A Mass that brings together the many African Catholic communities in Sydney will be held in Parramatta on Sunday, 18 May.
This Mass was first held at St Patrick’s Church in Blacktown in 2016 to commemorate Africa Day, after a group of African priests in the Diocese of Parramatta decided to bring together African Catholics to celebrate Mass in the African tradition.
Africa Day marks the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (later renamed the African Union). It celebrates the hard-fought liberation and freedom of African people, and the collaboration and empowerment of all people on the African continent.
The Mass will be attended by African-Australian communities that hail from all parts of the continent. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
At the 2016 Mass, Fr Christopher Antwi-Boasiako, the Chaplain of the African Catholic community at that time, said the day was a day to celebrate unity.
“As Catholics, we celebrate Africa Day so as to celebrate our culture as one people, and it also helps us shape our life in the context of living in Australia,” he said.
“We believe that unity is for everyone and we are so united because we belong to the same African continent.”
This year is the first time the Mass is being held since COVID and will be celebrated by the Vicar General of the Diocese of Parramatta, Fr Fernando Montano, at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta, beginning at 1pm.
Organisers are expecting representatives from the Sudanese, South Sudanese, Nigerian, Ugandan, Kenyan, Sierra Leonean, Rwandan and other communities to attend, not just from the Parramatta Diocese but the wider Sydney area. They are also extending the invitation to all non-African communities.
Singing and dancing are integral to worship at the African Mass. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
One of the organisers, Stella Nwosu, said the Mass was an important way for these communities to maintain their connections through faith.
“Africa is huge, hence people think it is very hard to come together,” Stella said.
“Holding this Mass shows that even in our diversity as a continent, we are one and united in faith.”
Another of the organisers, Franklin Lamin, said it was also a way that young people could meet and network, and reinforce their African roots through singing and dancing as a way to show gratitude to God.
“Singing and dancing during our liturgical worship is particular to the African Mass,” he said.
“During our worship we are more spirit-filled when we connect with God through the sacred music.”
For those attending the Mass, arrival is from 12.30pm for a 1pm start. Following the Mass there will be a community gathering at the Cloister Hall next to the Cathedral. To RSVP and for more information contact met@parracatholic.org.
