This morning, at Sancta Sophia College, on Day Three of the Oceania Bishops Conference, participants moved into the second part of their theme of celebrating Word and Sacrament in Oceania. Fr Ioane Patita Ono, from the Pacific Regional seminary in Suva, Fiji, presented religious traditions, cultural variety and theological understanding of celebration in different contexts .
"Oceania constitutes approximately one-third of the earth's surface and most of it is water. Its population is relatively small and unevenly distributed," Fr Ono said.
"However, it is unique mainly because of its manifold cultural and traditional treasures that enrich the life and experience among many different peoples” he said, as he began a presentation on the different ways of celebrating the mass across Oceania."
He was followed by Franciscan Brother Jonathan Williams OFM Cap, who spoke on the challenges of Roman funeral rituals for Christian burial being used in Oceania. He quoted from the Second Vatican Council:
"Even in the liturgy the Church has no wish to impose a rigid uniformity in matters that do not affect the faith or the good of the whole community.
"Rather, the Church respects and fosters the genius and talents of the various races and peoples. The Church considers with sympathy and, if possible, preserves intact the elements in these peoples’ way of life that are not indissolubly bound up with superstition and error.
"Sometimes in fact the Church admits such elements into the liturgy itself, provided they are in keeping with the true and authentic spirit of the liturgy."
The bishops then assembled into groups relating to regions and cultures, to reflect on the importance of linking practical celebration with local circumstances and pastoral needs.
Yesterday, on Day Two, the bishops went on a pilgrimage in the afternoon to the shrine of Blessed Mary Mackillop where they met with representatives of the Sisters of St Joseph.
The Sisters' Leadership Team introduced them to Mary Mackillop’s life at the shrine and outlined their innovative new website which includes virtual tours of Alma cottage (Mary Mackillop’s home at the time of her death) and Mary Mackillop Chapel, where she is buried.
After tours of the site the bishops and celebrated mass in the chapel (pictured above). They were assisted in the liturgy by the schola from the Good Shepherd seminary.
They ended the day with dinner, which was opened by Bishop Peter Ingham, President of the FCBCO, and also attended by Sisters of St Joseph and representatives from the sponsoring Catholic agencies – Catholic Church Insurances; Caritas Australia; Church Resources and Catholic Mission.
After the meal the rooms was captivated by Robyn Moore, best known perhaps as the voice of cartoon character, Blinky Bil,l and also one of the voices of “How green is my cactus”.
Robyn Moore'’s credentials as a speaker and entertainer soon became obvious as she had bishops from around the region falling off their chairs laughing with her clever impressions of politicians and character voices. She also had a serious message of encouragement to them in their ministry.
SIC: CTHAUS