It was a triple celebration at St Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Marsden, recently when the community took part in the parish’s feast day, the annual Multicultural Day Mass and the installation of new parish priest, Fr John Quang SVD.

Archbishop Mark Coleridge presided at the Mass, which saw parishioners dressed in their cultural costumes, and was followed outside by a shared multicultural meal and entertainment.

“It was wonderful,” said Fr John. “I was so happy. It is a wonderful parish and the people have welcomed me very warmly.

“We celebrated the three themes – firstly the feast day of our patron saint, St Maximilian Kolbe, then the Multicultural Day and thirdly, my installation as parish priest. It really was wonderful.”

The parish is located in Logan City, in Brisbane’s south, and is a culturally diverse community. It has been under the pastoral care of the Divine Word Missionaries for some years, with Fr Mikhael Loke SVD the most recent parish priest.

Fr John said the Multicultural Day’s vibrant display of parishioners in their cultural dress and with flags from many nations on display spoke eloquently of the community’s richness.

He said that in a day filled with highlights, he was particularly inspired by the congregational singing at the Mass.

“We had 40 different ethnic groups all singing together. It was so good,” he said.

Also attending were local dignitaries, including State MP Cameron Dick (Deputy Leader of the Qld Opposition) and Mayor of Logan Jon Raven.

Fr John said it was a joy to be installed by Archbishop Coleridge on such a festive occasion, which was so in tune with interculturality of the Divine Word Missionaries.

“Internationality and cultural diversity are very much part of our charism as SVDs,” he said.

“As the new parish priest I can see that there are already good things happening here and I would like to encourage and strengthen that Spirit that is here,” he said.

“I have already found that the people are very good at working together and very willing to be part of things. The spirit of co-operation is very good here.

“My hope is that I can help foster the faith of the people through making faith formation a priority and, to look to the future when the young people can step into being a part of the leadership here in the parish.

“We are asking ourselves to imagine our parish in 20 years’ time and to ask the question, ‘Where are we then?’”

The parish recently held one of its quarterly strategic planning evenings to continue putting in place its foundations for the future, with presenters from the Archdiocese of Brisbane helping to lead the discussion.

Fr John, who is assisted by priest-in-residence, Fr Nick de Groot SVD, said the spirit of co-operation in the parish was a practical manifestation of the late Pope Francis’ vision for a synodal Church.

“We may not verbally articulate it that way, but we put it into practice,” he said.

Among the parish ministry leader groups are: Liturgy Ministers; Children and Family Ministries and Sacramental Programs; Community Life Ministries; Youth and Young Adults Ministry; Adult Faith Formation Ministries; and Outreach Ministries. There is also a Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Finance Committee. The parish is well known for its vibrant music and youth ministry.

There are three schools within the parish – St Francis College, St Clare’s Primary School, and San Damiano College – all of whom are an integral part of parish life and ministry.

Building faith and community are the cornerstones of parish life, with a range of events held through the year, including weekly Children’s Ministry in the parish hall, and community events such as an annual Family Mass held this month, Christmas in July for Seniors, and a Parish Picnic in the Park.

“It is a very vibrant parish, bringing many cultures together in faith and providing prophetic witness as Church,” he said.

“My hope is that I can be a part of that dream and that vision for a shared faith that thrives and grows into the future.”

PHOTOS

TOP RIGHT: Archbishop Mark Coleridge instals Fr John Quang SVD as parish priest of St Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Marsden, Brisbane.

TOP LEFT: The whole parish, together with distinguished guests from the local community came together to celebrate Fr John's installation, the Multicultural Day, and the parish feast day.

MIDDLE RIGHT: Parishioners dressed up in their national cultural dress.

BOTTOM LEFT: The various cultural groups prepared a multicultural food fiesta after the Mass.