20/03/2003

The Catholic Military Ordinary, Bishop Geoffrey Mayne, has delivered a pastoral letter to the members of the Australian Defence Forces. The text of the letter was as follows:


19/03/03

Once again the men and women of the Australian Defence Force have been called upon to fulfill their vocation and respond to the call of duty.

I and my Chaplains take this opportunity to assure you of our wholehearted affirmation and prayerful support.

We know you well and deem it a great privilege to serve you and your families as best we can and as circumstances allow. We are proud of you as you join in the active endeavour to combat and overcome injustice and terrorism.

We pray earnestly for your success and that you will help to achieve lasting peace for our troubled times.

May the Good Lord protect you one and all and bring you safely and quickly home to your loved ones.


+ Geoffrey F. Mayne.