The Pastoral Care of Italians in Australia

Book excerpt: This book explores the Italian contribution to the life of the Church in Australia. It begins with the historical experiences where Italians became identified as the "Italian Problem", right through the Second World War where they became "Enemy Aliens" and on to the post war period, where Italians moved from being "Dagoes" to becoming "Doers". The first half of this impressive book challenges the treatment of Italians in Australia and boldly argues for a new awareness, almost an Italianization of the Australian Catholic Church. The final two chapters explore the Italian contribution to the Australian Church through the prism of theology and scripture. As Australians of an Italian background move on to their third and even fourth generation in Australia, this volume will become a rally call to reclaim our unique heritage, which is Catholic, Italian and, most of all, Australian.