Weeks of preparation culminated in a joyful Multicultural Day celebration at St Jude’s Parish in Scoresby on 9 November. More than 300 people attended — mostly parishioners and families from the communities of Scoresby, Knoxfield, Wantirna South and across the Knox City Council area.
After a solemn 10:30 am service at St Jude’s Catholic Church, guests gathered at the parish hall, named after former Parish Priest, the late Rev Fr Noel Francis Mackay. Current Parish Clergy Rev Fr Jerald Mariadas and Council President Stephanie Smith welcomed the attendees, sharing the message that “we are one in Christ” — united in diversity and brought together to “share cultures through food, music, dance or storytelling.”
Emcee Lincoln Rego guided the program as parishioners enjoyed food stalls representing Filipino, Sri Lankan, Indian, Italian, Malaysian, Singaporean, Indonesian, Chinese and Australian cuisines.
The opening performance was the Sinulog by the Couples for Christ St Agatha Youth Dance Group (Shayna Montsa, Shachaela Canon, Hannah Jaboli, Chanell Baladjay and Cian Tenno). The Sinulog – based on the Cebuano word “sulog,” meaning water current – depicts the Filipino people’s pagan past and their acceptance of Christianity. In the Philippines, it is celebrated annually in Cebu every January in honour of the Holy Child Jesus.
The program featured a wide range of cultural performances including:
• Medicine Jac (Australian – Robin Edwards)
• Basta’t Mahal Kita (Filipino – Cora Baker, Emmie Pascual, Fay Arcilla, Nida Ferraren and Letty Scott)
• Acapella singing (Indian – Priya)
• Cendrawasih or Bird of Paradise dance (Indonesian – Dena)
• T’Boli dance (Filipino – Ebony Farquhar)
• Igorot “Banga” performance (Filipino – Cristina Kofoed)
• Sa Libis ng Nayon dance (Filipino – Leah Sette)
• Sri Lankan One Team Seniors – vocal performance
• Indonesian Merah Putih Choir led by Inggrid Walalangi
The 2 Happy Feet Bollywood workshop led by Indian performer Avnika and her eight-year-old nephew added energy and fun to the afternoon. Bingo Card Breaks encouraged interaction — allowing parishioners to chat, learn each other’s first language, and share favourite foods and stories.
St Jude’s Parish, guided by its motto “Serve the Lord with Joy,” continues to support the sick and disadvantaged through ministries that build connection and faith. The Multicultural Festival reflected this mission — honouring the parish’s diverse community and promoting harmony through shared stories, traditions and food.
The theme of unity was echoed during the final choir song at the church service: “Malo Malo” composed by Jesse Manibusan, a joyful expression of thanksgiving in multiple languages. The program closed with St Jude’s choir members, led by Emcee Rego, inviting everyone to sing “I Am Australian” — a heartfelt and memorable finale to a day of faith, fellowship and cultural celebration.
