Making a faith-filled new life in the Adelaide Hills
International
As our Archdiocese prepares to celebrate Migrant and Refugee Sunday on September 29, The Southern Cross features the stories of two families who have found a new home and parish in the Adelaide Hills.
‘As people of faith, we saw this as something God wanted for us.’
That’s the powerful message of Christian Dumancela who, with his wife Stephanie, migrated from their hometown and capital of Ecuador, Quito, to Adelaide some six years ago.
Now settled in the Adelaide Hills where they are parishioners at St Matthew’s, Bridgewater, Christian and Stephanie reflected on their not always easy journey.
As newlyweds, they decided greater opportunity lay abroad and looked towards Australia where Stephanie had studied a Master of Biotechnology at Flinders University in 2013.
“I had fond memories of my time in Adelaide and, after returning to Ecuador and subsequently meeting and marrying Christian, our thoughts soon turned to family and the future, prompted, too, by the fact that Quito, being in a seismically active region, had just experienced a significant earthquake,” Stephanie said.
“Adelaide ticked all the boxes; our academic qualifications – Christian is a biotechnology engineer and works as a research assistant at Flinders University – were in demand here and we lodged our applications for permanent residency.”
It was then that their faith was put to the test.
“While we knew that it would be very hard to leave our families behind and appreciated that it might be difficult, at least initially, to find work as we lacked local experience and had no local references to share, we prayed that our applications would be successful,” Christian said.
“We asked God whether He thought we would have greater opportunities in Australia and if so, that He help us to get here.
“We placed our trust in Him and within just 12 months, He delivered.”
The family initially settled in the Norwood area, Christian’s work concerns were correct as he was forced to do casual work, the odd cleaning job and volunteering at the university. But they stuck it out and eventually found full time employment in their fields.
Now they are a family of four with three-year-old Alessandro and five-month-old Hanna. Stephanie, who is on maternity leave from her position at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, said she now feels at home in Mount Barker where they built a house two years ago.
“We are a family here, we have settled, we feel comfortable, safe and accepted and, as members of the Adelaide Hills parish, we are part of a wonderful community that shares our beliefs,” she said.
“Fr Fred (Farrugia) is a great leader; we feel extremely blessed and we wish to thank the parish and parishioners for making us feel so welcome.
“We feel loved and supported and, in turn, we are keen, happy and willing to support the parish wherever required.”
Inge Parodi is also eager to be involved in the “vibrant” Adelaide Hills parish.
With her husband, Nolan, she migrated to Australia from South African in 2010 and since then the couple has welcomed two children, Mia, 9, and Mika, 4.
Inge said their journey to Australia began with a desire for new opportunities and a safe, welcoming environment for a family.
“Nolan and I took a leap of faith, leaving behind the familiar and stepping into the unknown,” Inge said.
“The Adelaide Hills quickly became a place of comfort and growth for us.”
Over the years the family was joined by Nolan’s parents, Marius and Renate Parodi, also from South Africa.
“They attend Our Lady of the Rosary, and sometimes join us at St Matthew’s, further enriching our family’s connection to the parish,” she said.
Nolan has established himself as a successful mortgage broker, running his own business, Castle Mortgages, located on Glen Osmond Road.
“His dedication to helping families secure their dream homes has been a cornerstone of his professional life,” said Inge, whose own career is in executive leadership roles for not-for-profit organisations, particularly in the health, education, and training sectors.
“This work has allowed me to combine my passion for service with a commitment to making a tangible difference in people’s lives,” she said.
“Our involvement with the Adelaide Hills Catholic Parish began last year, driven by Mia entering the sacramental program and the guidance of Marius and Renate.
“We have found solace and strength in the supportive environment of the parish, and it has been a joy to see our children grow up within this faith community. The sense of belonging we have experienced here has been truly heartwarming.”
When the opportunity to join the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) arose, Inge felt a strong calling to contribute more actively to the parish.
“The decision to join the PPC was prompted by a desire to give back to a community that has given us so much,” she said.
Inge, left, and husband Nolan, with, front, their children Mia and Mika and back, Nolan’s parents, Renate and Marius.
“I believe that my professional background in leadership and community service can bring a unique perspective to the council.
“As a member of the PPC, I hope to foster greater inclusivity and engagement within our parish.
“I aim to support initiatives that strengthen our community bonds and ensure that every member feels valued and heard. I am particularly passionate about creating opportunities for our youth to become more involved in parish life, as they are the future of our church.”
Inge said one of the most pressing issues facing the Church was “maintaining and growing our congregation in an increasingly secular world”.
“It is crucial to find innovative ways to make our faith relevant and accessible to all, especially the younger generations,” she said.
“Additionally, supporting the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of our parish members in these challenging times is a priority. We must continue to be a beacon of hope and compassion for all who seek solace and guidance.”
Inge thanked the parish for “welcoming our family into this wonderful community” and she looks forward to “growing together in faith and fellowship”.
- The stories and photos of the Parodi and Dumancela families first appeared in the Adelaide Hills parish publication, The Bridge.
