Holsworthy’s Syro-Malabar community brought a burst of culture and colour to Sydney’s West as the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of Christ the King across all parishes and rites on 23 November.
Commemorating the Kingship of Christ was particularly special for members of the Christ the King Syro-Malabar Catholic church as the celebration marked 100 years since the feast of Christ the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925.
Almost a thousand people gathered at St Christopher’s parish to mark the occasion with a Holy Mass celebrated by Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Tony Percy and visiting priest Fr Joseph Kunnakattu from the Eparchy of Palai in New Zealand.
Liverpool MP Charishma Kaliyanda was one of the special guests who attended the celebrations along with former Liberal candidate for Macarthur Binod Paudel and former Mayor of Campbelltown Council Dr George Greiss.
Following the Mass, a solemn procession was led around the grounds of Holsworthy parish by Bishop Tony Percy, who carried a relic of St Alphonsa, and the faithful who followed behind with a statue of Christ the KIng.
The procession concluded with a vibrant cultural program which featured dance performances by the Syro Malabar Youth Movement (SMYM Team) and the Parish Mothers Group – Mathurvedi as well as a traditional Kerala-style lunch.
Assisting in organising the festivities, Tom Cyriac was overwhelmed by the strong sense of unity, joy, and devotion shown by the entire Syro-Malabar community.
The dedication of the volunteers who organised the kids’ activities, food, sweet drinks and music “made the entire celebration smooth, meaningful, and unforgettable”.
“Bringing together children, youth, families and elders, the feast strengthened the bonds of love and unity within the parish and was a powerful expression of our identity as a strong and growing Syro-Malabar community in Sydney,” said Tom, who is also a trustee of the Syro-Malabar Catholic church in Holsworthy.
“Through Holy Mass, solemn procession, traditional prayers, cultural performances, and Kerala-style celebrations, the feast preserves and promotes the rich liturgical and cultural heritage of the Syro-Malabar church.
“It also reminds the community that Christ is the centre and King of our lives, guiding our families, parish, and personal journeys.
“It is a moment of spiritual renewal, devotion, and thanksgiving to God for the blessings on the parish—especially as the community works towards building its own church.
“The feast inspires everyone to continue serving, supporting, and strengthening the mission of the parish.”
Marking the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of the feast of Christ the King, the Syro-Malabar community at Holsworthy made this year’s celebration especially significant with special prayers of thanksgiving, enhanced liturgical arrangements and elaborate decorations symbolising the glory and kingship of Christ, added for the milestone.
