Celebration of unity and faith across communities
Events
The spirit of Christmas and the power of interfaith collaboration was on show during Gloria Dei – Glory to God hosted by St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar parish on November 16.
The event attracted people from various faiths, cultures, and backgrounds, creating a vibrant tapestry of unity, joy, and shared celebration.
The evening began with a welcome from Rev. Dr. Siby Pulickal, Forane Vicar of St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Parish, who extended heartfelt greetings to all attendees, emphasising the importance of coming together as a community to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
A large crowd enjoyed the Gloria Dei – Glory to God event hosted by the St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar parish. Picture: St Alphonsa media team.
Among distinguished guests were Bishop Bosco Puthur, Bishop Emeritus of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle, Melbourne; Father Dean, Vicar General; Tracey Tessitore; the Passionist Nuns; and priests from various Christian denominations.
The presence of key civic leaders, including City of Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans, Federal Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas, and local councillors, added an important layer of civic engagement.
“One of the standout moments of the evening was the devotional concert led by renowned Kerala-based devotional singer Kester and his band,” said event coordinator Gaveen George. “The soulful performance resonated deeply with attendees and created a truly heavenly experience that highlighted the devotion and spiritual energy of the occasion.”
The evening included a carol singing session performed by multiple Indian Christian communities who showcased a harmonious blend of traditional Christmas carols, each group adding their unique cultural flair.
“The diversity of these performances mirrored the unity of the Indian Christian diaspora in Adelaide, celebrating the joy and love that Christmas represents,” Mr George said.
The Marthoma Church Choir. Picture: St Alphonsa media team.
“Equally impressive was the Indian food festival, which featured an array of Kerala Christian specialities, from spicy curries to traditional sweet treats.”
The Gloria Dei event was an opportunity for the community to showcase their deep faith and cultural traditions.
More than 60 volunteers, adorned in matching saris brought in from overseas, were integral to the celebration’s success.
“Father Dean’s moving Christmas message provided a spiritual anchor, reminding everyone of the true meaning of the season,” Mr George said. “His message of hope, peace, and unity resonated deeply with all in attendance, adding a thoughtful reflection on the power of faith and community.”
In closing, Mr George offered the vote of thanks on behalf of the parish, expressing gratitude to all attendees, volunteers, and sponsors who made the evening possible. He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of everyone involved in making the event a resounding success.
“Overall, the Gloria Dei event was a testament to the power of faith, culture, and community, beautifully highlighting how these elements can come together to create a truly unique and unforgettable celebration of Christmas.”
Jump to next article
