St Joseph’s parishioners commemorated Anzac Day with a special Mass on Friday morning, where three veterans who have died since last years service were honoured.
As the names of Peter William Clarke (Army), Donald John Keith (Army) and Michael Peter Olsen (Navy) were announced a red poppy was attached to the front of the altar cloth by St Xavier’s student Georgia Hobson.
The procession of symbols including the Australian Flag and service medals carried by students from St Mary’s College and St Xavier’s were placed in the sanctuary, with the wreath carried forward and laid by veteran Michael Hennessy who also read the Ode to the Fallen.
It was significant that the sounds of the Last Post echoed through the century old church, where each Station of the Cross around the walls is a dedicated WWI war memorial.
Following the Reveille, Fr Antony offered prayers for the fallen: “To these heroes we say thank you. May they rest in the Peace of the Lord.
Mass was offered after the singing of the National Anthem, with readings from the Book of Wisdom and Ephesians.
St Mary’s College school leaders presented the Prayers of the Faithful, with the processional hymn Peace is Flowing Like a River and a collection taken up for the support of ex-service personnel who are still suffering the effects of their war service.
The following evening, Mass was celebrated across the diocese as the funeral of Pope Francis was held in Rome.
At St Joseph’s the Holy Father’s image was placed in front of the altar with two candles burning bright and special prayers were offered.
Parishioners also offered prayers or the Conclave as cardinals from around the world gather to elect a new leader for the universal church.
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