For the parishioners of St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Winston HIlls, commemorating their feast day is about more than just honouring their patron saint. It is an annual reminder of the courage, faith and missionary spirit of St Paul – qualities that continue to shape the identity of their parish community.
On 28 June 2026, parishioners, clergy and friends gathered in a celebration of worship, gratitude and fellowship, honouring the apostle whose dramatic encounter with the risen Christ transformed his life, and whose witness continues to inspire Christians around the world to proclaim the Gospel with courage and conviction.
Leading the Eucharistic celebration was principal celebrant Monsignor John Boyle, concelebrating with Administrator Fr Jobi Payyapilly MS, Fr Joby Ittira MS, Fr John Paul Escarlan PP and Fr Ambrose Owusu-Ansah AP.
Principal celebrant Monsignor John Boyle during his homily. Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
Living the example of St Paul
During his homily Monsignor John Boyle reflected on the extraordinary legacy of St Paul, describing him as the great evangeliser whose tireless missionary work helped establish the early Church.
“Had it not been for Paul, we probably would not have a Church today,” Monsignor Boyle said.
He drew a powerful parallel between St Paul’s missionary journeys and the many priests serving in Australian parishes today, who have left their own countries to proclaim the Gospel in new communities.
Acknowledging the clergy serving St Paul the Apostle Parish, Monsignor Boyle thanked them for their willingness to embrace new cultures and continue the Church’s mission.
“Today’s feast celebrating the patron saint of this church is also an opportunity to acknowledge their contribution to the continuation of the faith and the evangelising mission they have, like Paul the Apostle.”
The celebration also recognised the ministry of Fr Jobi Payyapilly MS, who concluded his service in the parish before taking up a new appointment, with parishioners expressing their gratitude for his pastoral leadership and care.
Prayers of the Faithful were offered in Turkish, Polish, Hindi, Asante Twi, Filipino and Italian. Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
A parish united in many languages
One of the most striking expressions of the parish’s identity came during the Prayers of the Faithful, with petitions offered in Turkish, Polish, Hindi, Asante Twi, Filipino and Italian. The multilingual prayers beautifully reflected the rich tapestry of cultures that make up the St Paul the Apostle community.
Just as St Paul carried the Gospel across nations and cultures, the parish continues to embody his missionary spirit by welcoming people from diverse backgrounds into one faith community.
Each language proclaimed during the liturgy served as a reminder that, while parishioners come from many cultures and traditions, they are united in Christ as one family.
For long-time parishioner Andrew Fernando, who has been attending the parish since 2009, that diversity is one of its greatest strengths.
“I love his writings, I love his level of knowledge,” he said of St Paul. “To even be associated with St Paul is a big thing for me.”
Andrew believes the parish embodies the universal Church that St Paul envisioned.
“One thing I like about this parish is that it’s a lot of people from all over the world, and it’s one of the warmest and friendliest parishes that I’ve ever been in.”
That sense of welcome was evident throughout the day, from the joyful liturgy to the gathering that followed, where parishioners of many cultures shared food, conversation and friendship.
Fr Jobi Payyapilly MS. Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
A continuing call to conversion
For parishioner Tony Reg D’Souza, who has been part of the community for 37 years, St Paul’s story remains deeply personal.
As someone whose family migrated from India to East Africa and then to Australia, Tony said he sees many parallels between the Apostle’s life and the experiences of countless Catholics who have journeyed across the world to build new lives while remaining faithful to Christ.
“Most of us immigrants are converts,” he reflected. “We can relate to his struggles… we can relate to so many aspects of his life.”
Having witnessed the Church become increasingly multicultural over the decades, Tony believes St Paul’s message of continual conversion is as relevant today as ever.
“Conversion is every day,” he said. “Even for those of us who think we are Catholic.”
He also recalled the words of a priest who encouraged migrants leaving Kenya to help fill churches in their new countries.
“‘God has chosen you all to go to countries to fill the churches because they are empty… that is your mission.’ That’s been my mission.”
Parishioners of St Paul the Apostle Winston Hills sharing a meal on their Feast Day. Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
A community that welcomes everyone
For Michelle Thompson, who has been a parishioner at St Paul the Apostle for 20 years, the annual Feast Day is a cherished opportunity to celebrate not only the parish’s patron saint but also the faith that unites the community.
“The Parish Feast Day is another chance to celebrate our Catholic faith and provide fellowship to each other,” Michelle said. “It’s a chance to reinforce our support for one another.”
Michelle believes the parish’s greatest strength is its welcoming spirit.
“What I love about St Paul the Apostle Parish is that everyone is always welcome. There is a lot of community spirit and support for all stages of life, without any judgement,” she said.
It is this sense of belonging that continues to make the parish a place where people can grow in faith together.
Adowa Dance by the Asantes Tribe, performed by Gabby and Angel Obeng. Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
Celebrating faith together
Following Mass, the parish community gathered on the school grounds, where the festivities continued with an afternoon of food, music and entertainment that reflected the rich diversity of the parish family.
The entertainment began with a didgeridoo performance by Barrie Dargin, accompanied by Fr Jobi and Cebastian Diel. Together, they delivered a moving performance that honoured Australia’s First Nations heritage and set the tone for an afternoon celebrating the many cultures that enrich the parish community.
This was followed by an energetic Irish dance performance by siblings Ava, Emily and Riley O’Callaghan, delighting the crowd with their enthusiasm and skill.
The multicultural spirit of the parish continued with a vibrant traditional Ghanaian Adowa Dance by the Asantes Tribe, performed by Gabby and Angel Obeng, celebrating the rich cultural traditions that form part of the parish community.
Rounding out the entertainment were parishioners taking to the floor for a number by the Parish Dance Group led by Lilian Roque as well as a song number by Andrew Fernando, creating an atmosphere of joy, laughter and fellowship that brought generations and cultures together.
Parish Dance Group led by Lilian Roque. Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
After cutting the cake, Fr Jobi extended heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers, ministry groups, language communities, musicians, liturgical ministers and staff whose generosity and dedication made the east day such a memorable occasion.
As parishioners shared a meal and celebrated together, the Feast of St Paul became far more than an annual tradition.
It was a joyful witness to the Gospel that St Paul dedicated his life to proclaiming – a parish united in faith, enriched by many cultures and committed to carrying Christ’s message into the world with the same missionary spirit that continues to inspire its patron saint.
This celebration aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer, Mission, and Community. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View the photo gallery below.
