The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle joins with all Australians in solemn remembrance of the 15 innocent lives tragically taken in the Bondi Beach terror attack on 14 December 2025. The attack was an act of hatred that has wounded our national conscience.

On this National Day of Mourning, we pray for the victims, their families and loved ones, and all those whose lives have been forever changed by violence and loss.

We reiterate the theme of “Light will win – a gathering of unity and remembrance”, encouraging participation in moments of silence, prayer, candle-lighting and acts of compassion in memory of those killed.

In the spirit of our Catholic faith, we maintain that hatred and violence have no place in our communities, and we ask God to comfort the grieving and grant peace to every heart shattered by this tragedy.

We stand in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters who were targeted in this attack and recognise the dignity of every human life and the need to confront antisemitism in all its forms.

As the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has stated, protecting the Jewish community and confronting deep-seated prejudice are part of our shared responsibility, as Christians and citizens, to uphold justice, peace and our common humanity.

As a visible sign of remembrance, Sacred Heart Cathedral will be illuminated and flags around the Diocese flown at half-mast in recognition of the National Day of Mourning. Individuals may also wish to join the nation in observing a minute’s silence at 7.01pm AEDT, in prayer and reflection.

In this time of reflection and mourning, we ask our communities to reach out to those in need and to bear witness to the Gospel’s call for mercy, compassion and peace.