On the eve of what is widely celebrated as “Australia Day”, the Edmund Rice Centre has released a Statement calling for 26 January to become a day of reflection, compassion and liberation.

On 26 January 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip raised the Union Jack and proclaimed British sovereignty over the eastern part of the Australian continent.

Fifth Sunday of the Year

Today, in Luke we see ordinary and frail people making space for Jesus so as to make possible the occurrence of the unexpected and remarkable within daily life. The setting by the lake seems to be a place of central gathering with Jesus among them. An ordinary fisherman provides his boat for Jesus to use as a platform to share God’s word with Jesus first listening and then responding to the peoples’ desires and needs. Simon Peter played a key role in co-creating a space for the extraordinary to manifest itself in the ordinary.

26th January: A Day of Reflection

On 26th January 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip raised the Union Jack and proclaimed British sovereignty over the eastern part of the Australian continent. What historically started as a day to celebrate the founding of the British colony of New South Wales, January 26th has now become a day when most Australians celebrate national identity and unity. However, First Nations peoples perceive this celebration to be analogous to celebrating colonialism. First Nations peoples regard the 26th of January as Invasion Day, a Day of Mourning or Survival Day.