St. John’s Parish Centre was alive with colour, music and flavour last week as parishioners and friends from around the world gathered for a vibrant Intercultural evening. The event, organised by Seán O’Neill and his team of Fr. Dan Carroll, Svitlana Saseyi, Jane Dineen, Kathleen Meagher, Joseph Mark Lubula and Paul Kasu, brought together members of the parish community from near and far to celebrate the many cultures that now call Kilkenny home.
The entertainment for the evening showcased the best of local and new traditions. There was a wonderful display of Irish dancing from the talented pupils of the Malone Baldwin Academy, who received huge applause for their energy and precision. They were followed by a deeply moving performance from the Grono Choir from Ukraine, whose beautiful harmonies filled the Parish Centre and were a highlight of the night for many. Addressing the gathering, Fr. Dan Carroll declared: “whether you were born just down the road in Kilkenny or have travelled from across the world to make Kilkenny your home,- this is your evening, and you belong here.” Fr. Carroll praised the organisers, the dancers, and the choir, saying the evening was a true expression of what parish is about-welcoming all, respecting all, and building community. On behalf of the organising committee, Seán O’Neill said: “Tonight was about many cultures, one community. To have our own Irish dancers alongside our Ukrainian friends in song was just beautiful. It was everything we hoped it would be.” Seán was particularly delighted by the diverse countries represented on the night, with people from Ukraine, Uganda, Ghana, the Philippines, Slovakia and Italy joining with parishioners for a night of fun and laughter. Concluding, Seán extended sincere thanks to all who performed, decorated the hall and helped on the night. The evening concluded with a shared hope that the Intercultural Evening will become a regular event in the parish calendar.
