No flights or passport were needed as parishioners and community members from all walks of life came together at St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Church, Merrylands in November to savour the flavours of the world at the parish’s annual International Food Festival.
The 2025 culinary world tour reflected the melting pot of cultures found among the church pews, with generous offerings from Croatia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Italy, Lebanon, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Vietnam.
From an overflowing church at the Saturday vigil Mass on 15 November, parishioners then gathered at the adjacent primary school for food, face painting, outdoor games, multicultural performances, and the parish’s ever-popular national costume competition.
Food stall vendors during the food festival. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Between bites of delicious cultural delicacies, parishioners and their guests connected over shared conversation and laughter, while raising a significant sum for the parish and its activities, making it one of the parish’s major fundraising events.
Connection, tradition and community
The highly anticipated festival was established in late 2019. It was paused during the COVID pandemic until the current parish priest, Fr Wojciech Sliwa OSPPE, revived the tradition, describing it as a “connecting event” for the parish’s culturally-rich Catholic community – a community of nearly 9,000 parishioners, including more than 2,000 Catholic families.
A view of the food festival. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
This year marked the third festival since its return.
Merrylands has a wonderfully rich multicultural community, with nearly 3,000 parishioners born overseas. Those born overseas have migrated from places including Lebanon (14.6 per cent), the Philippines (6.7 per cent); Croatia and other Former Yugoslavia (3 per cent).
“This festival is not just about sharing a meal; it’s about socialising with other cultures,” Fr Wojciech said.
It was a sentiment shared by festival coordinator Franklin Lamin, who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his wife Marian and their children serving Sierra Leonean dishes.
“I’m a partaker, not a spectator,” Franklin laughed. Alongside coordinating the festival, he serves on the Parish Pastoral Council and in both the acolyte and music ministries.
Food festival coordinator Franklin Lamin (second right) with his wife Marian (second left) and their children. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
“It’s the community spirit that we love here.”
Lara Hayek, was volunteering with friends from the parish youth group at the Lebanese stall.
“What’s so beautiful about this church community is that it’s so multicultural, and the International Food Festival showcases that,” Lara added.
“Nothing’s too hard for this community… Everyone puts up their hands,” she said.
Entertainment for all ages
Although she no longer belongs to the parish, emcee Maryanne Graham attends every year to fulfil her role. “I can never say ‘no’,” she said with enthusiasm.
“It’s always wonderful to see so many cultures together.”
Watching the Podhale Polish Folkloric Ensemble, Maryanne admired the dancers in colourful costumes twirling and leaping with acrobatics inspired by the native deer of the Żywiec Beskids mountains in southern Poland.
“The Polish dancers are just so cute. I look forward to seeing them every year.”
Ranging from a three-year-old who melted hearts to energetic 16-year-olds, Podhale was founded 16 years ago by a passionate group of dancers, parents, and the ensemble’s artistic directors, Daniel and Basia Gadd.
Dancers from the Podhale Polish Folkloric Ensemble. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Other performers on the night included Aldwin and Jura Lassiter, representing the Philippines with a sultry tango display; folkloric entertainers lighting up the room with a traditional Vietnamese fan dance, Múa Quạt; and keyboard soloist, Zachary Essey.
Pacific Islander dancers representing Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji, performed in Fakapale style, where guests give money as a gift during an energetic dance – a rare treat for attendees.
Tongan-born Elisa Fine, a parishioner of 20 years, was among those who stepped forward to press notes on the dancers’ back, arms and legs. Elisa said her family has taken part in every festival, both performing and making a generous contribution.
“If you give to God, you get a blessing,” Elisa said.
Parishioner Elisa Fine during the entertainment at the International Food Festival. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Attendees also witnessed the parish’s national costume competition, where Best Male Costume was one by Franklin in his bold Sierra Leonean costume.
Parishioners Arual and Niyaryal brought elegance and beauty representing Sudan to win Best Female Costume; and Joy, Angelica and Pauline, dressed in vibrant Tongan attire, won over the crowd and judges alike to claim Best Child Costume.
This event underscores the Diocesan Pastoral Plan’s priority of Community, and our objectives to be a Church that is inclusive and welcoming, walks together, and is renewed in spirit and prayer. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View the photos of this wonderful community celebration on Flickr.
