Berwick, 16th July – St Michael’s Parish in Berwick was filled to capacity with faithfuls who took part in the celebration of the 6th Anniversary of the Filipino Mass in southeast Melbourne. The afternoon witnessed an overwhelming sense of devotion from the Filipino community in the area and surrounding suburbs. Celebrants were Fr Litoy Asis, Fr Alfred Yap, Fr Jeff Kleynjans and Fr Sunil Francis.
In his sermon, Fr Asis drew parallelism from the Parable of the Sower, that day’s gospel, to reflect on the growth of the Filipino mass in the area, which led to the annual Simbang Gabi, a Filipino Christmas tradition now embraced by multi-cultural parishioners.
Fr Jeff Kleynjans, the parish priest of St Michael’s, expressed his enduring support in providing the monthly gathering a home, which began when couple Alvin and Lucille Patricio approached him in 2017. “You are always welcome here at St Michael’s,” he said. This was met with ardent applause from the congregation.
The Filipino Choir of St Francis made the celebration more memorable and joyous. Committed supporters like former former Honorary Consul Gigi Kalong was present along with regular mass sponsors.
The Filipino Mass is held every third Sunday of the month, at 3:00 pm at St Michael’s Parish in Berwick. It serves to nurture the faith and bond of the Filipino community.
