Moonah-Lutana Parish celebrates unity in diversity

Celebrating the diverse cultures within the parish community was behind the ‘Unity in Diversity’ event at the Moonah-Lutana Parish last month.

Held on Sunday 29 September, the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, the day brought families of a variety of cultural backgrounds together, with a parade of flags representing the nations of those present.

Mass was celebrated by Moonah-Lutana Parish Priest, Fr Bartha Paniyadimai MSC, who was joined by Polish Community Chaplain, Fr Jozef Migacz SChr.

Fr Bartha described the atmosphere of the day as “electric, marked by laughter and an overwhelming sense of belonging”.

“Fr Jozef and I shared our personal stories of faith, highlighting the importance of embracing our multicultural community and uniting us all as one family in Christ,” he said.

“Food played a central role in the celebration, with a potluck feast that featured dishes from around the world.

“From spicy curries to delicate pastries, the shared meal highlighted not only culinary diversity but also the common threads of love and fellowship that bind us together.

Fr Bartha added that by gathering to reflect on their lives and experiences, it was clear that the celebration was more than just a showcase of cultures, but a powerful reminder of the mission to love and serve one another.

“The ‘Unity in Diversity’ celebration not only enriched our faith but also deepened our connections, reinforcing the idea that together, we can achieve greater understanding and harmony.

“As we look forward to future gatherings, we are reminded that in Christ, we are one body, beautifully diverse yet united in purpose,” he concluded.