On Saturday, 15 August, parishioners at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church Springwood joined Catholics throughout the world in celebrating the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The feast brought the Springwood community together in a joyful expression of Marian devotion, including a procession – the first of its kind at the parish – before Mass celebrated by recently appointed Parish Priest Fr Jack Elkazzi.
“As we gather on this Solemnity of Our Lady, the celebration of her taken up to heaven, body and soul, we give thanks to God for the gift of giving us His loving mother,” he said.
Mary always leads us to Jesus
In his homily, Fr Jack reflected on the image of the woman clothed with the sun from the Book of Revelation, explaining that the Church has long recognised in this image both Mary and an image of the Church herself.
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
He then asked why Mary matters so much to Catholics?
“The answer is very simple... Because Mary matters to Jesus. That is why Mary matters,” he said.
Fr Jack reminded parishioners that Mary’s importance comes from her unique relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
“Mary is the daughter of the Almighty Father. Mary is the mother of the Son. Mary is the spouse of the Holy Spirit,” he said. “We love her because God loved her first. We love her and honour her because God honoured her first.”
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
He stressed that devotion to Mary can never be separated from devotion to Christ.
“So we do not honour Mary instead of Christ. We honour Mary because of Christ,” he said.
A mother who brings us home
Fr Jack also reflected on Mary’s presence at the foot of the Cross, where Jesus entrusted her to the beloved disciple John.
“Mary’s motherhood did not finish at Bethlehem or at Calvary; it was opened to the whole Church,” he said.
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
The Assumption, he explained, is therefore not simply about what God has done for Mary.
“The Assumption, my dear brothers and sisters, is not only about what God has done for Mary. The Assumption reveals what God desires for all of us,” he said.
Mary being taken body and soul into heaven is a sign of the Christian hope of resurrection.
Above all, he urged the community to remember Mary’s enduring message: “Do whatever He tells you.”
A new chapter for Springwood
The celebration came during a new chapter for the parish following Fr Jack’s recent appointment as Parish Priest.
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
Parishioners spoke warmly about the energy and sense of community he has brought to Springwood.
Long-time parishioner Peter Thomas, who has been part of the parish for 53 years, described Fr Jack as “absolutely sensational”.
“We love him. He’s such a dedicated man and so spiritual too,” Peter said.
He particularly welcomed the new Marian procession, noting that it was the first time the parish had held one.
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
“It’s a wonderful day for the parish, and he’s really got this type of thing going,” he said.
Phillip Saville, a parishioner for 25 years, also spoke about Fr Jack’s contribution to parish life.
“Father is building a sense of community and real faith, and leading us in prayer, and in our believing stronger and stronger in our faith,” Philip said.
He pointed to increased opportunities for Confession, daily Mass and the Sacraments, as well as the parish’s outreach to those in need through the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
Philip also welcomed the growing number of young families attending the parish, saying Fr Jack’s “positivity towards young families” was helping them become established in their faith.
Building for the future
Following Mass, parishioners gathered for the draw of a fundraising raffle supporting the construction and development of the Springwood presbytery.
The project is particularly significant for the community as it will eventually allow the parish priest to live locally, strengthening his presence among parishioners and reducing the need to travel from outside the parish.
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
Fran Beekman, a parishioner since 1971 who lives nearby, has watched the progress of the project closely.
“At long, long, long, long last, we’re getting a presbytery,” she said.
“I’ll be delighted at long, long last, the priest can live locally.”
Peter also welcomed the fundraising effort, describing the raffle as “fabulous”.
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
Phillip noted that the parish’s fundraising efforts could also support improvements to parish facilities, gardens and grounds, roof repairs and the sound system.
“By the grace of God, with people’s generosity, we can get these improvements,” he said.
The raffle was therefore another expression of the community spirit that marked the day – parishioners coming together to support the present needs and future growth of their parish.
A feast of hope
As the Springwood community celebrated the Assumption, Fr Jack reminded parishioners that Mary’s journey to heaven points to the destiny God desires for all His people.
“Calvary is not the end, the tomb is not the end, suffering is not the end, and death is not the end,” he said. “Today reminds us that Christ is the end, the resurrection is the end, heaven is the end.”
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
Entrusting the parish to Mary’s intercession, Fr Jack prayed: “May Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us. May Mary, Mother of the Church, Mother of the Mystical Body of Christ, pray for us.”
For Springwood Parish, the Feast of the Assumption was a celebration not only of Mary, but of the hope she represents – a reminder that she always leads her children towards Christ and that the ultimate destination of every Christian life is the glory of heaven.
This celebration aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer, Mission, and Community. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View the photo gallery for more images from the day.
