Filipino Catholics in Bathurst and Central West, in regional New South Wales (Australia) gathered to celebrate the Bathurst Senior Sto Nino Sinulog on 25 January 2025 at St. Michael & St. John Cathedral. The vibrant and faith-filled event was a remarkable testament to the unity, cultural pride, and unwavering devotion of the Filipino community in New South Wales.
With colorful banners, lively chants, and the rhythmic beat of traditional Sinulog dance, the faithful honored El Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus) in a grand celebration that brought together Filipinos from across the region. The event was spearheaded by the Filipiniana Friends Group of Bathurst and Central West, with the tireless efforts of its esteemed member, Nenita Lopez-Weekes. Her leadership and commitment played a crucial role in organizing the festival, ensuring its success and impact on the local community.
Nenita Lopez-Weekes shared her thoughts on the significance of the festival: “Santo Niño Fiesta Sinulog means to me maintaining and continuing our celebrations of our cultural tradition in a foreign land. The celebrations give us freedom and highlight the beauty of our culture and faith, filled with joy and a wonderful feeling. It is important for the Filipino community in Bathurst and the whole Central West as we are sometimes isolated and away from our homeland. Although the media plays a big part in bringing celebrations closer to our hearts, the celebration is never the same when you see and witness the happiness on people’s faces, knowing the joy in their hearts, rather than just watching the event on TV screens.”
Hon. Andrew Gee MP, Federal Member for Calare, joined the celebration and expressed his admiration for the event. “It was an honour to join the vibrant celebration of Niño de Atocha at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. John yesterday. A huge thank you to Nenita Lopez-Weekes for her hard work in bringing everybody together for this special event,” he wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post. “From the beautiful Mass to the lively dancing and the feast that followed, it was an afternoon filled with joy, faith, and community.”
The Holy Mass was led by Father Paul Devitt, Dean of the Cathedral, and Father Thao Van Nguyen, Assistant Priest, presiding over the liturgical celebration. Father Devitt reflected on the significance of such celebrations, stating, “Such celebrations help to nurture the faith of the Filipino community by enabling the continuation of feasts that are an integral part of the faith of the Filipino people and have been instrumental in building and maintaining that faith over many generations.”
He further emphasized the festival’s role in fostering inclusivity within the multicultural parish: “Such festivals not only continue the cultural and faith heritage of the Filipino parishioners but add to the ever-increasing diversity of religious expression of the wider parish and Diocesan community, thereby mirroring the Kingdom of God where each of us in our own uniqueness is part of one big family in which each person and each particular community is loved and respected for who they are – a true unity in diversity.”
The event was met with enthusiasm by the community. Miss Tina Hockey, a long-time resident of Bathurst and Central West, expressed her appreciation: “As Christian Filipinos, we appreciate celebrating our culture and faith in our Lord. That’s one way we connect as brothers and sisters in Christ. With the presence of social media and the attendance of local members and politicians, it’s great to see this event grow, and continual local promotion is needed for it to flourish.”
For Marilen Salonga, Managing Director of Hillsberry Care, participating in the Sinulog Festival was deeply personal. “Participating in the Bathurst and Central West Sinulog Festival 2025 has deepened my connection to my Filipino roots by allowing me to celebrate our culture, traditions, and faith. It was a meaningful way to honor the Santo Niño and share the vibrant Filipino community spirit with others.”
Rene de los Reyes, a member of the Dubbo Filipino Community and Central West, emphasized the importance of preserving Filipino heritage: “We must cherish and celebrate our Filipino culture, as it represents our heritage and our identity. By doing so, we not only honor our traditions but also create a more inclusive world where everyone can appreciate the beauty of our diversity.”
Bell Rementilla, Auditor of the Filipiniana Friends Group, highlighted the joy of seeing various dignitaries joining in the celebration: “The homily of Father Paul about Sto. Niño, our invited guests, the food, and the dancing made this event special. Special mention to our celebrant Father Paul Devitt for joining the Sinulog for the first time and our Federal Member for Calare, Hon. Andrew Gee MP, who was with us from the Holy Mass right through to the entertainment, food fest, and fellowship.”
Father Thao Van Nguyen described his experience as “a great privilege,” adding, “I hope that participants take away not only the spirit of the procession but also a deeper understanding of the meaning and history of Santo Niño, along with the abundant fruits of the blessings received. What makes this event particularly special is the JOY of people carrying replicas of the Santo Niño de Cebu in their hands. JOY can stand for Jesus Over You, a beautiful reminder of His presence in our lives. I was truly filled with JOY as I carried a replica of the Santo Niño de Cebu, praying alongside the wonderful people of the Philippine community.”
The event concluded with a festive gathering featuring traditional Filipino cuisine, music, and dance. The Santo Niño Fiesta Sinulog in Bathurst was more than just a celebration—it was a testament to the enduring faith, cultural pride, and unity of the Filipino community in Central West NSW. With the dedication of organizers like Nenita Lopez-Weekes and the strong support of local leaders and parish priests, the festival is poised to become an annual tradition, enriching the multicultural fabric of Bathurst for generations to come.
