Youth, costume and colour as the Croatian community celebrates
Local
Worshippers at a milestone celebration last week for Adelaide’s Croatian community were treated to a bi-lingual celebration of Mass by the youngest – and patently very popular - Catholic priest in Australia.
Fr BJ Leonard Perrett, from the diocese of Toowoomba in Queensland, was the main (and guest) celebrant at the annual Feast of St Joseph – the patron saint of Croatian people and their homeland – held at Patrick’s Church in the CBD on Thursday March 19.
“The solemn Holy Mass brought together a multitude of faithful and representatives of our Croatian community,” said Fr Luka Poljak, chaplain to the Croatian community.
There were also guests from the parish of Our Lady, Queen of Peace Catholic Parish in Payneham, members of the Slovenian community, the traditional Latin Mass community and representatives of the Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide and cathedral parish. Guest priests included Fr Michael Romeo, Fr Peter Rozitis, Fr Michael McCaffrey FSSP and Fr Pastor Mumburi CP.
It was, however, the priest from Toowoomba who was a star attraction.
Many members of the congregation came in traditional Croatian dress.
“He immediately won the hearts of the Croatian community at the beginning of the Holy Mass, by praying and singing parts of the Holy Mass in Croatian language,” said Fr Luka.
“In his uplifting sermon, he offered everyone present a unique reflection on the example of St. Joseph, calling on everyone to a deeper understanding and imitation of his honourable virtues: obedience, faith and nobility.”
At the end of the Mass, Fr Luka thanked everyone who contributed to the occasion including the many faithful who came along dressed in traditional costumes.
A “visibly moved” Fr Perrett was then presented with gifts from the Croatian community which included a preaching stole with rich Marian embroidery, a rose chasuble set, an iconic book on Croatians in Australia and more.
In return, Fr Perrett gifted everyone with holy cards of his priestly ordination before many people moved to the neighbouring St Mary’s College for drinks and delicacies and the chance to get to know Fr Perrett better.
