Melbourne, Australia, Nov 30, 2009 / 13:24 pm
On Sunday, November 29, Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart gathered to celebrate Mass with members of the communities affected by the devastating “Black Saturday” bushfires last February.
Archbishop Hart welcomed representatives of the communities impacted by the bushfires, members of local government, representatives of emergency and community services, as well as welfare organizations to the Mass.
According to the archdiocese, in memory of those who lost their lives in the natural disaster, 173 roses were placed on the steps of the Cathedral sanctuary. Family and friends of the victims took the roses home after Mass.
In his homily, Archbishop Hart prayed for those who had lost their lives during the fires, and added, “We remember with esteem and gratitude the tremendous work of people right across the community - the State Emergency Services, the Police and Fire Service, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and Saint Vincent de Paul, community organizations and so many individual people who were moved by the tremendous ferocity and tragedy of the events of February seventh.”