More than 500 people will once again enjoy a wonderful, free Christmas Day lunch thanks to a friendship struck up between a priest and a homeless man 18 years ago.
The John Franklin Christmas Lunch, in Sutherland Entertainment Centre, is organised by St Patrick’s Catholic Church and St John’s Anglican Church, at Sutherland.
People from many different backgrounds attend.
They may be homeless, single parents, young families struggling financially or people who are isolated and lonely, particularly the aged or those with a disability.
More than 200 volunteers will be involved – and no more are needed.
Matthew Nagele, who is well-known around the shire for greeting people and wishing them a good day, is among those looking forward to the event.
Matthew, a parishioner at St Patrick’s, said he enjoyed the spirit at last year’s lunch.
Matthew had lunch yesterday with his sister at Campbelltown and is having a month’s holiday from his volunteer work at Vinnies Engadine and Enough is Enough at Jannali.
The Christmas Day lunch resulted from a warm association which developed over time between a young man, John Franklin, and Father John Sullivan, who was at the time the parish priest of St Patrick’s, and has since retired.
Mr Franklin lived his life on the streets of the shire and became a regular visitor to the St Patrick’s presbytery, where he was welcomed with a “cuppa”, companionship and the opportunity to have a chat.
Over time, he told Father Sullivan of the “ups and downs” of his life and, in 2000, voiced his sadness at the loneliness that people such as himself experienced particularly during the Christmas season.
Father Sullivan relayed the conversation to parishioners of St Patrick’s, but before the community had the opportunity to act, Mr Franklin died at the age of 37.
Following Mr Franklin’s death, Father Sullivan promoted the idea of the Christmas Day lunch, where an open invitation would be extended to anyone wishing to celebrate Christmas Day with others.
The reaction from the parishioners was overwhelming, and the St Patrick’s community was quickly joined by members of St John’s Anglican Church congregation, and a committee was formed.
The first lunch was held in 2001 for just 25 people.
It is funded by financial and product donations from individuals, schools, churches, community groups and commercial enterprises throughout the shire and neighbouring areas.
The lunch is held in a smoke-free environment and alcohol is not permitted on site
Further information: Phone: 0444 532 961 or email: jfcl2512@gmail.com
