to feature that photo here, rather remember him as he was). Every Australian should know Leonard's story.
Siffleet had been captured two weeks prior and tortured. Sadly, I think he would have known his eventual fate. ………. the photo portrays his poise, calm,and unflinching courage. It is a monstrously brutal situation, yet amid the horror, his bravery is palpable and inspirational.
As journalist Bernard Salt write about Leonard…… "I have a son not much older than Leonard was at that time. I am profoundly conscious that I have enjoyed decades of peace and prosperity because of the silent sacrifices made by the men and women of this generation." ………… Many others suffered the same terrible fate, but no other photographic record has emerged.
It illustrates yet again, the personal sacrifices made by Australians in defence of their homeland. At this time, New Guinea was an Australian-administered territory, so Siffleet and others were very much defending our nation from invasion.
And what of the soldiers who witnessed ….such atrocities? We gratefully remember all who gave their lives, and those who survived and suffer… and their families and friends who grieved and suffered along with them.
(Source: BERNARD SALT, COLUMNIST. THE WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN MAGAZINE.12:00AM JANUARY 25, 2020. Thanks to Arthur Holloway for sharing this article with us).
Today hinges on our ability not only to remember, but to remember well. When we gather in silent contemplation, what is it we should dwell on? Where should our minds and hearts go during the minute's silence? What must we avoid forgetting?
From our Christian perspective - We hear from the Lord's own lips, "No one has greater love, says the Lord, than those who lay down their lives for their friends, " and today we commemorate the ultimate sacrifice of those who served in times of war… and those who risked life and limb for those they loved…..
WE CANNOT HELP BUT NOTICE THE ECHO OF CHRISTS DEATH ON THE CROSS IN THE DEATHOF ALL WHO GAVE UP THEIR IRREPLACEABLE LIVES Defending AND PROTECTTHEIR LOVED ONES FROM REAL AND FRIGHTENING DANGERS.
We remember the sacrifices and losses of war in order to respectfully remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice of their lives (and others their health and peace of mind) in the face of terrible aggression and assaults on human dignity and freedom. WE ALSO (try to) ensure future genocides, unjust wars and global atrocities do not take place. Remembrance steels our commitment to peace and justice by reminding us of the alternative, WHICH ALWAYS COMES ASTOO HIGH A PRICE.
Yes, we ought to try to embody the virtues of courage and self-sacrifice, and also out of respect for those who experienced the indescribable realities of war….. we should also pay due mind to the horror, atrocity and evil of both war itself and, how nations like ourselves (and its soldiers and peoples) are drawn reluctantly into these conflicts throughout history (in response to real threats to the peace). by aggressive and toxic nationalism, and countless acts of utter disregard for human rights and needs. . The world deeply wants to learn from the past violence and destruction to avoid future repeats -
AS THE FAMILIAR ODE SAYS…. …
"Age shall not weary THEM" - THAT IS… those men and women we have already lost. Lest we forget the reason they died, the horrors they saw, and suffered, and THE HORRORS THAT THEY URGENTLY FOUGHT TO PREVENT IF THE AGGRESSORWERE TO GET THE UPPER HAND… THE LOSS OF THE values THAT UNDERPIN OURVERY SOCIETY….. (ALSO) WE REMEMBER the effects on those who are still with us, and who need us still.
https://www.abc.net.au/religion/what-must-we-remember-on-anzac-day-moral-reflection-without-mili/10094782
We remember and pay our heartfelt thanks to all who gave their lives.. The ultimate sacrifice – We take strength from Christ, Our Risen Saviour, who gave his life so that we might all be saved and be made forever citizens of the eternal and Heavenly City of peace and justice…/…. We cherish and gain hope from Christ's words …. "No greater love has a person than to lay down their life for a friend."
We pray that all those who lost their lives are now resting in the eternal peace of Christ…
There are many, many sacrifices that were made by those who served in times of war and those who serve now too…. As well as the sacrifice of their lives, there is also the loss of their youth, their health, and emotional well-being….. Those who came back injured in body, mind or spirit, from their experiences…. Anyone in any way affected by the horrors of war and its aftermath…..We remember them…. With profound respect.
The human cost of war - of people risking and often losing life for the defence of others and for the values we cherish… can never be adequately calculated… -and it cannot be repaid
The next generation. as with previous generations of young people, have taken up the torch of remembrance for all who gave the ultimate sacrifice… An important torch to carry... Remembering devoutly, the cost of freedom and peace… which came at such an enormous price…. From so many brave men and women…. and their families and communities.
Our hearts continue to break as we witness around the world shocking and appalling acts of aggression - a terrible lack of respect for human life and dignity… ….
