The Filipinos in the Broken Bay Filipino Chaplaincy have been celebrating Flores de Mayo, flower festival in honour of Mother Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary for more than fifteen years, except last year, due to the COVID 19 pandemic. This year's celebration involving four Filipino congregations went ahead with the lifting of some of the restrictions during the weekend of May 9. Aside from also being Mother's Day, it had an additional significance with the commemoration of the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines.
The event was hosted by Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in Waitara on Sunday 9 May 2021 at 2:45 PM to 4:30 PM. The celebration included praying the 'living rosary' at the forecourt of the Cathedral, followed by floral procession and offering at the altar of Mother Mary, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, and the blessing of religious images, statues, and icons.
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist was led by Fr David Ranson , Vicar General Diocese of Broken Bay and Parish Priest of Chatswood as the Presider, with the following clergy con-celebrating with him: Fr Raul Balute Parish Priest of St Cecilia’s Parish , Wyong; Fr Peter D Souza Dean of Hornsby Cathedral; Fr Emman Chuntic CS , Asst Priest St Kevin’s Church , Dee Why; and Fr Nico Lariosa SJ , St Aloysius College , Faculty Member. They were assisted by Deacon Roberto Corpuz, Deacon Roger Delmonte, and Deacon Aldrin Valdehueza.
A special feature of the Mass celebration was the song enactment of "Awit ng Misyon" by children dressed in white, which was lead by Kelsie Barillo.
There was approximately 260 people from the Filipino congregations from the Central Coast area, Chatswood, Dee Why and Waitara-Hornsby who attended the memorable event.
Due to the COVID restrictions, the usual fellowship was not held. Instead the people were given food packs of Filipino food items. It was apparent that the people were happy with their spiritual nourishment as well as the enjoyable interaction with their kababayans and other friends they have not seen for some time, and not to forget the delicious snack they received.
More photos of the Flores de Mayo and other events held by the Broken Bay Diocese Filipino Chaplaincy can be viewed on this page:
(7) Broken Bay Diocese Pinoys | Facebook