Head, Heart and Hands Activity
“ 2026 marks the 40th Anniversary of St Pope John Paul II's address to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Alice Springs. The address was a pivotal moment because it spoke not only to us, but to the whole of the Church in Australia.
It is timely that we look back at what has been achieved in the past 40 years, but also be honest about what has not progressed.”
In November 1986, Saint John Paul II became the first Pope to address Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples on their own Country.
Speaking at Blatherskite Park in Alice Springs, he recognised the ancient spiritual richness of First Nations cultures, named the injustice of dispossession plainly, and called the Church to stand alongside Indigenous peoples — not just in words, but in action.
It was a turning point: for the first time, the Catholic Church in Australia was formally challenged to listen before it spoke.
Almost four decades later, we are still being called into the fullness of what he envisioned.
This resource invites you to sit with his words through three lenses:
HEAD. HEART. HANDS.
About the Resource
3 Modules
The Activity is broken into 3 modules with associated quotes, discernment material and Yarning Circle Questions.
Each module follows the same simple rhythm:
READ — The facilitator reads the address quote aloud, slowly. Let the words settle.
REFLECT — A short reading connects the quote to Catholic Social Teaching and Scripture.
YARN — Pass the talking piece and work through the discussion questions together. There are no wrong answers. All voices are equal in the circle.
PRAY — Close each module with the provided prayer.
This resource is flexible — use it in whatever way best suits your group:
A single module in one session of around 45–60 minutes
All three modules together for a half-day
One module per week across three weeks — ideal for Lent, NAIDOC Week, or an ongoing parish or school group
As a personal journey of prayer, reading and reflection
