Last week, representatives from the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle joined almost 300 delegates from across the country at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) Assembly. 

Guided by the Jubilee theme Pilgrims of Hope, the gathering was a powerful time of prayer, truth-telling, cultural exchange and reflection. 

The delegates experienced many highlights throughout the assembly.  

On the opening day, students from St Paul’s Catholic College, Booragul, gave a moving performance that set the tone for the days ahead. 

On Wednesday, our delegates had the privilege of connecting with history and culture through On Country experiences at Baiame Cave, Nobbys Head, and the Murrook Culture Centre. 

And, on Thursday, Australian journalist Stan Grant delivered an inspiring keynote to the assembly and delegates experienced a powerful youth liturgy. 

These moments offered a chance to deepen understanding and build meaningful connections with First Nations spirituality and story. 

Fr Darryl Mackie, Parish Priest of Boolaroo, Booragul, Toronto and Morisset, said the conference was an amazing opportunity to connect with others.  

“I think we have been trying to explore things a bit more over the last few days about Aboriginal spirituality and my understanding is that it just co exists so well with our Christian spirituality,” he said.  

“[We have] gone through some dark periods of time together but the future is looking bigger and brighter.  

“Pope John Paul II said, almost forty years ago now, that Aboriginal spirituality should be part of the church and until we start to celebrate that and combine it into our church then we won’t be the church that Jesus is calling us to be.”  

Fr Darryl added he is proud of the Diocese for playing a big role in the event and congratulated everyone involved for their hard work.   

“I think it has been great that the Diocese has hosted this year, it has highlighted the beauty of our Diocese, not just the land, the country and the waterways but also our people,” he said.