Category: the Moreton Bay Region NEWS

Abbey Community Church, Caboolture, Father George delivered an ANZAC Day message centred around being apart at this time because of the COVID-19 restrictions, but being connected through history.

“So, today has been a different Anzac day for us all,” Father George said in the video above.

“At this time when we are separate in so many ways.

“For years and years and years, we have joined together on this special day when we remember with gratitude, a great sacrifice that so many people have made over the years, both in the past and right up until this present moment.

“And we’re doing this today because even though we can’t be together physically, we are all connected with the same history.

“We’re all connected as a community with what has gone before and what still takes place today when we’re concerned with bringing peace to other places, other countries.

“And so we honour and respect the memory of all those people who have gone before, who have made the ultimate sacrifice, but all those who still work in so many different areas today.

“The way that we are in these present times when things are so difficult, reminds us of the spirit of Anzac, that we as Australians have to take into our future when we do come together as a community, although separate and try and do those right things so we can conquer this particular enemy that has come into our midst.

“And we do this by holding to the same ideas and the ideals that our forefathers set before us when they went out and fought for freedom, for truth and peace.

“May we be able to follow their example and as we share today in this ceremony of remembrance, let us not forget all those who in so many different ways need our help at this time.

“So, let’s take that Anzac flame, as we said… That’s that prayer we began with take that Anzac flame of hope to all people.

“And may God bless you all,” Father George concluded.

Abbey Community Church, Caboolture ANZAC Day Message TRANSCRIPT:

Father George:
So let us pray, Oh God of truth and justice we hold before you those whose memories we cherish and those whose names we will never know. Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm. As we honour the past, know we put our faith in your future. For your other source of life and hope now and always. So on this Anzac day, we come together and we ask your blessing on all those who gave up their lives so that we today might live in freedom.

Father George:
We offer our thanks for all those service men and women who fought and died so bravely giving us who follow after an example of true courage. We also pray for those who still suffer as a result of war, physically and mentally. We pray they may be given the help they need in every possible way. May they find strength and peace of mind as we reaffirmed today that their sacrifice was not in vain. Help us to remember and recall with gratitude that our cherish freedom today in Australia is because of those men and women who gave their all in defence of freedom, truth and peace. Help us as a community and as a nation to take that Anzac flame into the light of a new tomorrow. Amen.

Father George:
I’d like to read you the 23rd Psalm. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Father George:
Now I’d like to do the prayers of Thanksgiving. “Ever-living God. We remember today those who you have gathered from the storm of war into the peace of your presence; now that same peace, calm our fears, bring justice to all peoples and establish harmony amongst the nations. All mighty, in eternal God from whose loving Christ. We can never be parted either by death or life. Hear our prayers and Thanksgivings for all those we remember today. Fulfil in them the purpose of your love and bring us all with them to your eternal joy through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Father George:
I’d like to do the last prayer, the Benediction. “So today, go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage. Hold fast to that which is good. Render to no one evil for evil. Strengthen the fainthearted, support the weak, help the afflicted, honour all people, love and serve the Lord. Rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit and the blessing of God almighty Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you this day and always. Amen.”

Father George:
So today has been a different Anzac day for us all. At this time when we are separate in so many ways. For years and years and years, we have joined together on this special day when we remember with gratitude, a great sacrifice that so many people have made over the years, both in the past and right up until this present moment. And we’re doing this today because even though we can’t be together physically, we are all connected with the same history.

Father George:
We’re all connected as a community with what has gone before and what still takes place today when we’re concerned with bringing peace to other places, other countries. And so we honour and respect the memory of all those people who have gone before, who have made the ultimate sacrifice, but all those who still work in so many different areas today. The way that we are at this in his present times when things are so difficult, reminds us of the spirit of Anzac, that we as Australians have to take into our future when we do come together as a community, although separate and try and do those right things so we can conquer this particular enemy that has come into our midst.

Father George:
And we do this by holding to the same ideas and the ideals that our forefathers set before us when they went out and fought for freedom, for truth and peace. May we be able to follow their example and as we share today in this ceremony of remembrance, let us not forget all those who in so many different ways. Need our help at this time. So let’s take that Anzac flame, as we said… That’s that prayer we began with take at Anzac flame of hope to all people. And may God bless you all. Thank you.

Click Here to See the Full 4OUR – 101.5FM LIVE Video Broadcast for ANZAC Day

Transcript:

Mike Connolly: Hello, my name is Mike Connolly. Today we celebrate and commemorate all those people who’ve served our country in past conflicts. We remember all those people who have gone before us to make our country what it is today. At St Columban’s it means a lot to remember our ANZACs and all those people who’ve served in times of war and as a community we will normally get together and march down at Caboolture and we will attend dawn services all over the Moreton Bay region.

Mike Connolly: This year is going to be a little bit different, but we are still committed to commemorating those people who’ve served and as a community we call it #StC Remembers. Each of our students will dress in their uniform and follow the lighting up of the dawn of the RSL and we will see our students going down their driveways with candles, lighting those candles and maybe giving some remarks on how they are going to remember these people. I urge all of our community to please tune in to all those different services that are being telecast, because it is an important day for us. And I think it’s a time that we sit and remember all these people who’ve made our country what it is today. You will see during the day, our two school captains, Ryan and Ava will speak a little bit about Anzac Day and what it means to the youth.

