Warm Greetings and Happy Australia Day to all Food For Faith readers in Australia!

It has been a privilege and a pleasure to spend this year’s Australia Day in Australia. The occasion is my presence at the Chapter of the de la Salle brothers of the district Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea. While the association between Australia and New Zealand has been long and rich, it is a delight to be a part of the lively charism of John Baptist de la Salle lived in New Guinea and Pakistan.

This evening we offered the Mass for the nation of Australia, and the text of the prayers for Australia Day given in the Revised Missal are especially appropriate and profound:

Collect
Grant, we pray, O Lord our God,
that as the Cross shines in our southern skies,
so may Christ bring light to our nation, to its peoples old and new,
and by saving grace, transform our lives.

Prayer over Offerings
As we come before you with the fruits of the earth,
tended by our hands, O Lord,
we pray that these offerings may bring a blessing on our land
and peace to all who dwell here.

Prayer after Communion
May our partaking of this sacrificial meal, O Lord,
grant us strength to walk together in the ways of justice,
and behold one day the new heavens and new earth
you prepare for us in Christ your Son.

Preface
For from ancient times you made this land a home for many peoples,
and became their rock of strength;
when they were hungry, you gave them food,
and when thirsty, water even in the desert.
To all, your providence has proclaimed the Good News
of Jesus Christ, your Son,
sent by you to be the Saviour of all the world,
who has brought peace by his sacrifice on the Cross.

Solemn Blessing
May God who formed our southern land be for you a rock of strength.
May God who rules the great seas keep you safe in every storm.
May God who made the skies above turn your darkness into light.