By Isabell Petrinic, 24 July 2025

A joyful new tradition has taken root at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (OLMC) in Wentworthville.

This year’s Feast Day celebrations, led by the newly formed Fundraising and Social Committee, culminated on Sunday, 20 July, with a reverent Marian procession involving parishioners – some as young as seven years old. It marked the conclusion of the parish’s first-ever Novena — nine days of prayer and devotion in honour of their patroness.

While the actual feast fell on July 16, the parish chose to celebrate it on the following Sunday to align with the feast of the prophet Elijah, considered the spiritual father of the Carmelite Order.

The day continued with a solemn Mass and the blessing of Brown Scapulars, cherished Carmelite sacramentals worn over the shoulders as a sign of Mary’s protection and a commitment to Gospel living. It is often given in a short ceremony known as “enrolment,” where the wearer is entrusted to Mary’s protection and loving care.

A Legacy of Faithful Service

The Carmelites have faithfully ministered to the Wentworthville community since 1956.

Among them was Assistant Priest Fr Albino (Alby) Dos Santos and 95-year-old Fr Anthony Scerri, affectionately known as “Grandpa Anthony”, who was welcomed on Sunday with heartfelt applause and affection.

Today, OLMC Parish is home to more than 70 nationalities. Its vibrant community stands as a living testament to its acll to honour tradition while embracing the richness of cultural diversity.

Walking with Mary: A Community Rooted in Carmelite Spirituality 

“As part of the Carmelite family, we follow Our Lady of Mount Carmel for her central role in the Order, in the Church, and in the life of families and devotion in homes,” said Parish Priest Fr Januario (Janu) Pinto O.Carm during his homily.

Fr Janu reflected that since the time of the early Christian hermits on Mount Carmel in the 12th Century, the Carmelite habit, and the scapular as its miniature form, has represented a life devoted to Mary and service to God.

Tradition holds that Mary made a promise, which continues to be upheld by devotees to this day.

“Whoever dies wearing this scapular shall not suffer eternal fire” — a spiritual assurance tied to a life of faith.

“It’s not just about saying rosaries or wearing the scapular,” Fr Janu reminded parishioners, “but about living like Mary in humility, prayer, faith, silence, obedience, and love.”

Passing the Flame to the Next Generation

Daphne Dominic, the committee’s youth representative, migrated from India in 2013. Inspired by her faith, she formed a youth group at OLMC that gathers for Bible study and social events.

Her uncle, Basli Sathi, serves as assistant chair of the committee, which was established in January. Their next initiative is reviving the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, which has been on pause since COVID.

Devotion at the Heart of Family Life

Sisters Liza and Maria have worn the Brown Scapular since childhood, a devotion rooted in their upbringing in the Philippines.

“Our whole family was devoted to Our Lady of Mount Carmel,” said Liza, 59. She shared how she turns to Mary in prayer “when I’m scared” or “when I need a mother,” always finding comfort and strength. Today, that legacy of faith continues with her daughter, Francene, who also wears the scapular.

Nine-year-old Senali Amaratunga, a student at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School, added: “Mary is kind and helpful. She cared more about others than herself.”

Her words reflect the deep devotion and theological awareness being nurtured among the parish’s young people.

From Blessings to Celebration

After the final blessing, parishioners gathered for a shared meal, in true Carmelite tradition of community.

“The Carmelites are all about friendship and family and worshipping together,” Fr Janu Pinto O.Carm said.

Fr Janu also drew the winning raffle ticket for a statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, awarded to Lana Melhem. Though not present, she was called and put on speakerphone, her delighted surprise warmly received by all.

Proceeds from the 200-plus tickets sold will go towards new audiovisual equipment for the parish.

View the photos on Flickr and below.

Read the article on the Catholic Outlook website

Images: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta

Article & images courtesy of Catholic Outlook, Diocese of Parramatta