The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council has called for deep reflection and prayer as the nation marks Australia Day 2025.
The Council has released the Australia Day 2025 Reflection and Discernment Guide to enable Catholics to explore the complexities and significance of the day.
It also wants Australians to reflect on a nation where all feel included, respected, and valued, in a bid to inspire meaningful action and a commitment to reconciliation.
“NATSICC acknowledges and respects that many Australians hold a deep connection to this day and the pride they feel in our country,” the guide states.
“For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, however, January 26 is a day of mixed emotions - one that brings sadness, reflection, and a sense of unresolved history.”
The guide is to be used by groups and individuals for prayerful reflection on Australia Day, which this year falls on a Sunday – our Holy Day in which the faithful come together to reflect, give thanks and seek God’s guidance.
The guide includes prayers, scripture passages and questions for reflection.
The final reflection section asks people to consider exploring other dates that might serve as a “more inclusive national celebration, without the heavy historical connotations of January 26”.
“Some possible alternatives could include May 27 (anniversary of the 1967 Referendum) or NAIDOC Week.”
NATSICC has long advocated for a change in the date of Australia Day, arguing May 27 stands as a “powerful symbol of national consensus, when over 90 per cent of Australians voted YES to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the population count”.
“This moment in history represents a time when Australians came together with hope for a better future and made a practical step to begin that journey,” the guide reads.The Australia Day 2025 Reflection and Discernment Guide can be found here.
NATSICC media contact details can be found below.
Song - My Island Home
Closing Prayer
Loving and Just God, as our nation pauses on this Australia Day, we bring before You the voices, stories, and histories of all Australians, especially our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters. May Your Spirit guide us to reflect deeply on the past, acknowledging the pain and unresolved history that this day brings to many, while also seeking a future where all feel included, respected, and valued. Inspire us to walk together in true reconciliation, embracing wisdom, compassion, and justice. Help us discern the path toward unity, where we celebrate our shared identity in ways that honor the dignity and contributions of First Nations peoples. As we gather in prayer and reflection, may we open our hearts to new possibilities for national celebration, grounded in truth, healing, and hope for a better future. Amen.
