There are unconfirmed reports about a plan by the Diocese of Parramatta to discontinue the Filipino Chaplaincy because Filipinos are already well integrated into the different parishes. I speak only for the Filipino community and not for the other ethnic communities.
I am not privy to what other reasons the Catholic hierarchy might have for this plan but my main concern is the preservation of our culture.
I accept that most, if not all Filipinos in Australia speak fluent English and understand the language probably better than other ethnic communities. I also accept that Filipinos can easily integrate and even assimilate into the mainstream Australian congregation when attending mass. But the presence of the Filipino Chaplaincy is a major factor in the preservation of our culture.
While we have chosen Australia as our adopted country, there is that inner feeling of joy and cure to being homesick whenever we see a Filipino Priest saying mass on Australian soil. There is that warmth that nurtures the Filipino soul in meeting and greeting a Filipino Priest after every Eucharistic celebration. The Filipino Chaplain is able to relate to Filipino values in the presence of a Filipino congregation. Unfortunately, that is not a possibility in the case of a non-Filipino priest.
To scrap the Chaplaincy would be most unfair to the Catholic ethnic communities. Why does the government allow the presence of Imams preaching in Islamic mosques? There is a Sikh Temple in Glenwood where an Indian Guru is able to preach. Do they have more clout?
I believe that the continued presence of the Filipino Chaplaincy in Australia is consistent with freedom of religion and preservation of the Filipino culture.
An active member of a Filipino religious organization is currently soliciting signatures in support of the retention of the Filipino Chaplaincy. According to reports, he has so far successfully gathered thousands of signatures from the Filipino community. We sincerely hope that the Bishop will listen.
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