“Wow. Wow, so beautiful. It’s a statue of Our Lady Help of Christians.”
These were the words of Liam Goodacre during a Confirmation rehearsal when he first saw the newly installed statue at St Bernadette’s Lalor Park Parish, said Parish Priest Fr Clifford D’Souza.
For Fr Clifford, Liam’s reaction beautifully reflected the vision behind the new grotto – to inspire prayer, devotion and a deeper closeness to Our Lady.
Located prominently at the front of the church, the new grotto dedicated to Our Lady Help of Christians was officially blessed on Pentecost Sunday, 24 May 2026, during a joyful celebration attended by parishioners, families and children preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation later in the week.
Fr Clifford D’Souza, PP of St Bernadette’s Parish, Lalor Park. Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
The completion of the grotto was the fruit of months of quiet dedication, hard work and faith by the parishioners of Lalor Park.
“The idea for the grotto first emerged more than a year ago, initiated by our parishioners,” Fr Clifford said.
“All thanks to the those who have given their time, resources and goodwill, in spite of their busy schedule…. Alex, Francis, Michael, Carmen, Joe, Francis Jr, and their helpers,” he added.
Fr Clifford also expressed gratitude to the Franciscan Friars at Waverley for donating the statue through parishioner Michael Ford, an associate of the Franciscan community.
A parishioner prays at the grotto. Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
Built through faith and community
Among the many volunteers who generously dedicated their time and effort to the construction of the grotto was the Sultana family – Francis and Kaloni, together with their children Peter, Francis Jr, and Davide.
Kaloni recalled that before the statue could be installed, the entire area first had to be cleared and rebuilt.
“There was a big tree there,” she said.
Francis said he and Peter cut down the tree because the roots were damaging the stormwater and electrical lines, and when they had finished “we started with the foundation and the slab”.
Over the following months, parishioners worked steadily together to complete the project.
Joe Serge, a parishioner of 25 years crafted and polished the timber bench seat, donated the pavers and assisted with the surrounding area.
“I had a plank at home, and I polished it up and lacquered it,” he said.
Francis also said that many of the final touches came together through the collective efforts of parishioners working side by side.
Parishioner Joe Serge (far right) crafted and polished the timber bench seat, donated the pavers and assisted with the surrounding area. Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
“Alexander and Joe trimmed up the trees and shrubs,” he said, “to make room for the grotto.”
Deacon Jerome Emmanuel praised the dedication and generosity of the parishioners who helped bring the grotto to life.
“The long-standing congregants of our parish are quiet anchors of the nave, offering tremendous service with towering commitment, wrapped in a humble coat” he said.
“They assembled and shaped each stone with care and precision, under the stewardship of Fr Clifford.”
Describing the completed grotto as “a quiet haven born of shared devotion,” Deacon Jerome said it now stands as “a living testament to the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
A special place
Already, the grotto has become a place where people naturally stop to pray.
“Every morning we see somebody sitting on that seat praying to Our Lady,” Joe said. “That’s good.”
His wife, Georgina, shared a particularly moving moment shortly after the statue was installed.
“The first day they put the statue there, a gentleman came and sat there praying,” she said. “You sit here and it’s beautiful. It feels nice. The sun was shining, and it’s a beautiful statue – the beautiful face of Mary and Jesus.”
Davide Sultana, who completed the electrical works and lighting, said the grotto has already changed the atmosphere of the parish grounds.
“It makes it look like a safer community,” he said. “It looks more inviting to the church.”
His older brother Francis, who also helped with the construction, described the statue simply as a sign of “mercy and help when you need it the most.”
Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
“Language of the Spirit”
During his homily, Fr Clifford reflected on the Feast of Pentecost and the importance of authentic human communication in today’s rapidly changing technological world.
Referring to the Gospel account where people from many nations heard the apostles speaking in their own languages through the power of the Holy Spirit, he reminded parishioners that the language of the Spirit is ultimately one of peace, unity and reconciliation.
“The challenge is not to discard technology,” he said, “but to protect human and authentic relationships. The human person is at the centre, and technology should evolve around humanity — not the other way around.”
Fr Clifford also reflected on the increasing influence of artificial intelligence and social media, warning against the dangers of misinformation, division and the weakening of genuine human connection.
“Social media can prioritise rapid emotional reactions over wise reflection,” he said. “It can weaken critical thinking and foster social polarisation.”
Fr Clifford during his homily. Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
Yet the message of Pentecost remained one of hope.
“He says, ‘Peace be with you,” Fr Clifford reflected. “Peace is one form of the Spirit of God. The language of the Spirit is the language of peace, reconciliation and love.”
For the community, by the community
The blessing of the grotto added special significance to this year’s Pentecost celebrations, marking not only the coming of the Holy Spirit, but also the unveiling of a new sacred place of prayer and reflection for the parish community.
For many parishioners, the grotto now stands as a visible sign of faith, welcome and community spirit – a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together in service of the Church.
Blessed on the great feast of Pentecost and built through the dedication and generosity of parishioners, the grotto now offers all who pass by a sacred space to pause, pray and encounter peace.
This celebration aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer, Mission, and Community. Visit Synodality to learn more.
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