Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese | 22 Nov 2010
Sr Giovanni Farquer rsj
Whether Jewish, Islamic or Christian, throughout history some men and women have stood out from the rest as exemplary human beings, Sister Giovanni Farquer rsj, told more than 5000 Sydneysiders who gathered at Fairfield yesterday for the 16th annual Sydney Multicultural Qurban Eid Festival.
Using Mary MacKillop who was canonised just over a month ago as an example, Sr Giovanni, a former Congregational Leader of the Sisters of St Joseph, and for the past six years the Archdiocese of Sydney's Director of the Commission for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, went on to tell those at the festival that St Mary of the Cross had stood out in her time as a woman of extraordinary nobility of character.
"It was her deep faith in a God who was merciful, all loving, all powerful and full of compassion that enabled her to endure hardships of all kinds as she persevered in her efforts to educate and care for the most deprived or neglected children of the colony, regardless of race or religion, as well as offering care to those others whose human rights and dignity had not been respected," she said.
In the spirit of Mary MacKillop and other standout figures in the history of Judaism, Islam and Christianity, Sr Giovanni hoped those present, as well as people everywhere, would be inspired to show the same courage, compassion, righteousness and resolve and work with renewed determination for peace and harmony throughout the world.
Organised by the Feza Foundation, the Festival, which was held at the Fairfield Showgrounds included speeches from leading Muslims including Mr Ismail Aydogan, Chairman of the Foundation; Mehmet Mutlu, Imam from the Erskinville Mosque and Imam Jasmin Becric from the Smithfield Mosque.
The Premier of NSW, Kristina Keneally also addressed the crowd and affirmed her government would never be party to a ban on the burqa. Other politicians addressing the Festival were Federal Coalition MP and former Minister for Immigration, Philip Ruddock and Federal Labor MP, Laurie Fergusson.
The speeches all embraced interfaith dialogue and Sydney's multiculturalism and were interspersed with some outstanding performances such as a Bosnian Folk Dance troupe, bands, musicians and the famed Al Bashir Anasheed Group and the Australian Sufi Music Ensemble.
"The number of people here today bears testimony to the enthusiasm amongst us to listen, learn and above all, appreciate more and more Islamic culture which enriches and enhances our Australian society," Sr Giovanni said and thanked the Feza Foundation for "renewing our commitment to strengthening the bonds between us as we work together in solidarity for peace.".
