Multicultural Mass for Father Bonifasius Buahendri SVD 25th Year Silver Jubilee
Date: Sunday, 8th October, 2023
Venue: St. Mark’s Church, Inala
St Mark’s Parish, Inala, celebrated a vibrant Multicultural Mass in honour of Fr Bonefasius Buahendri SVD’s 25th Jubilee of his priesthood. The event was a display of unity, reverence, and appreciation for the service and dedication of Fr Boni to the church and the broader community.
Welcome and Acknowledgment
Joy, the commentator, began by welcoming the attendees and acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land, with soft Didgeridoo music enhancing the sense of reverence and connection.
Distinguished Guests
The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Tim Norton svd and attended by Annastacia Palaczszuk (Premier of Queensland and State member for Inala), Sr Philomina Mathew (Provincial Leader of the Holy Spirit Sisters), and Mrs. Allison Malouf (Principal of St Mark’s Catholic School).
There were also many invited guests from the Indonesian communities in Melbourne, Brisbane and all the parishes where Fr Boni had worked during his time in Australia. Fellow SVD priests concelebrated and also priests from the SW Deanery – Fr Roger Burns & Fr Jan Bialasiewicz.
Liturgical Rites
The involvement of parishioners from the many different parish cultural groups in the readings, prayers of the faithful, gospel and offertory procession and choirs demonstrated the parish’s rich cultural diversity.
The traditional Tongan procession that brought the Bible to the altar emphasized the profound respect and reverence the community holds for the Word of God.
A moving moment in the mass was the renewal of Fr Boni’s priestly vows to commit himself to the service of God and his people.
Prayers of the Faithful
These prayers were prayed in multiple languages, symbolizing the parish’s unity in diversity.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
The offertory procession led by the Samoan community recalled the time when the Samoan people wholeheartedly accepted the teachings of Christ.
The celebration of the Multicultural Mass for Fr Bonefasius Buahendri SVD’s 25th Jubilee at St Mark’s Parish, Inala, was a spiritually uplifting event. It showcased the rich tapestry of cultures that make up the parish and highlighted the role of Fr Boni in fostering this unity. The commitment, faith, and devotion of Fr Boni and the parishioners of St Mark’s was evident throughout.
