The community of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church Wentworthville came together on Sunday, 19 July 2026, for a double celebration – the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the 70th anniversary of the Carmelite Friars being entrusted with the pastoral care of the parish.
The morning began with a Marian procession where families, clergy and long-time parishioners walked prayerfully together, honouring Our Lady of Mount Carmel and giving witness to the faith that has united generations of parishioners.
Following the procession, a solemn Anniversary Mass was celebrated by Fr Bruce Clark OCarm, Prior Provincial of the Carmelites Australia and Timor-Leste, and concelebrated by Parish Priest Fr Januario Pinto OCarm, Assistant Priest Fr Albino dos Santos OCarm, Fr Narcizio Villanova OCarm and Fr Anthony Scerri OCarm.
For Fr Bruce, the anniversary was about much more than commemorating a historical milestone.
“We are celebrating a relationship with Our Lady of Mount Carmel that has grown in love and devotion and has been passed on over many generations.”
Fr Bruce Clark OCarm, Prior Provincial of the Carmelites Australia and Timor-Leste, with parishioners following Mass. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
A mission entrusted
During his homily, Fr Bruce reflected on July 1956, when Cardinal Norman Gilroy, then Archbishop of Sydney, invited the Carmelites to take responsibility for the newly established Wentworthville parish.
“Immediately, along with their pastoral and sacramental duties, these first Carmelites shared with the people their Carmelite spirituality, and especially their love and devotion for Our Lady of Mount Carmel,” he said.
Reflecting on the significance of the Brown Scapular, Fr Bruce reminded parishioners that it is far more than an outward sign of devotion.
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
“The Scapular is a tangible symbol of our relationship with Mary, the Mother of Jesus and of her relationship with us,” he said.
Rather than a symbol of privilege, he said it serves as a daily reminder to live as faithful disciples of Christ.
Walking in Mary’s footsteps
Drawing on the Gospel, Fr Bruce described Mary as both mother and sister to the Carmelite family and encouraged parishioners to follow her example of discipleship.
“Mary teaches us how to be open to God and how to be close to the needs of our brothers and sisters,” he said, before leaving the congregation with Mary’s enduring invitation: “Do whatever He tells you.”
Reflecting on Mary’s role as the first disciple of Christ, Fr Bruce reminded the faithful that devotion to Our Lady is not simply an expression of prayer or tradition, but a call to follow her example of trust, humility and obedience to God.
For the Carmelite family, Mary remains a constant guide on the journey of faith – leading believers closer to Jesus and inspiring them to live the values of the Gospel through love, service and hope.
Fr Bruce Clark OCarm cuts a celebratory cake. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
A cherished legacy
At the conclusion of Mass, Fr Januario expressed his gratitude to everyone whose generosity, dedication and service had helped make the celebration possible, while also remembering the many Carmelites who had faithfully served the parish throughout its history.
“On behalf of the Carmelites here in this parish, and all the Carmelites who were here 70 years ago and have now gone to God, I wish you a happy feast day,” he said.
Fr Januario also extended his appreciation to the many parishioners who contributed through their service – the choirs, liturgical ministers, altar servers, volunteers, decorators and hospitality teams for their continued commitment.
“May the Blessed Virgin Mary continue to inspire us in this parish community, personally, as families and as a community.”
Fr Januario (Janu) Pinto OCarm, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish greets parishioners following Mass. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
United in faith
For Master of Ceremonies Basli Sathi, who has been a member of the parish for the past 22 years, the celebration reflected the parish’s greatest strength.
“It brings the whole community together from different backgrounds and different cultures, and we come as one family,” he said.
“It also helps bring our younger families together. A lot of younger kids come and participate in the celebrations, and that’s setting up the future for the next generation.”
Long-time parishioner Ian Craddy, who has belonged to the parish for 45 years, described Wentworthville as “a very welcoming parish”.
Looking around at the large congregation gathered for the feast day, he added: “You can see the response it’s had. People from different areas have come together.”
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
For Eric Dias, whose family has worshipped at the parish for four decades, the anniversary was deeply personal.
“Wentworthville has been an amazing parish to us,” he said. “The Carmelites have been a great order, and we’ve been blessed. In times of difficulty and in times of joy, Our Lady has been there with us.”
Lay Carmelite Eric Opena, who began his formation in 2022, said the parish has helped deepen both his prayer life and sense of belonging.
“With the Lay Carmelites, you are being moulded into the contemplative way of prayer,” he said. “Aside from contemplative prayer, you’re also involved in the community and the brotherhood and sisterhood of the Carmelites.”
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
A legacy that continues to flourish
Following Mass, parishioners and visitors gathered in the parish hall to share a festive meal, where conversations, laughter and fellowship continued well into the afternoon.
The shared table became a beautiful reflection of the parish itself, a place where generations of families, cultures and stories come together through a common faith.
As the parish marked 70 years of Carmelite ministry in Wentworthville, the anniversary was not only a moment to remember the past, but also an opportunity to give thanks for the countless lives touched by the Carmelites’ faithful service and to look ahead with hope.
Under the mantle of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the parish continues its journey as a welcoming community of prayer, service and faith, carrying forward a legacy built through generations.
This anniversary is an example of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer, Formation, and Listening, Dialogue and Discernment. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View the photo gallery on Flickr or below.
