Filipino Community in New South Wales Heralds 2018 with Sto. Niño Fiestas

21 January 2018 - Consul Melanie Diano delivering her remarks during the celebration of Holy Mass at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Plumpton, New South Wales (Photo courtesy of Mr. Jade Cadelina)

25 January 2018 SYDNEY — The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney joined the Filipino community in two events marking the joyous and colorful celebration of the Feast of Sto. Nino in New South Wales (NSW), Australia on 21 January.

Consul Melanie Diano and Administrative Officer Jose Morales attended the mass celebrated by Fr. Dado Haber, a Filipino priest and Fr. John Ho at the St. John the Evangelist Church in Campbelltown City, 50 kilometers southwest of Sydney. The Australian officials who attended the mass included Federal Member of Parliament Anne Stanley, Member for Werriwa, and Campbelltown Mayor George Brticevic. The mass was followed by a fellowship lunch at the nearby community hall and a program featuring cultural performances in honor of the Holy Infant Jesus accompanied by chants of “Viva Pit Señor!”

On the same day, Consul Diano and Mr. Morales also attended the special mass by Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen, Bishop of Parramata at the Good Shepherd Parish in Plumpton, New South Wales. Located in the heart of Blacktown City where majority of Filipinos in Australia reside, the church was overflowing with Filipino-Australian parishioners and their families. Also present at the event was Member of Parliament for Londonderry Prue Car. After the mass, a procession of the image of the Sto. Nino and a program with lively performances were held.

Consul Diano congratulated Ms. Mila Alforque of the Cofradia del Sto. Niño and Atty. Marissa Dionson-Bala for their efforts to observe and preserve Philippine religious traditions even as they have settled in Australia. END

For more information, visit www.sydneypcg.dfa.gov.ph

(Left photo) Consul Melanie Diano (3^rd from left), Ms. Mila Alforque (4^th from left), President of the Cofradia Del Señor Sto. Nino of Sydney Inc., Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen of Parramatta (4^th from right), Member of Parliament Pru Car (3^rd from right), Member for Londonderry, Mr. Alforque(2^nd from right) and Atty. Marissa Bala (rightmost). (Right photo) procession of the image of Señor Sto. Nino at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. (Photos courtesy of Mr. Jade Cadelina).