Jesuit parishes in North Sydney have seen in the Chinese New Year with a colourful community Mass and celebration at St Mary‟s Church.
The celebrations for the Chinese New Year attracted large audience - including the Province's Province Express.
The time frame for preparation was shorter but could only be matched by the enthusiasm of the organising committee. We were blessed by the hard working Eddie Tsui who could not have done as much if he had not given his full attention to the celebration.
Parish priest Fr Tony Smith was joined by Korean Jesuit Fr Michael Ku and US Jesuit Fr Jack Siberski – both in Australia for their tertianship – as well as Fr Andrew Feng, a priest from North China who is ministering at Fairfield Parish in southwest Sydney.
This is the fourth year the Chinese New Year celebrations have been marked with a Mass in the parish. The Jesuits have a strong connection with China, with Matteo Ricci one of the first and most successful missionaries in bringing Christianity to the country.
Fr Feng said he arrived in Australia three-and-a-half years ago, and was asked to stay and help with parish work on the Sydney diocese.
"I am also happy to see S.J [Jesuit] priests because your Society brought he Gospel to China a long time ago‟, he said.
The day was organized in conjunction with the Chinese Catholic community in Chinatown in Sydney. Members of their choir were joined by the music team from St Francis Xavier and other parishioners.
The Mass included an appeal for the flood victims in Queensland, with funds going towards St Vincent de Paul.
From Eddie Tsui, chairman of the organising Committee:
"When I woke up, the music of yesterday‟s CNY Mass was still ringing in my head. All our guests and parishioners had a great time, thanks to the great teamwork of so many in our Parishes, the Chinese Catholic Pastoral Centre, Fr Andrew Feng from Fairfield, Fr Michael Ku from Korea and Fr Jack Siberski from the USA.
The photos say it all."
Fr Michael Ku‟s sermon was very good. I feel we should get a copy (Chinese and English) for our bulletin."
Below are a small selection of other emails received:
"The Chinese New Year Mass last Sunday was a collaboration of many. It was like a great piece of music, rendered by us playing together to tell about God living among us. Our instruments were different, but the music we made came together in Harmony. Working together, we have found harmony's real meaning. Thank you, the people involved in this memorable celebration. Your spontaneity, generosity, talents
and dedication inspired me."
"Also big thank you to Fr Smith and Eddie's leadership to make this event successfully done. I look forward to the next 2012 CNY Mass celebration.
I enjoy being in your team on CNY Mass celebration for the first time. Hope my effort of work meet your needs.
I would like to thank you to our Lord, granting us the spirit to work together with enthusiasm and cooporation with each other."
"It is our pleasure to be part of the CNY Mass at St. Mary's church. Our CCPC Choir had attended Wedding Masses at St. Mary's church before, but the atmosphere in this CNY Mass really brings out the "Harmony" theme, especially the people we met are so nice and friendly."