Last Sunday, the Cerami community of Sydney gathered at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Earlwood to celebrate Saint Sebastian, the Patron Saint of Cerami (Enna), renewing a tradition that spans generations and oceans.
The Mass was celebrated by Father Ignazio Gutierrez of the Scalabrinian Fathers, who during his homily retraced the life and martyrdom of the saint, reflecting on the value of faith lived to the point of ultimate sacrifice and the deeper meaning of Christian witness within migrant communities. His words focused on roots, belonging and collective responsibility.
Around one hundred people attended the service, taking part and once again demonstrating the quiet strength of a community that endures across time and distance.
One of the most meaningful moments followed the Mass: the blessing of bread and oranges, an ancient symbol associated with Saint Sebastian.
After the blessing, the bread and oranges were distributed to those present and delivered to the homes of elderly or unwell community members who were unable to attend, reinforcing a sense of solidarity that goes beyond ritual.
The President of the Association of Saint Sebastian Martyr of Cerami, Angelo Stivala, thanked everyone for their participation and extended a special welcome to two young visitors from Sicily, Sebastiano Giuliano from Cerami and Antonio Laudani from Belpasso.
The two are currently in Australia for work and travel, and them president wished them a pleasant stay and success for the future.
In his address, Stivala also thanked Father Ignazio for the celebration, Maria Testa on the piano, the Cerami readers who contributed to the liturgy and Father Roberto Castiello, the parish priest of the Earlwood church, for his ongoing support and hospitality.
Special thanks were also extended to the volunteers and organisers who ensured the event could go ahead despite adverse weather conditions, and to all those who continue to support the association with their time, commitment and presence.
Reflecting on the importance of the tradition, Stivala highlighted how devotion to Saint Sebastian has always been a moment of unity for the Cerami community abroad—a living memory that is not nostalgia, but continuity.
The day concluded with an invitation to the next gathering: the Mass scheduled for Sunday, August 23, which will be celebrated traditionally with bread and cheese in another symbol of sharing and fraternity.
In a fast-moving world, the Cerami community in Sydney continues to pause once a year around an altar. In that simple gesture, the enduring feeling of home is found.
