Chris Bowen faced criticism from a Catholic priest after he was seen enjoying a bowl of pasta during the service.
The Minister for
Climate Change
Energy participated in an early morning mass during the Italian festival Festa Della Repubblica held at Club Marconi in Bossley Park, located in the southwest region.
Sydney
, on Sunday.
Witnesses told the
Daily Telegraph
Bowen showed up during the middle of the Mass when people were receiving Communion, and after seating himself at the front pew, he started eating his pasta.
Father Anthony Fregolent, who was conducting the service, informed the newspaper that Bown needed to demonstrate greater ‘reverence’ towards the ‘sanctity of the location.’
“When you get there in the middle of the service, you ought to take your seat and remain silent,” he stated.
‘Welcoming others holds great significance in our beliefs and religious practices, yet we must also honor the sanctity of the location.’
Reverend Fregolent concluded his Mass, spoken in Italian, by asking everyone not to consume food during the ceremony.
Multiple eyewitnesses charged the Labor frontbencher with exhibiting ‘rudeness’ and displaying lack of respect.
Nonetheless, a representative for Bowen stated that he wasn’t even cognizant of it being a mass event.
“There was a gathering that Mr. Bowen missed, followed by a public event that he attended,” they informed the newspaper.
When he walked into the marquee, he wasn’t aware that the event was nearing its conclusion because guests were already departing. Had he known this, he would have waited for just a short while longer.
Bowen posted multiple images on social media from the festival, featuring one of his bowl of pasta as well.
“It’s delightful to be part of our local community as we commemorate this significant day at Club Marconi, right in the center of South-Western Sydney,” he wrote in the caption.
‘Viva Australia, Viva Italia!’
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