Share your faith ‘like incense’

“SHARE your faith like incense, not like a sledgehammer!”

With these words, Archbishop Christopher Prowse reminded those attending the National Day of Prayer and Fasting to share the good news of the Gospel with sensitivity.

He encouraged Catholics to be trustworthy witnesses of the faith.

“Jesus is the truth, the way and the life, and our faith in Him is what brings us joy and peace,” he said.

The day was commemorated across Australia by more than 170 Christian churches and combined church gatherings.

“Christians praying in unity for our nation is powerful,” Neda Kesina, chairperson of the Archdiocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal, said.

“As Catholics, we bring our needs to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and we know he hears our prayers.”

Archbishop Prowse gave a talk, reflecting on the three phases of Australia’s spiritual history.

“Our Catholic forebears often had no priests and no Mass,” he said.

“Their faith was sustained by the Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration.”

About 100 people attended the gathering, praying in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

A group of young people from the Community of the Risen Lord led praise and worship. Br Jagath CRL and Brian Welsh led prayers of intercession for youth, the poor and marginalised, the Church and her leaders, and for the transformation of the nation.

To conclude prayer and fasting, Fr Ken Barker MGL celebrated Mass.

The National Day of Prayer and Fasting is a yearly event that coincides with the start of Lent. It is celebrated Australia-wide by a growing number of Christian denominations.

“We also invite all people who feel called to pray to join us at our monthly Mercy Vigils,” Mrs Kesina said.

They are held one Saturday a month between April to November, from 7pm to 1am, at St Peter Chanel’s in Yarralumla.

For more details, see the Coming Events section of Catholic Voice and the Archdiocesan Encounter e-news.