Today, thanks to these brave ANZACs, we can live in freedom. To give thanks for this selfless sacrifice, staff from the Diocesan offices attended a liturgy held at the Sacred Heart Columbarium on the morning of Tuesday 24th April.

Organised and presented by the Campus Ministry Team and lead by Teresa Brierley, Vice Chancellor Pastoral Ministries, the liturgy opened with an acknowledgment of country followed by prayers and a reading of the details of events leading up to the battle of Gallipoli

Bishop Bill Wright delivered the Gospel reading of John 15:23-26 to remind us all that anyone who loves his life, loses it. Theresa then shared the words of Bishop Oscar Romero:

 

Peace is not the product of terror or fear

Peace is not the silence of ceremonies

Peace is not the silent result of violent repression

Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all

Peace is dynamism. Peace is generosity

It is right and it is duty

After the Universal Prayer, John Kingsley-Jones, Head of Diocesan Communications, delivered the Ode of Remembrance, which reads:

 

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.

Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,

They fell with their faces to the foe.

 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

 

After listening silently to the ‘Last Post’, one minute’s silence was observed.

The liturgy closed with the singing of the National Anthem followed by a morning tea where, appropriately, attendees enjoyed the ANZAC biscuits.

Lest we forget.