Multicultural Australian Catholics - Discovering the Melbourne Hungarian community.

One of the features of multi-cultural Australia is the variety of communities around the nation who preserve many of the traditions of the country of origin, continually broadening horizons. 

The Australian Catholic Church is also multi-cultural, Masses, gatherings and celebrations in the languages and styles of the countries of origin.

Recently, the Melbourne community has discovered the Hungarians in the city. In the absence of their chaplain this year, they have asked Paul Castley to celebrate with them twice-monthly.

They have a fine church, grounds, meeting hall and other facilities (which can be hired), the Church of Szent Istvan (Stephen of Hungary). They also celebrate at St Colman’s church in Balaclava.

Their Easter Sunday celebration was colourful.  And, while the presiding priest greets in English (and the homily and Eucharistic Prayer), the responses and readings are in Hungarian – multi-lingual culture.

Szent Istvan icon

And a surprising Jesus image in the sacristy!