BRISBANE Josephite Sister Kay McPadden has called on Catholics to join with her in prayer support for members of the Catholic Worker movement engaged in protests at a United States-Australian military training exercise being held at Shoalwater Bay near Yeppoon, Queensland.
Operation Talisman Sabre 09 is the fourth in this series of exercises to build military “inter-operability” between the two countries.
This year’s exercise, mainly located at Shoalwater Bay, involves 16,000 US troops and 8000 Australian troops and runs from July 6 to 26.
Sr McPadden joined prayer vigils in Brisbane’s Anzac Square with Catholic Worker members Jim Dowling, of Dayboro, and Ciaron O’Reilly, formerly of Brisbane, in the week leading up to Operation Talisman Sabre.
Both Mr Dowling and Mr O’Reilly have been involved in a range of protest activities as members of the Catholic Worker movement for the past 30 years.
The Josephite Sister, who has ministered to the indigenous community for many years, said her youthful Catholic upbringing had led her to support the protests.
“I have been moved to be here from my youthful Catholic upbringing, the lives of the saints, the life of Blessed Mary MacKillop and leaders such as Popes John XXIII, Paul VI who opened our eyes to the need for witness to peace, speaking of justice and peace together in their documents.
“Then there was the cry of John Paul II: ‘War no more, no more war!’
“There are also continuing Peace Messages each January from Pope Benedict XVI.”
The protesters are concerned about military interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Sr McPadden said that many environmentalists were also concerned about the impact Operation Talisman Sabre was having on the Shoalwater Bay area.
Exercise spokesman Brigadier Bob Brown in a recent radio interview said there were “very well laid down stringent standing orders and requirements” in place while Operation Talisman Sabre was under way.
Sr McPadden said the vigils would continue at Anzac Square until the exercises were over.
Prayer vigils will be held on July 17 and 26 from 4.30-5.30pm.
Liturgy and prayer will also be held at 69 Thomas Street, West End, from 6.30pm on Tuesday (July 14) and July 21.
For further information contact Sr Kay McPadden on 0409 569 916.
