For the first time since 2022, the Nigerian Catholic community came together for a family day out to enjoy cultural food, language and music and family-friendly games in the heart of Western Sydney Parklands.
Held at Plough and Harrow Park in Abbotsbury on Saturday 16 November, this year’s gathering was bigger than ever. From a delectable feast of BBQ chicken, rice, fruits and salads, to various games including sack races, skipping rope, tug-o-war, egg and spoon race and a highly anticipated football match; there was something for everyone.
Anuli, leader of the Catholic Women’s Organisation and team lead for the children’s liturgy, has been with the Nigerian Catholic Community group for around 12 years. For her, maintaining a connection with the local Nigerian Catholic community is about the legacy she will one day leave her children.
Nigerian Catholic Chaplain Fr Chukwunonyerem Akamadu with Richmond Parish Priest Fr Raymond Ugwu CSSp. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
“It is about connection, and it brings home closer,” she said.
“It allows our kids to know where they come from, and reminds them of the way we do things.
“We’re probably going to leave this world one day and they might be alone in Australia, because Nigeria is very far away, so this is family for us here,” she said.
Sonny had two reasons to celebrate, as the day also marked his birthday. Having joined Holy Family Parish in Granville in January this year, he said the experience of being part of the Nigerian Catholic community has been very rewarding.
Sonny also celebrated his birthday. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“I get to know my people, culture … it’s been good. You know, it’s important, very, very important for you to be among community do something.”
His 15-year-old daughter was also at the event.
“It’s important to get our kids to know your own culture – it’s not just about us, it’s about our kids as well. You need to teach them your culture as well.”
Sonny hopes to become more active in the Nigerian Catholic community, now that he’s a bit more settled in the parish.
“I’m trying to get into the Men’s Group now. I want to be more active [in the community],” he said.
Ella and Terry attended with their three children and have been with the community for around a year.
Ella, Terry and their son. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“I’ve been a Catholic since I was born and when I came to Australia, and discovered this community, I was excited because it kind of brings me back to what I believe, and what I’m used to,” Ella said.
Her husband Terry agreed.
“I have been here for two years now, and most times life is just like a triangle: work, home, work,” he said.
“So for me coming here to mingle with everyone, especially a black community like this, it makes you feel good. It’s not just all about work, but that there’s also room for being involved with community.
“It brings out that inner happiness within you.”
Kids’ egg and spoon race. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
Chuka, Chairman of the Pastoral Council said the day provided an opportunity to come together as one, to “forgo everything that troubles us and just have fun.”
“It’s the second time we’re doing this. The first time was two years ago, and we said we had to keep it going, because it was something that strengthens the bond in the community.”
“I believe the number now compared to the last one is more so that’s encouraging.
As an immigrant himself, Chuka knows the value of a strong cultural connection.
Participants joining in on the fun. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“When you come here, you don’t know anyone. Now, we have become a family.
“This is our family away from home. We really cherish it so much and we make sure that we protect it, because this is only family we have.”
Stella Nwosu, an event organiser, attended with her sister and family. She said the event shows the strength of a united community.
“I feel delighted because we started as a few families in Harris Park and now we’ve progressed to many families coming together.”
Nigerian chaplain
Fr Chukwunonyerem Akamadu has been the Nigerian Catholic Community Chaplain for eight years. He coordinates from the community’s host parish, Holy Family Parish, Granville. The community gathers for Mass twice a month on the second and fourth Sundays.”
He said the excitement, joy, and happiness shared makes days like these worthwhile.
“We are looking at making this a yearly event … to bring the community together again. It will help us to bond and it’s good to have that free time outside the church to be with one another.
Fr Chukwunonyerem Akamadu. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
He said being a Nigerian Chaplain has been very rewarding.
“I enjoy every bit of it. It’s lovely because you have people to do things like this together,” he said.
Fr Raymond Ugwu CSSp, Parish Priest at Richmond, had travelled nearly 40km to be part of the festivities. He said it was wonderful to see the community gathered on the day.
Catholic Men’s Organisation
Among the attendees were members of the Nigerian Catholic Men’s organisation. Ndudi has been President for around four years and said that community events like these mean a lot for families and men in particular, as “pillars of the home”.
“It is about showing our kids the way we do things back home, and the way we celebrate and worship God in our own way back from our culture,” he said.
Catholic Men’s Organisation members. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
“As Catholic men, we call ourselves pillars of the house, like Peter is the pillar of the church.
“So it’s our responsibility to make sure that we organise [events like these], because our children learn from us.
“It is not what we say to them, but the way we behave, the way we carry ourselves, the way we come to church. They learn from those things.”
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