On Sunday 2 March, the Cathedral Parish gathered for a spectacular Multicultural Celebration, an event that brought together representatives from over 20 cultural and nationality groups. From the moment the celebration began, there was an undeniable sense of joy, unity and gratitude as we came together to honour our faith and the vibrant diversity within our Parish.

The Cathedral was packed with people dressed in colourful traditional attire, reflecting the beauty of our many cultures. The liturgy was truly moving, with different groups contributing to the prayers, readings and music, making it a deeply enriching experience for all. One parishioner summed up the spirit of the day perfectly:

“I was so moved by the beauty of the liturgy, the many groups involved, the festive colours of the traditional dress and the friendliness of everyone. The chance to celebrate our special community in all its diversity, and to thank God for it, was such a healing moment. This is why I continue to belong to the Church and I feel uplifted to have this belonging affirmed and offered to so many others. Following the Mass, the celebrations continued in the Cathedral School hall, which was overflowing with people, laughter and an abundance of food – more than could possibly be eaten! The hall came alive with cultural performances, including singing, dancing, and traditional music, all of which captivated the crowd and highlighted the depth of talent and heritage within the Parish. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event possible – our organising team, cultural representatives, volunteers and all those who contributed food, performances and their time. Your dedication and generosity made this celebration truly special.

If you would like to be involved in the next Multicultural Celebration, we would love to hear from you! Please contact the Cathedral Parish on 6331 3066 to express your interest.

May this event inspire us to continue embracing our diversity and strengthening our unity in Christ. As we share our traditions, stories and faith, we are reminded that we are one family, called to love and support one another.

Fr Paul and Fr Thao
Cathedral of St Michael and St John, Bathurst

(For more photos go to the Cathedral Parish Facebook page)