The Wadeye Indigenous community in the Northern Territory gathered in gratitude and joy to mark the 90th anniversary of the first Mass celebrated at “Werntekngnanyi” (Old Mission). Source: Darwin Diocese.
Fr Richard Docherty MSC celebrated the first Mass at the Old Mission on June 23, 1935.
What began as a humble gathering on the beach has evolved into a rich and enduring story of faith, culture, and community. A photograph taken by anthropologist Dr Bill Stanner captured that first Mass – a small group of Aboriginal people, MSC Brothers, and lay missionaries.
This year, the anniversary Mass was celebrated in the beautiful Old Mission, Wadeye.
Darwin Bishop Charles Gauci presided over the Mass, with Bishop Emeritus Eugene Hurley, Fr Leo Wearden MSC, Fr Joerg Nies SJ, Fr Brian McCoy SJ, and Fr John Kelliher MSC.
“We give thanks for the many who have gone before us, and we pray that God will continue to bless this community as it continues its journey of faith, hope, and love,” Bishop Gauci said.
“May we always honour the sacred trust handed down to us — walking together as brothers and sisters, one family in Christ.”
The Mass also gave the community a chance to farewell Fr Nies, who had been with them for the previous month.
FULL STORY
Marking 90 Years of Faith: Reflections on the First Mass at Wadeye (Darwin Diocese)
