By Rachel Curry
Traditional Chinese values of family, respect and gratitude took centre stage at a thanksgiving Mass held to celebrate the Chinese New Year at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Como last Sunday.
Hosted by the Perth Chinese Catholic Community, the Mass was celebrated by Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, together with six co-celebrants from the Archdiocese and the Salvatorian Order.
The Mass took place on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year under the Chinese calendar, and also marked the beginning of the Year of the Monkey.
In his homily for the occasion, Bishop Sproxton asked the congregation to remember the eminent place of mercy in the Christian Faith during this Jubilee Year of Mercy.
He recalled Pope Francis’ message for the New Year, which was based on the need for Christians to continue to work for peace and justice in a world that has a growing number of conflicts.
“The Pope has identified that indifference to the plight of our brothers and sisters eventually leads to cutting out the heart of our humanity,” Bishop Sproxton said.
“He says that our first vocation is to be brothers and sisters, and to live together in solidarity. Indifference can have no place in the heart of a disciple of Jesus.
“My hope and prayer today is that we use this special time in the Holy Year, and the beginning of the Lunar Year, to reflect on the ways that God has shown His mercy to humanity, and to each of us in our journey of life.”
Bishop Sproxton explained that Catholics can come to understand the mercy of the Father by going back to Jesus Christ, as presented in the Gospels, and His acts of love and compassion.
“The Year of the Monkey promises excitement and vitality. As Catholics, may that excitement result from our renewal through the grace of the Holy Spirit,” he said.
“Let us be the agents of change for a world that is becoming hard and unforgiving, helping the way of Christ to be seen again through our compassion and kindness.”
After the Mass, the Perth Chinese Catholic Community showed their respect to those who have passed away through an ancestral ritual.
Known as an expression of love and remembrance to both Chinese and Australian ancestors, the traditional ritual of paying homage to ancestors highlights the celebration of the joyful Chinese New Year festival.
The event also featured a traditional lion dance, lively musical performance, songs and plenty of Chinese food for those who attended the celebration.
Perth Chinese Catholic Community committee member Augustine Lai said the Lunar New Year was an important time for Chinese Catholics to remember their culture and heritage.
“Chinese New Year is very important to every Chinese family. It’s a time to be together and celebrate the beginning of the year and pray. It’s also a time for gratitude that God is looking after us,” he said.