Keep the Fire Burning – Strong in Faith

On the first Sunday of July each year, the Catholic Church in Australia observes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday and marks the beginning of National NAIDOC week (7-14 July).  This day provides an opportunity to honour and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of our First Nations Peoples to our Church.

The theme for this year’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday is ‘Keep the Fire Burning – Strong in Faith’.

Artwork

The beautiful artwork, titled Pentecost, has been created by three artists from the Balgo Community: Magda Lee, Gracie Mosquito and Imelda Gugamen.

The four circles in the corners of painting represent the four communities: Wirrimanu, Mulan, Kurrurungku and Ringer Soak. The leaders are represented through the horseshoes located around the circle. The different colours represent different people.

The stars represent the different flowers in our area. The dots represent people all over the world and the people coming together for Church. People are also represented through the horseshoes on the right of the painting. Wirrimanu is located in the top left-hand corner, Mulan in the top right-hand corner, Ringer Soak in the bottom right-hand corner and Kurrurungku in the bottom left-hand corner.

The Holy Spirit is located in the centre of the painting. It is the Spirit working in all of our communities.

Image and Source: Natsicc website

Published: 5 July 2024