The National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Asia earthquake and tsunami will be commemorated this Sunday, 16 January 2005, during Masses celebrated at St Mary's Cathedral.

 

In reflecting on the National Day of Mourning, Cardinal Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, says "Once again we are united in prayer for those who have lost loved ones, those who continue the desperate search for family and friends and those who are trying to rebuild their homes and lives. We also remember those who are working so hard administering aid and helping in the aftermath of the tragedy."

 

The Mass at St Mary's Cathedral will feature a procession which will include fifteen candles, one for each of the ten thousand people confirmed to have died.

 

Other features of the Masses will be:
* The homily will include a reflection on the suffering of so many people as a result of this natural disaster but that there is still hope.  
* Roses or other flowers will accompany the procession of gifts. Flowers hold great significance in Asian countries.
* The congregation will observe the minute silence after communion, when all can reflect together on the mystery of life and death and the union brought about in the community through sharing in the Mass.
* At the conclusion of Mass members of the congregation will be invited to take home a small candle which they can light during the family meal later in the day.

 

Dean of the Cathedral, Fr Neil Brown, will preside. The special Masses at St Mary's Cathedral will be celebrated at 10.30am (Solemn Sung Mass) and 6.00pm.

 

Every parish in Sydney will mark the National Day of Mourning in their own way.