On Sunday 30 July 2023, The Holy Name of Mary Parish in Rydalmere celebrated the Inauguration of its Perpetual Adoration Chapel. After the 10am Mass, together with the congregation, Parish Administrator Fr Chadi Ibrahim led a beautiful procession to the new Perpetual Adoration Chapel located on the right-hand side in the church and conducted a special blessing.
Eucharistic Adoration procession
Holy Name of Mary Parish during the Inauguration of new Perpetual Adoration Chapel
In just under four months into his new role as Administrator at Holy Name of Mary Parish, Fr Chadi has already begun creating a joyful, warm and prayerful community. He is looking to rebuild the Parish, especially after two years of Covid.
One of the first opportunities he identified was to provide a new prayer space for his parishioners and also welcome anyone who would like to experience Adoration at any time of the day or night.
“I know people are keen to come to Adoration. People were already volunteering daily and I saw the possibility of a new Perpetual Adoration Chapel. This was my first decision as Administrator. I want to rebuild the community especially because Covid scattered us all,” he said.
Adoration, or Eucharistic Adoration, is a form of silent worship outside of the Mass. The real presence (body, blood and divinty) of God that is the Eucharistic Host is presented in a monstrance and placed on an altar. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Adoration is homage of the spirit to the “King of Glory”, respectful silence in the presence of the “ever greater” God. Adoration of the thrice-holy and sovereign God of love blends with humility and gives assurance to our supplications.” (CCC 2628)
New tabernacle in the new Perpetual Adoration Chapel
After the Inauguration a morning tea was held to bring everyone together and meet newcomers.
Linda, a parishioner for over 38 years said “I was here when my children were very, very small and to have a new chapel to pray whenever we like will be very good for all the families”.
Parishioners surprising Fr Chadi at morning tea for his birthday
Sheila, a parishioner of six years, was amazed at how it all happened.
“We requested First Friday Adoration as we had to travel to St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Now we have Adoration 24/7! Fr Chadi gave us the best. We can pray one-on-one with God, like an intimate friend. We are so blessed,” she said.
The opening of a new chapel is not without its challenges. But everything came together perfectly with the help of the generous community at Rydalmere.
“Everything was sponsored by the generosity of the parishioners – the candles, the tabernacle, absolutely everything,” said Fr Chadi.
“For me, it was a sign that this initiative is blessed. It is “the Providence of God”, Fr Chadi said quoting Saint John Bosco.
You can bring along your family and friends to visit the new Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Name of Mary Parish at 4 Myrtle St, Rydalmere. For more information and access, contact the parish at admin@holymary.org.au or call (02)9684 1541.
Weekday Mass Times in Rydalmere are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9:15am and Wednesdays 7:00pm. Visit their website https://holymary.org.au/ for regular updates!
