Diocesan News
The International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD) was introduced by the United Nations in 1992 and has been supported by the Australian Government since 1996. Taking place on December 3 each year, this day aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability, and to celebrate their achievements and contributions.
The theme for 2025 is Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.
What Does Catholic Social Teaching say about Disability?
- It is not so much the impairment but the ignorance, intolerance, injustice, and exclusion that undermines the dignity and humanity of disabled people.
- People with a disability are not just the object of care but the agents of their own life. They need to be heard.
- We must recognise the vast diversity of the disabled experience.
- Inclusion requires that people with disability have an equal opportunity to be recognised, accepted and make their own contribution to the common good.
Source: https://www.catholic.au/s/article/International-Day-of-People-with-Disability
Prayer for Persons with Disabilities
God our Father, who created all people in your image: give persons with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities opportunities to do all that they are able to, and strengthen them to overcome challenges.
Jesus, who showed great compassion for those who suffer: comfort all who feel like their gifts are not used or that their value is not understood, so that they might take courage in your affection.
Holy Spirit, who fills believers with all good gifts: help me to reach out to persons with disabilities through friendship, care, and working to be sure that our church includes them in everything that we do and to break down barriers to inclusion in society.
We ask this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.