“One hundred years of Faith, Fellowship and Service, One Community, One Family, One Body”

This was the theme for our 100th  anniversary celebrations last Sunday.
Celebrating this auspicious occasion with us were some of our former parish priests, including the esteemed Bishop Emeritus Sydney Charles, along with current priests of the Central Vicariate.

Archbishop Edward Gilbert was the chief celebrant, delivering his homily with the clarity, eloquence and grace that we have all become so accustomed to. He emphasised what it means to be Church.

Celebrants at last Sunday’s 100th anniversary Mass at Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Carapichaima; Fr Derek Anton, parish priest; Archbishop Gilbert, Bishop Sydney Charles Fr Kenneth Assing. Anthony Aqui photo.

“Never surrender to adversity in the face of challenges”, he urged the congregation, saying that there will always be peaks and valleys, but we must adapt to the situation. “Listen to God’s call”, he said “and rise up”, use your lives to make a contribution.

He reminded us that praying for others, especially the afflicted, alone is not enough, “Come out of your comfort zone,” he urged, “and really seek to help the sick get better or ease their suffering on their journey to death.”

The Archbishop continued, “This jubilee celebration is an indication of the Church is alive, but we must continue to be a people filled with energy – spreading the good news, committed to what it means to be Church, and having a conviction to living our faith.”

Archbishop Gilbert also advised that we must be selfless in continuing to prepare as best a place and legacy as we can for future generations as did our forefathers for us.

One parishioner, Magdalen Low, was specially honoured at a ceremony held at the parish hall after Mass. She had reached the milestone of 100 years of life on earth, a feat many of us hope to one day to emulate.

Fittingly, the closing remarks for the celebrations came from our very own parish priest Fr Derek Anton. Fr Anton drew an analogy of our aged landmark – a tamarind tree. He spoke of all of the things that it would have endured throughout its lifetime, as well as all it has been for us in relation to the church, what it has been for us, and what we must be for others.

We must seek to overcome our trials and tribulations, in solidarity, bonding together and being in communion with each other. We must be that shelter and comfort for others that the Church has been for us.