The Nigerian Catholic Community in the Diocese of Parramatta gathered recently to celebrate Father’s Day with faith, gratitude and fellowship.
The celebration, on Sunday 6 September at Holy Family Church, Granville, brought together members of the Nigerian Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), as well as other families and young people for a special Mass celebrating the gift of fatherhood and the important role of Catholic men in their families, the Church and wider community.
Vicar General Fr Peter Williams AM was the principal celebrant, joining Chaplain of the Nigerian Community Fr Bartholomew Chukwukerem and fellow priests Fr Stephen Onyekwere, Fr Philip Alesin, Fr Vincent Ojo and Fr Camillus Nwahia at the altar. Their presence reflected the strong support and pastoral care that has accompanied the Nigerian Catholic Community (NCC) throughout its growth in the Diocese of Parramatta.
A community of faith and belonging
Welcoming those gathered, Fr Bartholomew described the occasion as a day of thanksgiving, particularly as the community celebrated Father’s Day alongside the Church’s observance of the Season of Creation.
“Christ is our leader,” he said, reflecting the motto of the CMO.
In his homily, Fr Peter reflected on the importance of belonging to the Church community, noting that faith is not simply an individual experience, but something lived together with others.
“We know that when we gather as the church, as we do on this Sunday morning, that we are giving expression not only to our individual belief in God and in the person of Jesus Christ, but we also believe that we are doing so as part of a much bigger whole that we call the Church,” he said.
Reflecting on the Second Vatican Council’s teaching on the presence of Christ in the liturgy, Fr Peter reminded the congregation that Christ is present in the priest, in the Word proclaimed, in the Eucharist and in the gathered community.
“Christ is also present in the community,” he said, recalling Jesus’ words: “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in their midst.”
Fatherhood rooted in love and humility
Fr Peter’s homily also explored the Gospel’s challenging call to correct one another with humility, rather than judgement.
“Nobody, nobody likes being corrected,” he said, reflecting on the challenge faced by parents as they guide their children.
“The approach, therefore, must be one of humility, not one of judgement.”
His message offered a powerful reflection on fatherhood as a vocation that calls men to guide, nurture and support those entrusted to their care.
For NCC incoming president Augustine Audo, Father’s Day was an opportunity to recognise that Catholic fatherhood involves more than being a physical provider.
“Today’s Father’s Day is a day to recognise the roles of the father in the family, especially as Catholic fathers,” he said.
“It’s a reminder for us that we are not just physical leaders of our houses, but also spiritual guidance to our wives, our children, and all those who look up to us as fathers and father figures.”
Strengthened through brotherhood
For Chuka Finbars Oham, NCC Pastoral Council Chairman, the celebration was significant because it brought the men of the community together.
“It’s one day where we get together as a community to honour our fathers,” he said.
“It’s significant for us because it brings together all the men of the community, and in one voice they come to speak about the brotherliness they share.”
The celebration was preceded by a spiritual retreat for the men, providing an opportunity for prayer and reflection on the challenges facing fathers and families.
The retreat explored the theme of overcoming issues in a challenging society and, for Chuka, helped prepare the community spiritually for Father’s Day.
“We have this spiritual retreat to usher us into the Mass and eventually the social events which will be happening right after now,” he said.
A journey of faith and service
Reflecting on his six years serving the CMO, outgoing president Ndudim Ihezu kwu spoke with gratitude for the opportunity to serve, and pride in what the organisation had achieved together.
“It has been an incredible honour and privilege to serve this great organisation over the past six years,” he said.
“Our journey has not always been easy, but through God’s grace, unity of purpose, and our shared commitment to serving Christ and His Church, we have continued to grow stronger as a community.”
The CMO was inaugurated on 19 July 2019 by then Nigerian Chaplain Fr Chukwunonyerem Akamadu. Guided by its motto, “Christ is Our Leader”, the organisation seeks to help Catholic men deepen their relationship with Christ, grow in brotherhood and become responsible Christian leaders.
Giving thanks for the community
Augustine said the growth of the Nigerian Catholic Community was one of the reasons he felt called to take on a greater role in serving the community.
“The NCC started with just two families … and then with Father Henry Ibe, and you can see that we’ve actually grown,” he said.
“That growth that we have achieved was one of the reasons why I felt like, you know, I need to step in as president and assist and continue to see that not just the men, but the NCC in general continue to grow.”
He also expressed gratitude for the Nigerian priests who have supported the community over the years.
“We have been blessed to have over the years a lot of our indigenous priests coming to Australia and recognise that there’s a Nigerian Catholic community here, and we’ve enjoyed tremendous support from them,” he said.
Fr Peter likewise reflected on the community’s early beginnings, recalling its small presence more than two decades ago.
“Some 26, 27 years later, and look at all of you here today,” he said.
“It’s a testament to Augustine and to Pius and to Stella and to those and Father Henry who are responsible for building this community up.”
Food, friendship and family
Following the Mass, the Father’s Day celebration continued with a reception at the Erskine Park Community Centre.
The gathering provided an opportunity for members of the Nigerian Catholic Community to come together around food, friendship and family, celebrating the gift of fatherhood while strengthening the bonds of community that continue to sustain the NCC.
This celebration aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer, Mission, and Community. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View the photo gallery for more images from the day.
