By Maria De Mouilpied
We at St. Jerome’s Parish have been blessed to have Somascan Priests minding and leading our Parish for a few years now. Slowly we have been experiencing a few changes and I have seen a much more vibrant and inclusive of our diversity of Nationalities.
I would like to share my experience in particular the openness of Fr. Mathew to accomodate some of our countries traditions.
Nine days before Christmas the Portuguese community has a tradition of celebrating a novena in honour of the expectance of the Child Jesus.
It is celebrated at 5:30 am every day until Christmas Eve, it is affectionately non as ‘Missas do Galo” (Rooster”s Masses we know how early they start making noise.).
Fr. Mathew is always present and celebrates the Mass and always participates for a short time outside while we sing and dance Portuguese traditional music and there are always eats and some refreshments to share if wanted. I am saying no more!
“It is a blessing to be part of this happy group which is shared not only by the Portuguese but other members of our Church as well and visitors are most welcome.“
Socialising is a vital gift of our Parish and we do Celebrate St. Jerome our Parish Patron, St Jerome Emilliani feast days and other groups such us: St. Lucy, Matter La Salute Feasts and others. It appears that there is always something to celebrate.
Hospitality is vital and we have a beautiful group of people who are so willing to help with food and service on these feast days, that I am sure Jesus looking down is pleased with us.
For me there is nothing sweeter than hearing and seeing people talking laughing as they serve.
I have coordinated a couple of these socials and the willingness of our people to help is always very humbling to me and I take this opportunity to thank you all because it is in these situations that I see Jesus in Action; in YOU.