A Celebration of Faith, Polish Heritage and Mission - The Visit of Bishop Robert Chrząszcz to Marayong

On the weekend of 2–3 May 2026, we, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, were deeply grateful to welcome Bishop Robert Chrząszcz during his pastoral visit to the Polish Catholic community in Sydney. These days of prayer, encounter, and celebration unfolded in Marayong, a place where we have been privileged to live and serve for over seven decades, accompanying families, the elderly, and the Polish community with faith and hope.

An Encounter with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth

On Saturday evening, 2 May, Bishop Chrząszcz visited our Nazareth community in Marayong. Currently, more than 20 Sisters live and minister within the Province of the Holy Spirit in Australia, coming from five countries: Poland, the United States, the Philippines, Belarus, and Australia. Our international community reflects the universality of the Church and the shared mission entrusted to us—to serve families with love, particularly those most in need.

Together, we gathered for the Eucharist celebrated on the Feast of Our Lady, Queen of Poland, the patroness of our community. In his homily, Bishop Chrząszcz spoke warmly of our quiet, faithful, and humble presence among Polish families and the wider community. His words affirmed our daily efforts to accompany people through prayer, care, and simple acts of compassion—often unseen, yet deeply rooted in the spirit of Nazareth.

The evening concluded with a shared meal and a heartfelt conversation about mission. This time of reflection strengthened our mutual bonds and reminded us anew of the beauty of hospitality and service that lie at the heart of our charism.

Visit to St Brother Albert Residential Aged Care at Holy Family Services

On Sunday morning, 3 May, Bishop Chrząszcz visited St Brother Albert Residential Aged Care in Marayong, part of the Holy Family Services complex, which also includes the retirement village. This aged care home, conducted by our Sisters, is located about 40 kilometres from the centre of Sydney and has long been a place where care and dignity meet faith and community.

The visit coincided with the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Częstochowa and Polish Constitution Day, celebrated together with Polish residents, their families, and staff. During the Mass, the Bishop spoke movingly about the presence of Poles living on the Antipodes, whose lives marked by faith, prayer, and the offering of suffering are a precious gift to the Church and society.

After the Eucharist, we shared commemorative photographs, and Bishop Chrząszcz was given a tour of the facility. His visit was an affirmation of the mission-driven and compassionate care provided at Holy Family Services, where spiritual accompaniment remains an integral part of daily life for residents and staff alike.

Meeting with the Polish Community in Marayong

Later that afternoon, Bishop Chrząszcz met with the local Polish community from Sydney and surrounding areas in Marayong. Once again, we gathered to honour the Feast of Our Lady, Queen of Poland, a celebration deeply woven into the spiritual life of the Polish people in Australia.

Since 1954, Polish faithful have gathered in this place, and since 1966 around the church now known as Our Lady of Częstochowa Church. Today, pastoral care is provided by the priests of the Society of Christ, continuing a long tradition of service to migrants. Following the Eucharist and the traditional May Devotion, the community came together for fellowship in the Saint John Paul II Hall.

This year’s celebration held special meaning as the church marked the 60th anniversary of its consecration. The afternoon was a beautiful expression of living faith, unity, and a shared commitment to preserving Polish spiritual and cultural heritage far from home.

A Living Witness of Mission

Throughout the weekend, we experienced once again how prayer, pastoral care, aged care, and community life are deeply interconnected.

Our presence here in Marayong continues to be shaped by the spirit of Nazareth—a spirit of faithful presence, loving service, and profound respect for the dignity of every person, especially the elderly and those who carry the story of migration in their hearts.

We give thanks for this grace-filled visit and for the opportunity to continue serving as sisters, companions, and witnesses of God’s love in our shared mission.