Ava Curtis: 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.

Each Anzac Day, we do not meet to celebrate or glorify war, but rather to remember those who served our country so we can live in peace. Anzac Day is categorically important to me as the time to reflect, remember, thank and commemorate those who sacrificed so much for us so we can enjoy the freedoms that we have today. Anzac Day is such an important part in our country’s history, it’s a day about much more than the symbols of war, it is about the pride we as Australians have for the soldiers who have served unconditionally for our country and to continually remember and acknowledge the great lengths these soldiers went to.

Ava Curtis: The Anzac’s fought for the freedom of the citizens of their own country, and we are immensely grateful for that freedom today. For our tomorrow they gave their today. Although the number of Anzac’s remaining diminishes, their spirit will live forever within us all. Therefore, we must continue to remember them and reflect upon the stories of tragedy, bravery, courage, and resilience that embody the Anzac spirit and legend.

Ava Curtis: Even in adverse times such as those we are facing today, we must come together and help one another just like the ANZACs did. No matter the circumstance, we must always remember the ANZACs and how did they gave up their lives so we, the citizens of Australia and New Zealand can live freely today. Although we aren’t able to remember together through ceremonies and parades, paying a simple respect of standing on your curb for a minute of silence to pay respect for the soldiers that have given their lives so we can live ours. We Will Remember Them.

Ryan Ogrodniczek: Anzac Day, a time of remembrance and recognition that has, and always will be one of the most significant aspects of the Australian and New Zealand story. A day where we are reminded of those who paid the ultimate price, who will be forever cherished for the life and freedoms they have provided us with.

For my family, Anzac Day is about marching in our local area with fellow schools and surrounding members of the community, laying a wreath for those who laid their lives down for the freedoms we enjoy today. However, we Australians know that wherever you are in the world, there is always a place that you can honour them. In these unfamiliar times, we must look to other ways we can show our utmost gratitude and respect for those who fought 105 years ago and in many other world conflicts since.

Ryan Ogrodniczek: For us to uphold our spirit, tradition and community away from the school yard, we encourage all of our St Columban students to stand outside their homes, either with a lit candle at dawn, or with a sign that reads a message of importance to our beloved ANZACs.

Ryan Ogrodniczek: Before I finish, I wish that you all stay positive during this uncertain time. While you may be confined to your homes with loved ones, there are also those out there in hospitals, others quarantine from loved ones, some serving with the community selflessly in the form of health care, education, and other essential services. The Anzac spirit lives in all of us. Remembering the spirit, the courage, the bravery, and the selflessness for those who are fought for our freedoms is something we must never under estimate the legacy of the ANZACs. Lest we forget.

Click Here to See the Full 4OUR – 101.5FM LIVE Video Broadcast for ANZAC Day

Transcript:

Wayne Chapman: Hi, I’m Wayne Chapman, principal at Mt Maria College at Petrie.

Anzac Day holds a very special place in the heart of Australians. We have the oldest known civilization on the planet. But when the events of what’s now known as Anzac Cove took place, we were a newly federated nation, just 15 years old. It was a day when Australia really came of age as a modern nation and a day that’s central to our identity.

In many ways, it defines who we are. Values like integrity, courage, and mateships are central themes in many conversations regarding Anzac Day and values central to our nation. They are values that are fundamental to our community at Mt Maria College at Petrie.

The events during World War I involve young people. Many the age of our school students or just a few years older, finding themselves in horrific conditions, living in harsh and challenging environments with their lives at risk. They did this to protect our safety and security. At Gallipoli, over 87,000 Turkish troops are believed to have been killed. 8,708 Australians and 2,721 New Zealanders died in the conflict. That’s nearly 100,000 young people. That is over 212 Mt Maria College student populations.

The hope is always for peace. I was fortunate enough to visit Anzac Cove in Gallipoli. And last year highly recommended this to our students to do when they can. As an Australian, it’s an excellent and touching experience. When you arrive at Anzac Cove, you are greeted by a large plaque with a quote from Mustafa Ataturk, commander of the Turkish troops, and later, Turkey’s president.

It powerfully states, “Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives. You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmet’s to us where they lie side by side in this country of ours. You, the mothers who sent your sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.”

Today we pay respect to the young men and women who served our country in all conflicts. We pay respect to all current servicemen and women who undertake this courageous work for the security of Australia. We are currently in the middle of an enormous health crisis, one that needs us to make some sacrifices. None of what many of us are going through compares to what the Anzacs and other servicemen and women since, have sacrificed.

This is a time that prompts deep reflection upon how very lucky we are as Australians and how very good our lives are. Normally, most of Mt Maria College staff members and students will participate in the Anzac Day March. The Anzac spirit is alive and thriving in our lovely college. We pay deep respects to all those who have served our country.