Eleven years ago, as a newly arrived immigrant from Asia, I found myself at La Perouse, a site rich with history and meaning, attending the annual commemoration of the first Catholic mass on Australian soil. Little did I know that this experience would blossom into a cherished family tradition, marking each passing year with reflection, faith, and gratitude.
This year’s commemoration felt particularly significant. It was a personal milestone and a celebration of resilience, history, and community. The event, held outside the museum under a marquee set up by the Randwick City Council, welcomed nearly 300 faithful. As I watched families gather, I felt deeply grateful to be part of this enduring tradition.
The mass, a solemn and beautiful Tridentine Latin Mass celebrated by a priest of the Society of St. Pius X, was a poignant reminder of the continuity of faith. It was the same form of mass offered more than 200 years ago by Pere Receveur, whose footsteps we honored. Adding to the sacredness of the day, two other Society priests heard confessions in the open air—a rare and humbling experience, blending the land’s beauty with the mercy of the sacraments.
I could not help but recall the disruption caused by the pandemic, which snapped our two-year attendance streak. That absence made this year’s return even more meaningful. As our family joined the procession to the tomb of Pere Receveur, I reflected on how this place, where history, faith, and nature converge, has become central to our family’s spiritual journey.
La Perouse is more than a historical landmark; it is a living testament to the resilience of Indigenous cultures and immigrant communities. On this sacred Aboriginal land, two histories meet: the ancient custodianship of the First Nations people and the arrival of the Catholic faith on Australian soil. The ceremony bridges these legacies in its reverence and simplicity, reminding us that our faith does not exist in isolation but within the rich tapestry of history and place.
Beyond the rituals of mass and procession, the day brought a sense of family and community. After the religious ceremonies, we gathered with fellow Filipino Catholic faithful for the 6th annual Almusalan—a Filipino breakfast tradition that has become a heartwarming extension of the day. Under the shade of trees, we shared hearty Filipino dishes joyfully prepared by Filipino women whose hands worked with love and generosity. Children played freely in the park, their laughter echoing the day’s joy. This breakfast is more than a meal; it is an expression of thanksgiving—to our good Lord for His providence, both materially and spiritually, and for blessing the Catholic sacraments here in Australia.
As I savored the familiar flavors of home—pandesal, empanada, and longaniza – I felt the warmth of our Filipino heritage blending seamlessly with our Australian life. The Almusalan is a celebration of food, community, friendship, and the shared journey of faith. It is our way of thanking God for the countless blessings Australia has given us and the spiritual home we have found here, where we can continue to live and share our Catholic faith.
Yet, amidst the joy, I carry a hope that this tradition will live on for future generations. I sincerely encourage the Randwick City Council and the state government to continue supporting and maintaining the upkeep of the museum and memorial ground. This place is more than a site; it is a story, a memory, and a bridge between cultures and generations. Its preservation ensures that future generations of Australians and immigrants will continue to gather here, remember, and celebrate.
Looking back on these 11 years, I see not only a journey of faith but also one of community and gratitude. From the solemnity of the Latin mass to the warmth of our Almusalan, La Perouse has become a sacred space in our family’s heart. History and heritage, faith and fellowship, devotion and thanksgiving come together.
In this land where ancient traditions and new beginnings converge, we are reminded that while the tides of life may bring disruptions—like the pandemic—faith, family, and community remain constant. May the story of La Perouse continue to inspire, and may this annual commemoration forever be a testament to the richness of our shared heritage and the blessings of our Catholic faith.
