Pray

Mary MacKillop,
   friend of the poor,
   sister of the oppressed,
   companion of the lonely.

Walk with the people of East Timor in these days.
   Pray to our good God for them
   that they be blessed with wisdom and courage,
   with justice and reconciliation in their dealings
   with each other and their neighbours.
   Ask the same Spirit who enveloped you
   to continue to show them the path of respect for
   the human dignity of each person.

Walk with us, Mary MacKillop, the neighbours of East Timor.
   Pray to God for us, that we will take up the
   responsibilities that are ours as a nation in debt to the Timorese
   people.
   We remember their loyalty to our soldiers in World War II.
   We regret the fear, ignorance and greed which has caused so
   much suffering and harm over the years.
   We witness the crucifixion of the Timorese people which still
   remains in its many guises of poverty, violence and hardship.

Walk with those leaders who are trying to right past wrongs.
   Walk with us who are happy to be among the many individuals
   and groups who have taken the Timorese people into their
   hearts and have been blessed beyond measure.

May we open our hearts and learn from the poor of this world, as
   you did,
   Mary MacKillop,
   woman of integrity,
   resourceful educator,
   compassionate friend.

Give us,
good Lord,
the grace to work for
the things we pray for.

St Thomas More, 1478 - 1535