A Night to Remember: The Catenian’s Harbourside North Mass in Honour of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
A Celebration of Faith, Community, and Australian Heritage on August 8, 2025
On the evening of August 8th, 2025, the Catenian Association’s Harbourside North Circle hosted a mass of truly memorable proportions in honour of their Patron, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. This significant occasion brought together members of Province 21 and beyond, uniting them beneath the gentle gaze of Australia’s beloved first saint. The event was more than just a ritual gathering; it was a testament to the enduring power of faith, community, and shared heritage.
The Spirit of Preparation
A sense of anticipation filled the air well before the event’s commencement. The sisters, custodians of the shrine and protectors of its sacred atmosphere, spared no effort in preparing the church for the feast day. Their devotion was on full display in the elegant altar they adorned, festooned with an array of seasonal flowers. Each blossom and garland seemed to echo the gentleness and strength of St Mary herself. The careful placement and harmonious colours transformed the sanctuary into a living tableau, radiating a warmth that was both welcoming and deeply reverent.
A Gathering of Circles: Unity in Community
As dusk settled, the church filled to near capacity with members and guests from Harbourside North and other circles across Province 21. The spirit of fraternity was palpable, as Catenians and their families greeted one another, weaving together a tapestry of shared memories and hopeful aspirations. It was a gathering that transcended mere formality, reflecting the living tradition of mutual support that defines the Catenian ethos.
Council Members from Harbourside North Circle took on the honour of the readings and the Prayers of the Faithful. Their voices, steady and sincere, bore witness to the depth of commitment found within the Circle’s leadership. Meanwhile, members representing other circles of Province 21 served as Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers—gestures of unity and shared responsibility that further bound the communities together.
A Sacred Atmosphere: Music, Liturgy, and Devotion
Throughout the mass, music soared and swelled in celebration. The choir, supported by talented instrumentalists, elevated the liturgy with a selection of hymns both traditional and contemporary. Their performance was, as many remarked afterwards, “top drawer”—a phrase that underscored the quality and sincerity of their artistry. Each note seemed to echo the very heart of the celebration: a community alive with gratitude and purpose.
The shrine itself, resplendent beneath the soft glow of candlelight and the vibrancy of floral decoration, was the focal point of all eyes and hearts. The sense of welcome was immediate and profound. Numerous attendees commented on the dignified and sacred ambience that filled the church, as if the presence of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop herself lingered in the gentle hush between prayers and in the radiant faces of those assembled.
The Sermon: Fr Casamento’s Inspired Reflection
The homily was delivered by Fr Casamento, Immediate Vice President of the Australian Catholic University—a figure whose connection with the community and with the spirit of St Mary is both deep and widely respected. His sermon was described by many as profound and moving, weaving together the many strands of St Mary’s life and legacy. Drawing upon historical anecdotes, scriptural reflection, and moments from his own pastoral experience, Fr Casamento illuminated the relevance of Australia’s only canonised saint to the present gathering.
He spoke of St Mary’s courage in the face of adversity, her unwavering commitment to the poor and marginalised, and her visionary sense of education as a path to hope. Through his words, the congregation was invited not only to honour the past but to seek inspiration for the future, seeing in the life of St Mary a mirror for their own callings and challenges. The full church, listening in attentive silence, seemed to catch a glimpse of the divine woven into the fabric of ordinary life.
The Sisters’ Contribution: Beauty and Hospitality
Of particular note was the contribution of the sisters, whose dedication extended beyond mere decoration. Their presence offered a living continuity with St Mary’s mission, a reminder that the charism of hospitality, care, and gentle service continues in the daily life of the church. Their efforts were widely appreciated, with many guests taking time after mass to express gratitude for the beauty and dignity that marked every aspect of the evening.
A Vibrant Afterglow: Fellowship Over Pizza
As the last chords of the closing hymn faded, the community’s celebrations were far from over. The spirit of joy and togetherness flowed seamlessly into a convivial pizza night. The laughter and animated conversation that filled the RDC hall spoke of a community both rooted and dynamic, eager to build on the success of the evening. There was much discussion about the possibility of making this an annual event, or even hosting a larger provincial gathering in the future—an idea that augurs well for ongoing collaboration and growth.
The food, simple yet abundant, became a sacrament of friendship, each shared slice a symbol of the bonds forged and renewed in faith. Old friends reminisced, newcomers were welcomed, and ideas for future initiatives began to take root in fertile ground.
Reflections: Tradition, Presence, and the Promise of Tomorrow
For many, the night was an opportunity to reflect deeply on the extraordinary connection between the Catenian Association and their Patron Saint. Not every circle or province has the privilege of such a direct link to a figure of national and spiritual importance. The knowledge that St Mary of the Cross MacKillop—Australia’s only canonised saint—stands in their midst as both guide and inspiration filled many with a hopeful sense of destiny.
One attendee remarked, “It felt as though I was looking through a glass into the future—a future shaped by the faith and courage of our Patron, and by our willingness to follow her example.” The event served not only as a celebration of past achievements but as a beacon pointing towards new horizons.
