The first Filipino bishop appointed in Australia, His Eminence Bishop Rene Ramirez RCJ (The Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus), together with co-celebrants Filipino Catholic Chaplain Rev. Fr. Joselito Asis, Fr. Paul Zaher, Fr. Alfred Yap, and Fr. Elmer Ibarra SVD, officiated the 8th anniversary Mass of the Southeast (SE) Melbourne Filipino community at St Michael’s Church in Berwick on July 20.
Started in 2017 by Couples for Christ (CFC) members Alvin Patricio and his wife Lucila, along with nine core family groups, the Filipino Mass in Berwick has thrived through the years. The community raised funds for struggling Filipinos during COVID, is currently supporting the Saint Rita Orphanage in the Philippines, and will hold a disco night on August 30 to raise funds for St Michael’s roof restoration.
This year’s theme, “Pagtanggap sa Dakilang Panauhin” (No to Hostility, Yes to Hospitality), was made more meaningful by Bishop Ramirez’s message encouraging parishioners to enrich their relationships with one another and serve God through appreciation and joyful hospitality – welcoming Christ as a special guest in our hearts. Before the final blessing, Bishop Ramirez also offered blessings to July birthday and wedding anniversary celebrants.
SE Filipino Mass founder Alvin Patricio expressed heartfelt gratitude for the ongoing support from families, friends, and businesses, including My Travel Solution, BFF Finance, Saladmaster, Ria Money Transfers, Cravings Filo and Asian Mart, DMB Realty, Amelia’s Lechon, Precy Trading, Manila Grocers, Pinoys in Melbourne, and The Philippine Times, among others. The Kiko Choir and CFC choir groups from St Francis, St Michael’s, and St Jude’s–Scoresby were also acknowledged and thanked.
Emcee Noel Castro introduced performances by the Australian Multicultural Social Support Group (AMSSG), with President Fe Gillies and her dance team entertaining the audience with Lawiswis Kawayan and Polka sa Nayon. President Gillies and impressive young singer Jasmine Alexandra Bravo, along with Heaven Zulueta, received certificates of appreciation for their artistic support and volunteering for the Filipino Church choir every third Sunday of the month.
With mouth-watering Filipino dishes to satisfy everyone’s tastebuds while having meaningful catch-ups with fellow CFC family and other parishioners, this anniversary celebration has been more than grand in its simplicity and purpose to create God-fearing families and communities that thrive with God’s loving presence.
