The luncheon was a part of St Raphael parish's 125-year celebrations, with parish priest Father Laurie Beath saying the event was a great opportunity for people unable to make it to the evening events to join in the celebrations.

"It's just another way of celebrating," Fr Beath said.

Also in attendance was former deputy premier and National party politician Ian Armstrong, who, despite being on opposite sides of the ideological fence, remains good mates with Mr Unsworth.

"In [politics in] those days, you could shake someone's hand and it would stick," Mr Armstong said.

Next on the calendar of events is a public lecture by Father Richard Leonard titled "Where the Hell is God?" on August 20 at 7.30pm.