The Holy Family Parish in Mount Druitt has celebrated its diversity and rich culture, as well as the desire to be a welcoming parish, at a recent Multicultural Day.
The event, held on the feast of Corpus Christi, 7 June 2026, began with a Eucharistic Celebration where the main celebrant was Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, the Bishop of the Diocese of Parramatta. Concelebrants were Parish Priest Fr Nguyễn Văn Cao SJ, Fr Renato Zecchin SJ, Fr Martin Licup SJ, Fr Marcus Hazelman.
Bishop Vincent tastes some of the food at the Multicultural Day. Image: Supplied
Parishioners were encouraged to come in their traditional dress. Image: Supplied
Four parish choirs sang various parts of the Mass (each song was sung in their native language). The Liturgy of the Word was also read by various parishioners in their own languages, while the English translation was onscreen to allow everyone to understand. Parishioners were invited to wear their cultural attire for this special day.
Following the conclusion of the Mass, the parish community proceeded to the school grounds for a lunch made up of cuisine from the various countries of origin. The food was sumptuous and in abundance and everyone thoroughly enjoyed being with each other and sharing and learning each other’s culture through their native cuisine.
Bishop Vincent celebrates Mass on the day. Image: Supplied
After lunch, entertainment was provided by some of the parish groups who either danced or sang a piece from their country of origin. Bishop Vincent and Fr Marcus also sang a song, called ‘One Day at a Time’.
Fr Martin, who was visiting from the Philippines to do his tertianship, the final stage of formal religious formation for members of the Jesuit order, also sang a song with some Filipino nuns and parishioners.
Parish Priest Fr Cao SJ speaking at the celebrations. Image: Supplied
It was a wonderful celebration that was thoroughly enjoyed by the whole parish community.
The event is an example of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Mission, Formation, Listening, Dialogue and Discernment and Community, and the objective of being An Inclusive and Welcoming Church. Visit Synodality to learn more.
