Diocese_Of_Sandhurst_YearInReview_2021

48 CELEBRATIONS 500th anniversary of the Evangelisation of the Philippines. Parishioners at Pyramid Hill after Simbang Gabi , a series of Night Masses before Christmas, which have been embraced by many in Sandhurst Parishes. Parish Priest, Novelito Lim and Fr DJ Suguitan are in the centre. The first Holy Mass, to take place in the Philippines was in Limasawa on Easter Sunday in 1521. There was no large gathering in Sandhurst to mark the anniversary due to pandemic restrictions. In parishes across the Diocese, parishioners of Filipino origin, continued to celebrate their unique style of Catholicism; much to the joy of their fellow parishioners who often joined in. On 14 March 2021, Pope Francis celebrated Mass for the 500th anniversary. His Homily thanking the Filipino people for their evangelisation through their infectious joy, reveals a sentiment parishioners in Sandhurst understand. “Five hundred years have passed since the Christian message first arrived in the Philippines. You received the joy of the Gospel: ... And this joy is evident in your people. We see it in your eyes, on your faces, in your songs and in your prayers. In the joy with which you bring your faith to other lands ... I want to thank you, then, for the joy you bring to the whole world and to our Christian communities ... your discreet and hard-working presence became a testimony of faith. In the footsteps of Mary and Joseph, for God loves to bring the joy of faith through humble, hidden, courageous and persevering service.” His Holiness Pope Francis Christmas: Bishop Shane celebrated Missa de Galla, one of the dawn Masses leading up to Christmas, at St Brendan’s Church, Shepparton on 23 December; and at St Kilian’s Church in the early morning of Christmas Eve (above). Then later that day, celebrated Midnight Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Some of the Filipino Sandhurst Clergy and Seminarians with Bishop Emeritus Leslie Tomlinson (left) and Bishop Shane Mackinlay (right). Easter Sunday: Fr Junjun Amaya, Parish Priest of Wodonga, celebrated Dawn Mass by the Hume Weir. .