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Philippine-Australia-Saipan Province Celebrating 25 years as a Pastorelle Sister |
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A large crowd of friends, colleagues, parishioners, Pauline Cooperators and members of the Pauline Family, representing many different nationalities were present. Fr Vincent Le Van Houng, parish priest of St Damian’s, Bundoora, was principal celebrant; Fr Nestor Candado, Regional Superior of the Society of St Paul, was the homilist and they were joined by thirteen other priests. An excellent choir formed by the Couples for Christ and Youth for Christ and St Luke’s parish Youth added a splendid musical aura to the celebration. It was indeed a wonderful expression of the universality of the Church.
Sr Nelia made her first Religious Profession in Manila in 1987. She has been in Australia for almost ten years, an invaluable member of our community and serving the local Church in the ministry of pastoral care in the parish of St Luke’s Lalor, alongside the Scalabrinian Fathers, for eight years, and presently as College-Family-Parish Liaison Person at Loyola Catholic College, Watsonia.
In his homily, Fr Nestor, shared with the congregation Sr Nelia’s hope that in celebrating her Silver Jubilee in Melbourne, she could be “a small reminder to the community and especially to young people of today, that it is still very much possible to respond to the call to Religious Life and be a Pastorelle Sister, following Jesus Good Shepherd, if we open ourselves to his grace”. A very fitting desire and prayer on the weekend that marks the 49th World Day of Prayer for Vocations: “Jesus, eternal shepherd of our souls, send good labourers into your vineyard!” |
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(Photos are the courtesy of John Noonan) |
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The Eucharistic celebration was followed by delicious refreshments in the parish hall, while some talented young people entertained us with music and songs of praise.
Congratulations, Sr Nelia, and thanks be to God! Sr Mary La Bruna sjbp |
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To see other photoes click here |
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