AN Aboriginal message stick arrived in Inala on January 6 to begin a four-month journey through Brisbane archdiocese to rekindle the flames of reconciliation.
The “Pass It On” Message Stick project marks the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s meeting with Australia’s indigenous people in Alice Springs.
Brisbane Murri Ministry co-ordinator Ravina Waldren said about 70 people gathered at the Inala Cultural Studies Centre to welcome the message stick to Brisbane.
She said the message stick was relayed from Toowoomba diocese and was greeted by Aboriginal dancers.
The message stick was then passed on to Aboriginal elders and to Brisbane Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Oudeman.
The message stick will travel to parishes, schools and indigenous communities in Brisbane archdiocese, including Stradbroke Island and Cherbourg, and will be formally welcomed to the archdiocese at a Mass celebrated by Bishop Oudeman at St Stephen’s Cathedral on February 26 at noon.
In October, Alice Springs will be the focus of special celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s message to the indigenous people of Australia.
