Community

Around Town | Honouring St Alphonsa: Shepparton’s faithful unite in celebration

Oct 17, 2024

Parish feast flag hoisting by Rev Fr Joe Taylor, Parish Priest of St Brendan’s Catholic Church. Photo by Contributed

St Alphonsa Syro Malabar Catholic Mission Community of Shepparton joyfully celebrated the feast of its patron saint, St Alphonsa, with deep reverence on Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13 at St Brendan’s Catholic Church.

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St Alphonsa, a saint known for her humility, sacrifice and dedication to the poor in Kerala, India, remains a source of inspiration for the faithful. Her feast day is a time of renewal and reflection on her virtues, drawing the community closer to their faith.

The feast was inaugurated on Saturday, October 12 with a solemn flag-raising ceremony led by Rev Fr Joe Taylor, Parish Priest of St Brendan’s, marking the official commencement of the festivities. This was followed by a Eucharistic celebration, offered by Rev Joseph Thekkemuriyil CMI, priest-in-charge of the Syro Malabar Mission in Shepparton.

The highlight of the feast unfolded on Sunday, October 13, with a solemn Holy Mass, celebrated by Rev Fr Joice Kolamkuzhiyil CMI, setting the tone for the day’s spiritual devotions. This was followed by a novena in honour of St Alphonsa led by Rev Fr Jophin Joy, Parish Priest of St Mary’s of Nathalia, and a grand Eucharistic procession, led by Rev Fr Jackson Saunders, assistant priest of St Brendan’s, in profound veneration of her sacred relic.

Over 450 faithful from the Syro Malabar Catholic community gathered in unity and reverence for the sacred events. The vibrant ‘Chendamelam’ drumming by Shema Beats filled the air, uplifting the faithful and enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. The flourishing Syro Malabar community in Shepparton remains grateful for the support from St Brendan’s Parish, strengthening the Catholic faith and enriching parish life.

Under the spiritual leadership of Rev Joseph Thekkemuriyil CMI, and parish trustees Mathew Varghese and Jubin James, the Syro Malabar Catholic community thrives in Shepparton. The community’s devotion and active participation uphold Catholic traditions, strengthening Shepparton’s spiritual fabric.