Episode Transcript
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Hello, my name is James O’Connor,
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and I am the Director of the Clergy Support Office
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here in the Archdiocese of Brisbane.
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Monday the 15 June is World Elder Abuse Day,
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a day that provides an opportunity
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for communities to stand together
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against the abuse, and mistreatment,
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and neglect of older people.
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Elder abuse comes in many forms.
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It can be financial,
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psychological, physical, sexual or social.
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Elder abuse can occur once,
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or many times
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and can vary in its severity.
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Most often, elder abuse is carried out by someone known
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to the older person.
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But it affects people from all walks of life.
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Part of my role here as the Director of the Clergy Office
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is to support the team
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and to ensure that our retired and active clergy
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members are cared for appropriately.
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To mark the importance of this day of awareness,
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I invite you to pray with me.
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
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Amen.
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Gracious and Loving God,
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we come before You
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with heavy hearts and hopeful spirits.
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We lift up today the elderly,
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those who have walked before us,
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and those who have nurtured us,
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and those whose wisdom is a guiding light
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through the generations.
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We ask for Your protection
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over all the elderly people around the world.
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Shield them from harm,
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neglect, and exploitation.
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Give strength and courage to those who suffer
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in silence,
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and grant them the justice and dignity
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they so deeply deserve.
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Today, we also acknowledge and pray for our retired
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elderly priests,
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those who have devoted their lives to serving You
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and guiding Your people.
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May they be surrounded
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with love, respect, and care in their later years.
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Bless them with peace, health,
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and the deep joy of knowing
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the seeds they have sown continue to bear fruit.
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Open our eyes and hearts to recognise
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the value of every aging life.
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Help us to honour, cherish,
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protect the elderly people among us,
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not just today, but every day.
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Inspire caregivers, families,
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and communities to act with compassion and integrity.
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Give voice to the voiceless,
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healing to the wounded,
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and wisdom to leaders
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working to end elder abuse in all its forms.
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May all our actions reflect our prayers,
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and may we be instruments of Your peace and justice.
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
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Amen.
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Thank you for joining us in prayer today.
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We hope to see you again soon.
