A grassroots interfaith initiative recently proved how faith, community, and active solidarity can cross cultural and religious divides to change lives.
The Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations joined with St Andrew the Apostle Parish in Marayong to initiate a month-long food drive for Mahboba’s Promise. Founded by Afghan-Australian human rights activist Mahboba Rawi OAM, Mahboba’s Promise provides vital aid, housing, and empowerment programs for vulnerable women and children in Afghanistan, as well as newly arrived refugees settling in Australia, particularly 86 children she evacuated following the 2021 return of the Taliban.
The essential items donated by Marayong parishioners during the food drive went straight towards the Afghan children now living in Western Sydney, offering both immediate relief and community support.
From Connection to Collection
The project took root when the Columban Centre reached out to Merilyn Hancock, a Marayong parishioner and member of the Interfaith Commission of the Diocese of Parramatta. Merilyn connected the Centre with the parish’s Social Justice Committee. Committee Chair Socorro Amos, and parish priests Fr Kevin Redmond SM and Fr Floyd Gatana SM (also an Interfaith Commission member), rallied parishioners to gather groceries and essential items. The St Vincent de Paul Society also made a generous contribution. By the end of the month, their joint effort yielded two full carloads of groceries and essential items directly benefiting the Afghan children.
Parishioners speak with the Afghan boys. Photo: Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations
Meeting Mahboba and the children
The initiative culminated on Sunday 26 July when parishioners gathered after Mass to witness the direct impact of their support by meeting Mahboba and three teen boys she had helped bring to Australia from Afghanistan.
The interfaith encounter began when Fr Patrick McInerney, Director of the Columban Centre, concelebrated Mass and spoke briefly on the Christian responsibility to foster interfaith relations. Following Mass, parishioners joined Mahboba and the boys for morning tea and light refreshments in the piazza.
Mahboba addressed the gathering, sharing stories of her life and work establishing education, housing, and orphanages for children in Afghanistan. She then introduced the three teens, who shared their own stories with the community. “It was inspirational to hear Mahboba speak about her organisation,” said Sr Colleen Foley. “What impressed me was the fact that she was able to organise orphanages in Afghanistan and then bring some of those children to Australia for a safe life. I loved meeting her three teenage boys, who seemed very happy and settled here. Her warm, motherly heart embraces them with great love and care.”
A Rare Encounter with Real Results
While news headlines frequently highlight global religious and cultural divisions, direct, face-to-face encounters between local Christian and Muslim communities remain relatively rare. The informal gathering allowed Catholic parishioners and Muslim guests to meet, chat, and connect. “The Interfaith Commission of the Diocese of Parramatta seeks to live out the Gospel by building bridges between people of different faiths and reaching out to those in need, irrespective of religion,” said Merilyn Hancock. “This mission reflects the call of our faith: to serve others with compassion and inclusivity. Jesus made no distinction between those he helped, and as his followers, we are invited to do the same.”
Mahboba addressing the gathering. Photo: Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations.
By pairing a practical collection drive with an open community gathering, the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations and St Andrew the Apostle Parish provided a clear, replicable template for local interfaith action:
- Building Social Cohesion: Working side by side on humanitarian projects allows for encounters with neighbours of different faiths that also break down stereotypes and build genuine community friendships.
- Living Shared Values: Both Christian and Islamic traditions prioritise charity, hospitality, and care for the vulnerable.
- Empowering Local Action: Simple neighbourhood initiatives give parishioners a concrete way to assist families both locally and overseas.
Solutions to local and global social issues are best resolved when we combine our shared values to serve the common good of society. Through simple, practical generosity, the team at the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations, the parishioners of Marayong parish, and Mahboba’s Promise have set a clear example: when diverse communities join forces around a shared cause, they can build bridges and make a real difference.
Kim Chong is the Media & Community Liaison at the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations in Sydney.
If your parish or school in Western Sydney would like to host a similar interfaith food drive or guest speaker, contact the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations at info.cccmr@columban.org.au, or 9672 3616.
