On 11 November, Australians pause to remember those who died in war and conflict. Remembrance Day is a solemn occasion to honour sacrifice—but it is also a call to action. For Cardijn Community Australia, it is a moment to reflect on our mission to promote peace, justice, and dignity for all.
This year, we remember the work of two remarkable women whose lives exemplify the Gospel call to peace: Sister Patricia Pak Poy, RSM, and Sister Meredith Evans, RSM.
The Cost of War
Since the late 19th century, more than 103,000 Australians have died in wars and conflicts while serving with Australian units. This includes:
- 61,717 in the First World War
- 39,658 in the Second World War
- 340 in the Korean War
- 524 in the Vietnam War
- 47 in Afghanistan
- Additional losses in other conflicts and peacekeeping operations
These numbers remind us of the immense human cost of war—and the urgent need to build peace.
Sister Patricia Pak Poy: A Mercy Sister Who Helped Ban Landmines
Sister Patricia Pak Poy’s journey from Mercy educator to global peace advocate began with a simple but powerful conviction: “Someone has to do something.” After witnessing the devastation caused by landmines while working with refugees on the Thai-Cambodian border, she founded the Australian Network of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines in 1991.
Her leadership helped Australia sign the Ottawa Treaty, banning anti-personnel mines. She was part of the international coalition that was awarded the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize and received the ANZAC Peace Prize for her tireless advocacy.
“I couldn’t just walk away. Once you know the suffering caused by landmines, you have to act.”
— Sr Patricia Pak Poy
Sr Patricia’s work reminds us that peace is not just the absence of war—it is the presence of justice. Her legacy challenges us to act wherever human dignity is threatened.
Sister Meredith Evans: Forming Young Leaders for Peace
A Mercy Sister for over 50 years, Sr. Meredith Evans has dedicated her life to social justice, supporting refugees, women escaping violence, and individuals reentering society after prison. She founded Young Mercy Links SA, empowering young people to take action for justice.
Her leadership was shaped by her early involvement in the Young Christian Workers (YCW) movement, where she learned to See, Judge, and Act—a method that continues to guide her work. Inspired by Sr. Patricia, Sr. Meredith has become a mentor to young leaders, helping them connect their faith with action.
“You only get one shot at this life and I wanted to give it my best to make a difference in the world we’re living in.”
— Sr Meredith Evans
Our Role in Promoting Peace
As members of the Cardijn Community Australia, we are called to continue the work of Sr. Patricia and Sr. Meredith. On Remembrance Day, we remember not only those who died in war, but also those who live for peace.
We invite our community to:
- Reflect on the causes and consequences of war.
- Educate others about the impact of landmines and the importance of disarmament.
- Support young leaders through YCW-inspired formation.
- Advocate for policies that uphold human dignity and nonviolence.
A Cardijn Reflection
Joseph Cardijn taught us that “every worker (person) is worth more than all the gold in the world.” On Remembrance Day, let us honour that truth—not only in memory, but in action.
Let us remember.
Let us act.
Let us build peace.
References
- SafeGround. A Path is Made by Walking It: 25 Years of the Australian Network to Ban Landmines Revisited.
- The Southern Cross. Passion for Social Justice Drives Mercy Sister.
- St Aloysius College. In It Together: Sister Meredith Evans Inspires Young Leaders.
- Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea. The Land That I Will Show You.
- Australian War Memorial. Roll of Honour and Australian War Deaths Statistics.