3-14 National Youth Week
28 Easter (Orthodox) Workers Memorial Day
Author: cultureboy
Week of Solidarity for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
How Open Are My Eyes?
Week of Solidarity for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
From 21 to 27 March is a week of solidarity for the elimination of Racial Discrimination
In Australia this usually begins with Harmony Day (which was yesterday)
This is the week when we consciously look at our own actions in regards to racial discrimination, our own attitudes, and then that of our country, our world…
• Are we discriminating against others on the basis of race and if so what can we do about it?
• How can we be compassionate to the victims of this discrimination, to those enabling this discrimination?
• How can we raise the powers of love upwards to the next stage of consciousness – consciousness that will lead to action?
Perhaps if, for one week, I lived in the shoes of someone suffering daily racial discrimination, my eyes would be opened
Read the whole reflection here
Singing My Way Through Catholicism
Two weeks ago I celebrated my 66th birthday and give thanks for those who sent good wishes. Today I mark another milestone with the 66th anniversary of my Baptism.
Yes, with names like Anthony Gerard it is pretty obvious that I was baptized Catholic an acknowledgement I make with some trepidation in the current climate.
However, there is a spectrum of Catholicism. At one end you will find George Pell and at the other, Andy Warhol You will find Mary Queen of Scots, but you will also discover St. Mary MacKillop. Tony Abbott and Barnaby Joyce carry membership cards as did Mum Shirl. and Fr Ted Kennedy of Redfern. Scoundrels, saints and sinners , have filled the pews,written our history and taken us on the highs and lows of human experience.
I grew up in a era of Catholicism that nurtured a love of music and singing. The popular Hymn, “How Can I keep From Singing” is rarely sung in Catholic Churches but it captures a sentiment that some of us will identify with as we scroll our social media and watch the reports of clergy abuse dominate our screens.:
Thro’ all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul—
How can I keep from singing?
Each year I publish a list of hymns and music that I have sung in Catholic communities from childhood to my adult years. The list now runs to 66 pieces to commemorate this anniversary. If you are Catholic you might enjoy a trip down memory lane. If you have never sung with Catholics, you will probably be amazed at the clips you can find on youtube!!!
I hope the sharing of this post nurtures hope for all of us who live in these days of “tumult and strife”
Just Dates February
Supporting Febfast 2019
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
1-7 World Interfaith Harmony Week
5-19 Chinese New Year of the Pig
6 Waitangi Day Aotearoa New Zealand
12 Indigenous Freedom Ride Anniversary 1965 1
13 Stolen Generations Apology 2008 / World Radio Day
18 International Asperger’s Day
20 World Day of Social Justice / World Harmony Day
Just Dates January
2019: UN International Year of Indigenous Languages
3 Grameen Bank set up in Bangladesh 1977
5 Anniversary of execution of Dundalli 1855
21 World Hug Day (Peace Initiative)26 Australia Day / Indigenous Invasion/Survival Day
24 International Day of Education
27 Holocaust Memorial Day / Vietnam Peace Agreement Signed 1973
30 Ghandi Day
Reflections for the 12 Days of Christmas
During the 2018 Christmas Season I have published my series of reflections originally posted in 2012 . I hope you enjoy them and invite your response. Come back each of the 12 Days to read a new post.
