After three months of assuming the office of Apostolic ( PapaL ) Nuncio, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana finally met his Filipino kababayan in Greater Sydney last Sunday 26th July..
The visit was made possible through the invitation extended by the Australian Devotees of Our Lady of Penafrancia or ADOLP when the devotees made a courtesy call to him early June in Canberra.
Before Pontifical High Mass, Archbishop Yllana met with the Parammatta Diocese Filipino Chaplaincy Pastoral team and clergy for morning tea at 9:40 am at the Filipino Chaplaincy Pastoral House in Blacktown.
Fr Ruben Elago, Coordinator of the Filipino Chaplaincy, Diocese of Parramatta introduced the Filipino Chaplaincy team led by Deacon Leon Decena as well as the Filipino nuns and priests.
The Pontifical High mass started at 11:30 am with the Papal Nuncio as the main celebrant with Fr, Ruben Elago, and Filipino priests in the Diocese such as Fr Roy Cabradilla, and Fr. Lito Layug concelebrating with Deacon Leon ( Jun ) as deacon.
Alex Mendoza and Obet Dionisio were the acolytes with 4SM altar servers. The choir comprised of combined choir singer from various Filipino Sunday masses groups and ADOLP. The replica of Our Lady of Penafrancia and the image of Divino Rostro ( Holy Face of Jesus) were brought from St Nicholas of Myra Church to St Michael’s Church for the Pontifical High Mass. The Papal Nuncio is a devotee of Our Lady of Penafrancia.
Jun Relunia, President of ADOLP, welcomed the Papal Nuncio while Philippine Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis made an inspirational message – Filipinos are happy and proud as we have a Filipino Papal Nuncio to Australia.
The readers Neil and Maranilla represented the group serving the 4th Sunday Masses team since th previous Sunday was the 4th Sunday of the month.
Prayers of the Faithful were led by Lynn Domingo ( Filchap), Arnul Pan ( ADOLP), Elsie Noakes ( NUSPAS), Penny Perfecto (Bicol Inc) and Evelyn Beed ( PCC of NSW). Offertory was done by Ric and Lisa Fortaleza of the Filipino Chaplaincy.
After the communion, Papal Nuncio offered flowers to Our Lady of Penafrancia while the choir was singing Ave Maria.
Before the concluding prayers, the Papal Nuncio gave his blessings to the July birthday celebrants and those celebrating wedding anniversaries.
The church was full and some have to stand during the mass.
Fellowship followed and food was plentiful. The Papal Nuncio, guests and parishioners tasted Bicol dishes like Bicol Express, kinunot, laing and pinangat. Desserts included leche flan and cake. The welcome cake was donated by Benedith Cakes.
After lunch, the Papal Nuncio went to the various food stalls and met with the various religious groups who contributed to the fellowship
The Bicolanos – the ADOLP, NUSPAS, Bicol Inc and Filchap provided the Bicol dishes and desserts.
After 40 minutes of meeting with the various religious groups, the Papal Nuncio met with the media – print and voice for the press conference. Neria Soliman, Vice President of ADOLP and member of FILPFRESS was the moderator. By Jun Relunia
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