Multicultural Mass celebrates faith and community in Canberra
Clergy joined the vibrant African choir as they filled the room with harmony, singing the powerful closing song for the Multicultural Mass.
The annual Multicultural Mass, held at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra, was a vibrant testament to the incredible unity in the Catholic Church’s diversity. Bursting with colours, cultures, and shared faith, the event highlighted the many ethnic backgrounds forming the fabric of Australia’s Catholic community.
During the celebration, Catholic Archbishop Christopher Prowse of Canberra and Goulburn acknowledged the indispensable contributions of Australia’s migrant and refugee communities.
“Your love of Jesus, your devotion to family life, your faith in marriage, and your unique and inspiring stories enrich our church and our nation,” he said.
He emphasised multiculturalism’s positive impact, noting, “Australia is a mix of ancient traditions and new beginnings, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples alongside the newer Australians.”
The Archbishop also took the opportunity to remind the congregation, with a federal election on the horizon, of the vital role compassion must play in shaping discussions around migration.
“We must ensure that Australia’s multicultural fabric remains one of our greatest strengths, not a point of division,” he urged.
The Mass brought together a diverse range of voices, including Father Daniel Ukpong, a newly arrived priest from Nigeria.
Father Daniel, beginning his ministry in Australia, spoke warmly of his experience at the Multicultural Mass. “I am happy and privileged to be here for this celebration. I feel encouraged by the warm welcome and vibrant faith of the people,” he shared.
For the first time, Father Daniel had the chance to meet Chika Anyanwu, a Nigerian who has lived in Australia for over thirty years.
Chika, an academic and leader at UNSW Canberra, offered Father Daniel heartfelt advice for settling into life in Australia. “Just feel free,” he said. It’s a relaxed country. While Australia is laid-back, it doesn’t mean we don’t do our job. Be part of the community, get involved, and live a decent life.”
Chika also reflected on his own experiences as a migrant. “It’s incredible to see how multiculturalism unites us all. No matter where we come from, we are all part of the same story,” he said, highlighting the power of shared faith and community to bridge cultural divides.
A spotlight was shone on the historic ties between Nigeria and Irish missionaries, particularly Bishop Joseph Shanahan.
Archbishop Prowse with fr Daniel Ukpong and Professor Chika Anyanwu
Chika spoke of Irish priests’ role in helping establish Catholicism in Nigeria, and Father Daniel echoed this sentiment, saying, “The Irish priests have had a significant impact on our faith in Nigeria. My parish priest inspired my vocation. We owe so much of our Christian faith to the dedication of those missionaries.”
Bishop Shanahan’s legacy is alive and well in Nigeria through schools, seminaries, and other structures bearing his name. Archbishop Prowse spoke of this enduring influence, sharing how the Catholic Church in Nigeria, once evangelised by Irish missionaries, now sends missionaries and clergy to spread the Gospel worldwide. “The evangelised have become the evangelists,” he reflected.
The annual Multicultural Mass beautifully captured the spirit of unity that defines the Catholic Church. It was a celebration of faith, hope, and the incredible contributions of migrant and refugee communities to both Australia and the global Catholic community.