Faith, hope resonate in Black Saturday anniversary

At a special interfaith church service in Melbourne, politicians, dignitaries and the families and friends of the Black Saturday victims joined Australians around the nation in silence as a mark of respect to those who suffered in the fires.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Victorian Premier John Brumby are among those at the service at Melbourne's St Paul's cathedral.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce and Victorian Governor David de Kretser are also at the service.

The head of the Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Christine Nixon said there could be no underestimation of the “enormous pain, trauma and grief” thousands of Victorians had experienced since Black Saturday.

“The worst national disaster in Australia's history has left an indelible scar on families, friends, neighbours and relatives and strangers across the world,” she said.

“People have seen and heard things they hope never to see again.

“Through all this the Australian spirit has been there in spades.”

Ms Nixon said she was amazed at the ability of people in affected towns and communities to take on leadership roles to rebuild.

“I spoke to one local in an area decimated by fire ... he had been to 17 funerals in a row, it's hard to comprehend.

“He spoke of being lucky, to be alive and rebuilding the town he loved.”

The Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne Dr Philip Freier told the congregation the first anniversary of the bushfires was an opportunity for thanks as well as for grieving.

Dr Freier said the anniversary was a reason to understand that tragedies such as Black Saturday need not be annual events.

“The best that we see at these times gives us a glimpse of a world that has healed and restored,'' he said.

As part of the service, candles were lit as, Dr Freier said, “a symbol of light and hope for the future''.

Source: The Australian