We primarily need to foster a sense of gratitude in our souls. We live in a beautiful country, full of God’s gifts; its nature, its people and their gifts, its starry sky! We literally live under the sign of the Cross- (the Southern Cross) how amazing is that?!
This land was called The Great South Land of the Holy Spirit by an early explorer a few hundred years ago. Amen, so be it! In appreciating who we are and the culture that formed here, we must also be part of forming it. We value the dignity of all human beings as all are made in the image of God- all by Him. This is irrefutable. This is why He loves all people.
But as Catholics, and Christians in this Great South Land, which belongs to God, we are its stewards, called to care and to minister, to use our gifts well. While we work out our salvation here, in fear and trembling, we must never lose our first and final identity. We are Catholic. We are Christian. We love God with all our heart. mind and soul. Pagan elements (and ways) have crept into our culture. These are destroying the soul of her, our land and will destroy us, if we follow them. Blind fools act as if they are Australian first and Christian second. This is only our passing home.
Culture is never set in stone. The Godly elements, attitudes, habits, ways and understandings of our dear land are clear. Discern those that are not -as they are many and we must know and embrace our Catholic identity to effect change. We are few and may feel powerless but we are salt. The little we do, the example we set, can affect the whole, quite significantly; we can change the flavour of this land. This will make it more beautiful, more appealing- and more fit for the return of Our King! Our Catholic identity should show in our charitable works. our excessive kindness, our willingness to do good, to love and to forgive, to rejoice! So let us work through the power of the Holy Spirit, untiringly, allowing our transformation into Saints and the transformation of others- unhindered by the ways of this world, its concerns or the current age. We only need concern ourselves with understanding and doing the Will of God, while we live in the gift that is Australia.
For our fellow Catholics and Christians around the world, you are our brothers and sisters- working in your own lands. We are never far from you in prayer, through the Sacraments and the Church which makes us One Body. and we embrace you, (rejoice with you!!) when your land honours Jesus and overturns Pagan and Satanic dictates. We pray for you always as the early church communities prayed for one another. Pray for Australia today, on this our National day of celebration. A special crusade prayer for our country, given by heaven to us, is below:
Crusade Prayer for Australia and New Zealand
Readings from the Australia Day Mass:
The Entrance Antiphon:
I will praise you, Lord, among the peoples, among the nations sing psalms to you, for your mercy reaches to thee heavens, and your truth to the skies.
First Reading : Isaiah 32:15-18 (The effect of justice will be peace)
15 Until the spirit from on high is poured out on us. And the wilderness becomes a garden land and the garden land seems as common as forest.16 Then judgment will dwell in the wilderness and justice abide in the garden land. 17 The work of justice will be peace;the effect of justice, calm and security forever. 18 My people will live in peaceful country,in secure dwellings and quiet resting places.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 84:9-14 9 (The Lord speaks of peace to His people.)
9 I will listen for what God, the LORD, has to say;surely he will speak of peace
To his people and to his faithful. May they not turn to foolishness! 10 Near indeed is his salvation for those who fear him; glory will dwell in our land. 11 Love and truth will meet;justice and peace will kiss.12 Truth will spring from the earth;justice will look down from heaven.13 Yes, the LORD will grant his bounty;our land will yield its produce.14 Justice will march before him,and make a way for his footsteps.
Second Reading: Romans 12: 9-13 (Work for the Lord earnestly)
9 Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good;
10 love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.
11 Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
12 Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.
13 Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Happy the peacemakers they shall be called children of God. Alleluia
Gospel: Luke 12: 22-32
He said to [his] disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life and what you will eat, or about your body and what you will wear.
23For life is more than food and the body more than clothing.
24Notice the ravens: they do not sow or reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more important are you than birds!
25Can any of you by worrying add a moment to your life-span?
26If even the smallest things are beyond your control, why are you anxious about the rest?
27Notice how the flowers grow. They do not toil or spin. But I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of them.
28If God so clothes the grass in the field that grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?
29As for you, do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not worry anymore.
30All the nations of the world seek for these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
31Instead, seek his kingdom, and these other things will be given you besides.
32Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
Communion Antiphon: Bless the Lord, my soul, and never forget all his benefits.
After Mass we sang the National Anthem.
(Sadly, the third verse is rarely sung except at a few churches)
Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature’s gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history’s page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
Chorus:
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
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Beneath our radiant Southern cross
We’ll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned in all the lands;
For those who’ve come across the seas
We’ve boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
Chorus:
With Christ our head and cornerstone,
We’ll build our nation’s might.
Whose way and truth and light alone
Can guide our path aright.
Our lives a sacrifice of love
Reflect our Master’s care.
With faces turned to heaven above
Advance Australia Fair.
Chorus:
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Mary, Help of Christians is Australia’s Patroness.
The picture above is taken of the statue is in our Cathedral, which is named after her.
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us.
“I ask that you recite this Crusade Prayer, the Prayer of Peace each and every day for your nations.”
RemnantDisciplesJtM 
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