Australian Catholic Church celebrates multicultural milestones
Archbishop Prowse gathers with members of the Filipino community following the Santo Niño celebration at St. Christopher’s Cathedral.
This past weekend marked a significant milestone for the Australian Catholic Church by consecrating two new auxiliary bishops at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne.
Highlighting the growing multiculturalism within the Church, the episcopal ordination drew national attention and brought a spirit of renewal and celebration to the faithful community.
One of the newly consecrated bishops, Bishop Ramirez, achieved a historic first as the inaugural Filipino auxiliary bishop in the Australian Catholic Church.
Bishop Ramirez
Originally from Gapan, Philippines, Bishop Ramirez’s appointment serves as a reminder of the profound impact the Filipino community has had on the Church’s identity and growth in Australia.
Expressing gratitude and optimism during the Mass, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB emphasised the importance of these appointments.
“Their appointments reflect the multicultural face of the Church in Australia, which is witnessing signs of growth and renewal.
We are confident they will bring their unique experience and talents to the work of the Church at a national level,” Archbishop Costelloe stated.
Archbishop Prowse after the Santo Nino celebration at St Christopher’s Cathedral, Canberra
Bishop Ramirez’s faith journey began as a vocation director for the Congregation of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus in the Philippines.
Adding to the weekend’s celebrations, Archbishop Christopher Prowse of Canberra and Goulburn joined the vibrant Filipino community at the Cathedral for the annual Santo Niño Mass, a cherished Catholic tradition honouring the Child Jesus.
The devotion to Santo Niño, deeply rooted in Filipino spirituality, embodies the love of Jesus and inspires joy and mission among its faithful.
Pope Francis has often acknowledged the cultural importance of this devotion, remarking, “May the Santo Niño continue to bless the Philippines and sustain the Christians of this great nation in their vocation to be witnesses and missionaries of the joy of the Gospel in Asia and the whole world.”
The dual consecration and the celebration of Santo Niño reflect the rich diversity energising the Catholic Church in Australia.
With the Filipino community playing a vital role in fostering this multicultural spirit, these milestones underline the ongoing renewal of faith, unity, and cultural harmony within the Church.