St Madeleine Sophie Barat Parish came alive with music and meaning as parishioners gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their patron saint’s canonisation.
The occasion was made even more special by the debut of an original composition by Merle Fonseca, a beloved parishioner, musician and educator. Her hymn echoed through the church, uplifting hearts and honouring the spirit of Saint Madeleine, a visionary educator and founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart.
The Mass on Sunday, 25 May — St Madeleine’s feast day — was celebrated by former Parish Priest Fr Vincent Savarimuthu PP, alongside current Parish Priest Fr Giovani Presiga, Assistant Priest Rev Clement Gnanapragasam OSB, and former Parish Priest Fr Chris Dixon, who served from the parish’s founding in 1988 until his retirement in 2011.
Fr Vincent greets parishioners after Mass. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Sr Anna Conway, the parish’s first Pastoral Associate, who arrived a year before Fr Chris, was warmly acknowledged during the Mass.
“I’m delighted to be back,” she said afterwards, her gentle smile reflecting her enduring connection to the community.
Finding truth and peace
In his homily, Fr Vincent shared a memorable story about two communists debating their loyalty. One declared he’d sacrifice anything for the Party — his life, even a $2 million lottery win or his house — but when asked about his motorcycle, he refused to give it up.
Fr Vincent used this to illustrate a spiritual truth: true peace comes only when we surrender fully to Jesus — including the “motorcycle,” the part of our lives we cling to most.
He asked the congregation to reflect: “What is the motorcycle in your life?” What are we holding back that keeps us from fully embracing Christ and the Holy Spirit?
Fr Vincent during his homily. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
He then reflected on St Madeleine’s example of radical trust and surrender. Despite a strict upbringing and the challenges of her era, she gave herself wholeheartedly to God’s call, founding the Society of the Sacred Heart and dedicating her life to education and service.
Fr Vincent quotes St Madeleine’s words and reminded parishioners that this trust shaped her entire life and legacy.
“The more we trust in Jesus, the more we will love Him, the more we will be able to serve Him faithfully.”
An enduring legacy
Born amid the French Revolution’s turmoil, Madeleine Sophie Barat — “Sophie” to her family — received a rigorous classical education from her brother Louis, a seminarian. Despite a strict upbringing, her love of learning and deep faith led her to found the Society of the Sacred Heart, which received papal approval in 1826 and grew into a global educational network. Today, she is honoured as the patron saint of educators, teachers, and schoolgirls.
Merle’s hymn: A voice for the parish
At 81, Merle’s connection to St Madeleine runs deep. She studied at St Madeleine College in Mumbai, founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart, and later served as teacher-librarian at St Madeleine’s Primary School, Kenthurst, from 1992.
“When I was a teacher-librarian, I used to write the Book Week song every single year — both in NSW and when I taught in Melbourne, Victoria,” Merle recounted. “Scholastic published one of my Book Week songs and wanted me to continue, but it was just a lot of work.”
A pianist since age three and a former runner-up on Australia’s 90s show New Faces, Merle has been part of the parish for over 43 years.
St Madeleine Sophie Barat Parish Parish Priest, Fr Giovani Presiga, with musician, composer and educator, Merle Fonseca. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
“I had composed ‘Our Father’ a few months ago and it’s been such a big hit in the parish,” Merle recalled.
“Then Fr Giovani came up to me and said, ‘Mo, you did such a good job with that, could you do something for St Madeleine’s day?’ Apparently, there’s no music anywhere in the world about St Madeleine.”
Writing about saints, she said, “you’ve got all these long words like ‘vocation’ that are hard to fit into a melody.” So she wrote a poem as a reflection and composed a simple hymn, now shared with the global Sacred Heart community.
“I’m passionate about education and I believe if you’re given gifts it’s necessary to share them with others,” said Merle. She still plays piano at Sunday Mass and at local nursing homes with fellow musicians — including a 98-year-old instrumentalist.
Parishioner Dr Anne Chalfant, a Kincoppal-Rose Bay School of the Sacred Heart alumna, presented insights on the history of the parish during the special Mass. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
A community celebration
During the Mass, Fr Giovani thanked students from Marian Catholic College and St Madeleine’s Primary, and acknowledged Dural artist Paul Newton for donating a print of Our Lady of the Southern Cross. Parishioner Dr Anne Chalfant shared insights into the parish’s early history.
After Mass, parishioners gathered for morning tea. “The sense of community — everyone is full of heart, love, and very welcoming,” said Rosanna Ceroli, a parishioner of 43 years.
“This is my flock.”
Nine-year-old Nash Quail added, “Everyone’s friendly.” When asked about Saint Sophie, he thoughtfully said, “She was kind to children.”
Alexandra and Shaun Quail are pictured with their children, Aria, 7, and Nash, 9, at the celebratory Mass. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Visit St Madeleine’s Sophie Barat Catholic Church Kenthurst to learn more.
View the photos on Flickr.
