Mosaic

Mosaic is a collection of favourite prayers and reflections chosen by contemporary Australians from differing backgrounds and faiths. It features selections by a very broad range of Australian contributors including author Tim Winton, counsellor and author Petrea King, founding director of the Fred Hollows Foundation Gabi Hollows, Wiggles member Anthony Field, philosopher Professor Peter Singer, composer Peter Sculthorpe, chef Charmayne Solomon, Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio, president of the Muslim Women’s National Network Aziza Abdel-Halim, Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton, who was unjustly accused of murdering her baby, TV presenter Andrew Denton and many more.

Mosaic represents a snapshot of life in Australia, with selected quotations and thoughts from people who range from quiet achievers to high profile Australians. Editor Ros Bradley was inspired to create this book after being in London at the time of the bombings in London in 2005. The event deeply distressed her and left her feeling powerless and vulnerable.

Determined to channel these concerns into something constructive and positive she devised this “mosaic” as a way to help build bridges, foster mutual respect and assist in “the dialogue of living” in Australia’s multicultural and spiritually diverse society of today. She contacted over 450 people chosen to represent a cross section of Australian society and received over 165 responses.

In her introduction she writes, “Strong themes that have emerged include: a desire for connection with others, the recognition of support from family and friends, the deep sense of comfort given by a familiar prayer, a desire to reinforce the mystery, power and celebration of God, the significance of an individual’s identity, the importance of forgiveness, faith in action, the mapping out of a sense of purpose in life and fulfillment of dreams”. These themes provide the “glue” for the snippets offered as small mosaic pieces, a powerful metaphor for the book.

The book is comforting and inspiring, as an anthology of wisdom, faith and hope to encourage dialogue as well as greater understanding among different faiths. The lyrics, prayers, poems and thoughts offer readers an appreciation of common aspirations as well as revealing the eclectic nature of contemporary Australians’ quest for God and purpose in life.

Bradley, who was born and raised in the UK but has lived in Australia for the past 23 years has created a multi-coloured mosaic. It is powerful, yet quietly disarming.