The Diocese of Broken Bay will commemorate ANZAC Day with a special Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara on Saturday morning at 9:30am.
On ANZAC Day, we remember those who have given their lives in conflicts throughout the decades, who may have carried the scars of war for many years or are members of our peacekeeping forces today.
On this day we also particularly pray for peace in our world where there is still conflict and uncertainty.
In his 2022 Homily for ANZAC Day, Archbishop Anthony Randazzo, prefect of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Broken Bay, said the day was not about glorification but a sign of hope.
"ANZAC Day offers us an opportunity to recognise in our brothers and sisters, the high ideals of companionship, integrity, and the peace that they sought to uphold and protect, so that the world might be a better place," he said.
"ANZAC Day commemorations are not intended to glorify war. Nor is our gathering in any way political.
"What we are doing is firstly a sign of hope and trust in the mercy and love of God. Our deeds demonstrate profound and sincere esteem for our brothers and sisters who have served.
"Our invocations are directed to God our Father who sent His Son, Jesus, so that death and destruction may never consume us.
"We embrace those who have lost their loved ones in the communion of faith as we look to the light of Christ, who dispels the darkness of night. (cf. Isaiah 9:1-6)
"My sisters and brothers, this ANZAC Day we commemorate those who have laid down their lives in imitation of Christ and for the service of our Country. May our remembrance of their dying make us ardent advocates for peace in our time."
Many Parishes will have their own ANZAC Day Remembrance however you all are most welcome to join the celebration at the Cathedral.