Reflections on the intersections of Australian Indigenous and Christian perspectives: an evening with John Lochowiak

The Associates of the Sisters of Mercy (SA Chapter) and the Brighton Catholic Parish Formation Group are delighted to invite you to an evening with John Lochowiak as he reflects and leads a discussion on Australian Indigenous and Christian perspectives and their intersections, including care for Country and creation and one another. Our world is broken and this exploration of deeper issues comes at an important time for us all when faith, hope and guidance are very much needed. John is a Wadi (initiated Man) and a highly respected South Australian Aboriginal Elder who has strong ties to many language groups throughout Australia including, but not limited to, Pitjantjatjara, Kaurna, Ramindjeri and Arerrnte. His strong cultural grounding is complemented by his deep Catholic faith. As a community leader, cultural educator, speaker, and pastoral leader, John is widely recognized for fostering reconciliation, cultural understanding and spiritual renewal amongst and between First Nations peoples, the Church, and the wider Australian community through faith, dialogue, and service. For more than 30 years, John has served in Aboriginal Catholic Ministry and he has also provided national leadership as Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC). He currently serves as National Cultural Advisor with Calvary Health Care South Australia. In 2019, John travelled to Rome as part of the Australian delegation attending a gathering with Pope Francis, sharing the stories, faith, and experiences of First Nations peoples with the universal Church. Location Map/Parking/Public Transport/Accessibility: Accessible toilet