St Oliver Plunkett Parish, Harris Park, recently marked the 50th anniversary of the canonisation of their patron saint with a joyful celebration that brought together politicians, community leaders and parishioners past and present. The weekend’s festivities reflected both the parish’s rich history and the diversity of its faith community.
Sunday’s 10am Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, who processed in with parishioners carrying symbols of St Oliver Plunkett: a mitre for his role as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland; a candle symbolising the light he brought to the darkness of imprisonment; a chain reflecting his resilience in captivity; and a palm leaf honouring his martyrdom.
Parish Administrator Fr Paul Marshall was proud of the effort that all put in to provide an enriching spiritual experience focused on the life of St Oliver.
“In preparation for the celebrations, Fr John Frauenfelder, Vice-Rector of Holy Spirit Seminary, and seminarian Macky produced a prayer book containing St Oliver’s biography, a Novena, and other prayers. Additional copies were made available to parishioners, helping deepen spiritual reflection throughout the weekend,” he said.
A community comes together
The celebrations started before Mass as St Oliver’s Primary School Playground was transformed into a massive fete with stalls selling everything from clothing, books, gifts, plants and more. There was entertainment including a jumping castle, crafts, face painting and a veritable smorgasbord of delicious dishes, including a huge manoush zataar sale – the traditional Lebanese thyme and cheese covered flatbreads lovingly made by volunteers who mixed over 100kg of dough before sunrise.
Students created artworks of St Oliver, and Principal Pascale Rone and her staff were out in full force making the day a huge success, with the parish team labelling them as “legends” for all they do.
NSW Member for Granville and local parishioner Julia Finn MP, with St Oliver’s Primary School principal Pascale Rone, in front of artworks by students commemorating St Oliver’s 50th anniversary of canonisation. Image: Supplied
Chair of the Parish Council, Jim Hanna, was thrilled by the community involvement.
“We’re a small parish, but it was a great turnout. There are hundreds of people who attended this parish in the past who joined us for this day, particularly the Maronite community. St Oliver’s was their parish for decades before Our Lady of Lebanon opened. So many people told me they still have a special connection with the parish and the school.
“We also had wonderful support from St Oliver’s Primary School through Pascale and her dedicated team. The students prepared beautiful artistic works marking St Oliver’s 50th year of canonisation which many parishioners enjoyed.
“We couldn’t have done it without the dozens of volunteer cooks and sellers. Their energy and enthusiasm for the parish was amazing,” he said.
Parishioners preparing dough for manoush during the St Oliver Plunkett canonisation celebrations in Harris Park. Image: Supplied
The parish extended their thanks to all who made the day a success, including the many politicians who stopped by – Donna Davis MP, Julia Finn MP, Councillor Patricia Prociv and Councillor Michael Ng.
State Member for Parramatta Donna Davis enjoyed being part of the community atmosphere, posting on her Facebook page.
“It was great to see many friendly faces working hard to support their parish with special guest, Bishop Vincent Long, who proudly showed me his topiary handiwork – a very impressive kangaroo and emu!”
All proceeds from the celebrations go back to the parish community who are focused on providing a warm and welcoming space to worship for those who live near and far.
A saint of courage and reconciliation
Born in Ireland in 1625, St Oliver Plunkett grew up in a time of deep religious tension in Ireland. Educated and ordained in Rome, he returned home as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, determined to rebuild the faith after years of persecution. Known for his warmth, wisdom, and tireless energy, he travelled on horseback from parish to parish, confirming thousands and restoring hope to a weary flock.
His mission of peace and unity made him a target during the anti-Catholic hysteria of the late 17th century. Arrested on false charges of treason, he was tried in London and executed at Tyburn in 1681 – the last Catholic martyr to die in England. Canonised in 1975, he was the first “new” Irish saint to be canonised in over 700 years. St Oliver Plunkett remains a symbol of forgiveness and steadfast faith, reminding us that holiness often shines brightest in the darkest times.
An icon-style painting of St Oliver Plunkett. Image: Supplied
An unusual parish beginning
The 50-year anniversary gave time to reflect on the Parish’s unusual and unique history. The land was previously owned by a wealthy merchant, Jack McCredie. The land included his mansion – Kenilworth House, the current Holy Spirit Seminary.
In his will, Jack decreed that no portion of his land at Harris Park should ever become associated with Catholicism.
However, in 1926, when his home and land went up for auction, a group of Catholics, including the Sisters of Mercy and Granville Parish Priest, Fr Sheey, got together and raised the money to buy the mansion and land. Kenilworth House became the Convent of Mercy and juniorate for those considering becoming nuns and was dedicated Mary’s Mount.
An external view of St Oliver Plunkett Church, Harris Park. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
When the Convent was established, plans were made to build a church and school on the adjacent land and the foundation stone was laid in October 1929. The first Mass was celebrated on Christmas Day 1929. In 1930, the school/church, dedicated to the-then Blessed Oliver Plunkett, opened its doors.
Today, St Oliver Plunkett Parish boasts a thriving community of dedicated parishioners and volunteers who provide a warm and welcoming space to worship and be part of the life of the broader Harris Park community through their many ministries and services.
This celebration aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priority of Community and the objectives of being a Church renewed in spirit and prayer. Visit Synodality to learn more.
