Chinese community celebrates
Local
The Chinese Catholic Community commemorated its 40th anniversary with a Mass at St Joseph’s Church Tranmere on March 7.
Archbishop Patrick O’Regan officiated, with Fr Matthew Qin concelebrating. Fr Qin came from China in 2010 to train as a novice at The Monastery and is now helping in the formation program of other Passionist novices who have come from countries including China, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea.
Also in attendance were Fr Roderick O’Brien, who established the community in 1981, and Sr Nien Tran from the Archdiocesan Multicultural Office.
The Mass was conducted in English and Chinese and children in the community took part in the readings and singing.
After Mass the congregation enjoyed a celebratory ‘shared’ lunch, in line with COVID regulations.
The Chinese Catholic Community held its first Mass in Adelaide on Christmas Day 1981 at the Otherway Centre, which was then located in Pirie Street. Subsequent Masses were held during Chinese festivals, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, with a small committee comprising Philomena Koo, Phyllis Lim and the late Bernadette Li taking on responsibility for coordinating activities.
Mrs Koo acknowledged the wonderful support that the community has received over the years.
“Father Roderick worked tirelessly to be with the community, including driving three hours from Naracoorte. When required, he would arrange for other priests to help us,” she said.
“All the Archbishops have been very supportive of our community, including advice from Sr Nien Tran.”
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