“Jesus sees something beautiful in us, even before we see it in ourselves.”
This was the message shared by Fr Ranillo Creta, Parish Priest of St Matthew’s Windsor Parish, as hundreds of parishioners gathered to celebrate their patron saint’s feast day on Sunday, 20 September 2026.
First introduced in 2025, the annual Feast Day celebration has become a special occasion for the St Matthew’s Windsor community to come together in faith and fellowship.
This year’s celebration also marked the 186th anniversary of the parish, highlighting its long-standing history of faith and service to the local community.
Hundreds of parishioners attended the feast day. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
Concelebrating with Fr Ranillo on Windsor Parish’s special feast day was Deacon Paul Tran and Deacon Michael Tan assisting at the altar.
From outcast to disciple
During his homily, Fr Ranillo reflected on the life of St Matthew, who was regarded as an outcast because of his work as a tax collector for the Roman authorities.
Despite his wealth, power and influence, Matthew was despised by his fellow Jews. Yet when Jesus called him to follow, he left his former life behind to become a disciple.
For Fr Ranillo, Matthew’s conversion was more than a change in behaviour; it was a transformation of his identity as he allowed Jesus to reshape his life.
It was the second year that the parish had held a feast day for St Matthew. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parrramatta
He likened this transformation to a mosaic, in which broken pieces of glass or stone are brought together by an artist to create something beautiful.
In the same way, Jesus transformed Matthew’s brokenness into a life that would bear witness to God’s mercy.
“Jesus saw something beautiful in Saint Matthew, even before he saw it himself,” Fr Ranillo said.
The message resonated with Cita Adams, Parish Sacramental Coordinator, who has been part of the Windsor community since 1996.
Cita said she could not recall a previous priest explaining St Matthew’s life in such detail during her time at the parish.
Parish Priest Fr Ranillo Creta, pictured with the microphone, lead the celebrations on the day. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
“It was a very, very memorable and a very good homily from Father Ranillo because he explained how Matthew went from being an outcast to becoming a beautiful person, and not every Christian knows about that,” she said.
For Cita, the reflection offered a deeper understanding of the saint whose name gives the parish its identity.
Building a welcoming parish
Fr Ranillo also encouraged parishioners to consider how their attitudes and actions shape their families and community.
“Negativity doesn’t form a person. Negativity doesn’t build up a family. Negativity doesn’t build up a parish,” he said.
Instead, he urged them to recognise the goodness in one another and share their gifts generously, reminding the congregation that a vibrant parish depends on people being willing to offer themselves in service.
Parishioners gathered at the school for a shared meal after the Mass. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
This spirit of sharing also motivates Kevin Conolly, chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council, who has been a parishioner at Windsor for 38 years.
Kevin said his own faith had become a source of great richness in his life, inspiring him to help others experience the same.
“I’ve discovered such treasure in my own faith that I want other people to be able to share that,” he said. “It’s important to me, and therefore I think it’s something other people should have access to.”
He described Windsor as a small but faithful parish that has experienced its share of ups and downs over the years. Having helped restart the Parish Pastoral Council in October 2025, he said he was encouraged by the growing congregation and the warmth of the community.
He also praised Fr Ranillo’s ministry, describing him as a genuine person whose willingness to share his life experiences has helped parishioners connect with him.
Cita, too, has witnessed the parish’s continued growth, particularly among children and families preparing to receive the sacraments.
Students at St Matthew’s Primary provided some of the entertainment on the day. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
She described Fr Ranillo as friendly, approachable and accommodating, qualities she believes have helped the community flourish.
A celebration of faith and fellowship
Following Mass, parishioners joined a procession carrying the statue of St Matthew towards the school before gathering for a shared meal.
Fr Ranillo thanked the Parish Pastoral Council for organising the event, recalling the encouraging response to the inaugural Feast Day celebration the previous year.
Hundreds stayed to enjoy the food and fellowship, while musical performances added to the festive atmosphere. Highlights included a performance by the St Matthew’s Primary children’s choir and surprise performances from Fr Ranillo and Deacon Paul!
For Kevin and Cita, the celebration reflected a parish community continuing to grow in faith and welcome new generations.
Fr Ranillo’s homily offered a fitting reminder for the occasion: just as Jesus saw beauty in Matthew when others saw only his failings, a strong parish is built when its members recognise the goodness in one another.
As St Matthew’s Windsor looks to the future, its patron saint’s story continues to inspire the community to share the treasure of faith and allow God’s grace to bring out the beauty in each person.
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.
