Vibrant celebration of faith and culture

By Wendy Shaw

The Catholic Parish of Launceston’s International Community Day was a vibrant celebration of culture, diversity and community spirit.

Parishioners, many in traditional dress, flocked to the Mass at St Finn Barr’s Catholic Church in Invermay followed by morning tea and a cultural showcase of song and dance in the nearby school hall on 27 September.

The event, on the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, was extra special this year as it coincided with the baptism of baby Tamit Ukubatinsae, whose parents Yonas and Feven are originally from Eritrea.

In his homily, Launceston Parish assistant priest Fr Jonas Donasco MLCC spoke of the important role of migrants as missionaries of hope for the church in Australia, following his attendance at the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office conference in Sydney in August. One of the keynote speakers was Dr Trudy Dantis, Director of the National Centre for Pastoral Research at the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.

“Dr Dantis challenged the Church to move beyond simply serving migrants towards recognising migrants as active protagonists of evangelisation,” Fr Jonas said.

“She emphasised that migration is not merely a social issue, but a theological reality where God continues to renew the Church through diverse peoples and cultures.”

Dr Dantis also spoke about vulnerability.

“Authentic encounter begins when we share our wounds rather than our achievements, allowing trust and healing to flourish,” Fr Jonas said. “The Holy Spirit works through diversity …

“Different languages, traditions, and cultures are gifts that enrich the Catholic Church rather than divide it.

“Welcoming migrants means creating communities where every person is seen, valued and able to contribute their gifts.”

He spoke of the importance of empowering migrant leaders in pastoral ministry and decision making, and building communities centred on listening, dignity and mutual transformation.

“Dr Dantis reminded participants that the future of the Australian Church will be shaped not by fear of difference, but by courageous encounters that reveal Christ in one another,” Fr Jonas said.

“The final invitation was to move beyond merely welcoming migrants and to recognise them as co-responsible partners in the Church’s mission of hope.”

At the morning tea and cultural showcase, Launceston Parish assistant priest Fr Vinco Muriyadan paid tribute to the organisers of the International Community Day, especially parishioner Christina Fletcher and Sr Elizabeth Vagg, of the Presentation Sisters.

Sr Elizabeth thanked everyone for attending the event, and for contributing to the ‘beautiful parish community’.

“This parish, for many years, has been supportive of migrants and refugees,” Sr Elizabeth said.

“We try hard to build community, so it’s lovely to see you all here and we are especially privileged to have the baptism here today.”

Christina said the event offered parishioners the chance to meet new people and to introduce themselves, their culture and countries to one another. She thanked attendees for contributing to a joyful community day.

In Pope Leo’s message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, he said the theme ‘Even just one of these children’ draws attention to the minors directly involved in migration and flight, to the care owed to them, and to the Lord’s promise that “whoever receives one such child in my name receives me” (Mk 9:37).