It can't help but bring back memories of the generations of Australians and people around the world who have fought to stop the acts of war and aggression…We cry out to the Lord, Lord, these acts of hatred, violence, and destruction are intolerable… They are unjust and utterly wrong… We cry out for peace and respect and justice for your beloved people everywhere throughout the world. –we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. …
We also pray that the hard lessons learned from previous conflicts and defences- and the ultimate cost of life that occurred in repelling aggressors ….. and the hard-won victory over that aggression – will never be forgotten - We are united around the world with people praying and working for peace and end to violence – so that history does not keep repeating itself… and we pray for our leaders (for restraint and for a deep awareness of the good of all humanity), and also for those who would be called to step forward in times of need….
Our prayer today and for the future is for THAT PEACE which only Christ can give to the world….. A peace and a love that quenches the all-too-real hatred and misunderstanding in the world..… and banishes that which leads to enmity and violence… We long for this… Those who served prayed and struggled for it… We continue this prayer this year and every year… this special day and all days….
May peace be in the hearts and minds of all people in the world…. May the peace of God's kingdom one day soon put an end to all war and violence…. In remembering and acknowledging the human cost of war and the price, beyond telling, of those who served…. We not only remember them, but we commit ourselves to a world where the values they fought for are cherished, protected and remembered.
We pray that God's reign of peace, justice, dignity and love will come in all its fullness….. and that the values of those who struggled and suffered for us will be always and everywhere respected, preserved and built up ever stronger…
Today we recall the extraordinary poem of which a paragraph has become immortalized as THE ODE…. the poem, written by Laurence Binyon in 1914 (now well over a hundred years ago, but still deeply relevant today))…. And captures the importance of remembering and commemorating this day….
Elsewhere in that same poem, he writes a passage that echoes our belief that those who have made sacrifices in the service of others remain not only in our hearts and memories… but, although hidden from sight… live on…. in the everlasting life of God's kingdom where there is true peace… no more suffering, no war… no pain…. our constant prayer is that God's Kingdom Come, not only in heaven but that the peace and justice of God's Kingdom will take hold and express itself more and more on earth…. and that the freedoms and values that our past generations have sacrificed everything for …. will be assured for all…and forever……
"Where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;
As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain."**….
(We will remember them)
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- Reflection by Fr Paul Kelly
- ** Robert Laurence Binyon, (10 August 1869 – 10 March 1943). "For The Fallen", The Times, (London), 21 September 1914.
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Australia
Image: Shutterstock licensed Item ID: 613609064 - Canberra, Australia -March 18, 2017. Poppy wall lists the names of all the Australians who died in service of armies. The red poppy has become a symbol of war remembrance (ANZAC Day) the world over. Contributor – katacarix
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ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL – AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. Year A - 25TH APRIL..
(EPISODE: )
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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As we begin the Holy Eucharist, let us acknowledge our sinfulness, so as to worthily celebrate the sacred mysteries.
You raise the dead to life in the Spirit. Lord, have mercy//
You bring pardon and peace to the sinner. Christ, have mercy//
You bring light to those in darkness. Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
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Let us pray for peace in our world, and in our hearts and homes. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray for all servicemen and women, who served our nation with bravery and honour. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray for those men and women who died in the time of war, defending the freedom, the values and the people they love. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray for all those who have been injured or in any way physically or emotionally affected by war. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray for those who presently serve in armed forces, that they may be protected and strengthened. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray that we will experience a deep sense of unity with God and with one another. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray that the ANZAC spirit of self-sacrifice, bravery, and support may always live in the memories and hearts of all Australians. Lord Hear Us.
For people around the world - suffering the effects of war, violence and assaults on human dignity and rights. That they may be given peace and dignity and practical assistance in their suffering. And that God's peace will spur people to find every paths to peace and justice.
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Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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pref: Christian death II
Eucharistic Prayer II
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Go in peace
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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com
To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly
Prayers and chants — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)
Scriptures – Jerusalem Bible (1966)
"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009, The Grail - Collins publishers.
Prayers of the Faithful - " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).
{Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" - by Jeffrey M.Ostrowski. The ….Gloria, copyright 2011 ccwatershed.org. }
"Today I Arise" - For Patricia Kelly. Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.
[ Production - KER - 2023]
May God bless and keep you.
(Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish sends these emails in order to speedily keep in touch with parishioners, including for the occasional urgent/emergency emails affecting parish schedules (which has come in handy already for several unexpected events in the past - which people were grateful to receive quickly - So, we ask that you please consider keeping subscribed to this mailing list, as it helps us keep in touch in all sorts of changing situations. We have had times when parishioners said they did not know of an important development within the parish and it turns out that they had opted out of this central email).
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