It was a day of celebration for the new Catholics of Sydney, as they were welcomed into the fullness of the faith by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP at a solemn Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral on 25 May.
This special milestone saw more than 200 neophytes and 100 of their families, godparents, sponsors and RCIA teams come together at the annual Paschal Eucharist Mass, celebrating their journey as newly initiated Catholics.
“Today is a warm hug from the church,” said Fr Ben Saliba who con-celebrated the Mass with His Grace. “The archbishop is filled with hope seeing the numbers that we’re getting, thanks be to God. And this is a day for them,” he said.
The celebration followed what has been an extraordinary year for the archdiocese, which welcomed a record 384 catechumens and candidates—the highest number in recent years— a 30 per cent increase in converts from the previous year.
“This is a testament to where we are as a church in Sydney,” said Simon Yeak, RCIA Co-ordinator from the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation. “It’s because our parishes have an intentional culture of invitation and our hope is that these new Catholics recognise the larger church around them and embrace the plans the Lord has for their lives,” he said.
In his homily, Archbishop Anthony shared, “God has lead each of you along a unique path to Himself,” leading to an encounter with Jesus, “the Prince of Peace.”
His Grace then challenged those “newly joined to the body of Christ at Easter” to be “peacemakers, peace-livers, peace-spreaders.”
For many, it was a meaningful return to Sydney’s mother church, their first Mass in the cathedral after the Rite of Election.
“I loved being welcomed by the archbishop. I feel very emotional,” said young father, Jens Mozer from Rosebery, who came to the faith encouraged by his Catholic wife and children.
“These grand Masses are so impressive and just to be here in the Cathedral with the other new Catholics makes me feel even closer to Him,” he said.
Jake Mokoroa from Macquarie Fields reflected on the contrast between his past and present faith journey as a former Protestant. “It’s totally different. I’m used to warehouses,” he reflected. “As soon as I walk into St Mary’s you know in your heart it’s not a normal building. It feels like God’s home. God led me here and my heart’s more reverent when it comes to Mass,” he said.
For Fr Ben, the Paschal Eucharist Mass is one of his favourites of the year. “It’s the one that I look forward to,” he said. “Because our new Catholics experience a Mass that they may not have experienced before. It’s the fullness of faith, the singing, the serving and they got to spend some time with the archbishop,” he said.
Following the Mass, the newly initiated were welcomed by the Life Marriage and Family team for a special morning tea in the Cathedral Hall, where families clamoured for photos with the archbishop.
“I know this is a school hall, but it feels like home,” said James Leung, celebrating with his family from Eastwood. “I just feel so welcome with my new Catholic family. It’s only been two months, but I’m feeling the love. It’s a very special moment for my family,” he said.
Geraldine Liu from Campsie and her husband, Wilson, converted to the faith inspired by their daughter.
“She goes to a Catholic school, and she inspired us and encouraged us to become Catholic,” she said, her tiny daughter smiling with pride. “It’s the start of a new journey for us and we are so excited about this new chapter of our life,” she said.