Northern Territory Minister for Multicultural Affairs Jinson Charls has joined the St Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Parish in Darwin for the St Alphonsa Parish Feast and Sunday School Annual Celebrations, known as Enkhania 2026.
Mr Charls attended the event on behalf of Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and said the occasion was particularly meaningful because it was celebrated within his own parish community.
The annual gathering brought together parishioners of all ages for religious observances, cultural performances and Sunday School celebrations, with families, children and community members taking part throughout the day.
In a message shared after the event, Mr Charls described the celebration as an opportunity for the community to come together through faith, culture and shared traditions. He congratulated Fr John Puthuva, the parish leadership, Sunday School teachers, volunteers, parents and all those involved in organising the event.
Photo/Facebook
The St Alphonsa Parish Feast is one of the key annual events for the Syro-Malabar Catholic community in Darwin and serves as a gathering point for parish families across the region. Enkhania, the parish’s Sunday School annual celebration, recognises the participation and achievements of children and young people involved in faith education and community activities.
Community and faith leaders often point to such events as important opportunities to strengthen social connections, support cultural continuity and encourage younger generations to remain engaged with their heritage and community life.
The celebration included participation from parish organisations and volunteers, whose contributions are central to the parish’s educational, cultural and charitable activities throughout the year.
St Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Parish in Darwin is part of the Eparchy of Melbourne, which serves Syro-Malabar Catholic communities across Australia and New Zealand. The parish has become an important centre for many Indian Catholic families living in the Northern Territory, providing religious services, cultural programs and community support.
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