The Southern Cross, February 2024

More than 350 people celebrated the feast of St Josephine Bakhita in St Francis Xavier's Cathedral on Sunday February 11. 

Members of the African community gathered for the Mass honouring St Bakhita, the patron saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. Organisers saidit was one of the best-attended events for a number of years.

The talented choir wore colourful shirts featuring the image of St Bakhita and many attendees came in traditional dress.

The main celebrant of the Mass was Archbishop Patrick O’Regan, assisted by Deacon Paul Crowe and concelebrated by Fr Dominick Okwadha, Fr Mwaura Gicheha, and Adelaide’s newest Kenyan priest Fr George Ochola.

Archbishop O’Regan baptised five young people while one young man was confirmed and received his first Holy Communion during Mass.

The celebration was followed by a beautiful meal with everyone welcomed in true African hospitality!