This
year's Chinese New Year Mass at the Jesuit parish of St Mary's in North Sydney
doubled as a celebration of the life of Jesuit missionary Matteo Ricci.
The
400th anniversary of Ricci's death is in May this year, with a number of
festivities and events marking the occasion around the globe.
North
Sydney's Chinese community marked the occasion on 14 February as part of its
celebration of the Chinese New Year of the Tiger.
‘The
church and the altar were decorated with Chinese symbols and a ceremonial lion's
head, and a Chinese painting of Our Lady of the Way was placed on the side of
the altar', said parishioner Margaret Tam.
‘The
readings were in Cantonese and Mandarin, and the Gospel and homily were given
in Mandarin, with the English text on leaflets and an AV screen. We also had a
Chinese choir singing a Chinese hymn.'
Parish
priest Fr Tony Smith SJ concelebrated the mass along with tertians from
Canisius College. The homily was given by visiting Chinese priest Fr Joseph,
who spoke about the lessons we can learn from the life of Matteo Ricci.
‘Fr
Ricci impressed his Chinese neighbours by his generosity, courtesy and charity',
said Fr Joseph. ‘In Nanchang, he was severely injured by robbers but he did not
retaliate. Instead, when the robbers were brought before the magistrate, he
pleaded for leniency on their behalf. His behaviour, imitating Christ,
impressed many Chinese intellectuals at the time.
‘As
followers of Christ, we should also adopt an attitude of charity,
reconciliation and patience as we witness to our faith.'