A Filipino traditional prayer dance was the highlight of the procession of the Feast of Santo Nino, or Feast of the Infant Child Jesus, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church, Rockingham recently.
The dance, called Sinulog, is a dance ritual in honour of the Santo Nino and aims to resemble movement of the current in the river in Cebu, Philippines, where the dance originates.
The dancers move two steps forward and one step backward to the sound of the drums while chanting words of gratitude to the Holy Infant Jesus.
The celebration began with Mass, followed by the procession, refreshments and the Sinulog program at the hall.
Parishioner German Panopio reported to the Communications and Media Office that those who attended the event were happy the celebration was well attended.
“The procession of the Holy Infant Jesus was the first to happen at Rockingham Parish,” Mr Panopio said.
Parish priest, Father Pierluigi Vajra CRS, said the parish has the grace of a good number of Filipino parishioners.
“Their testimony of faithfulness to their Catholic faith is evident to all parishioners,” Fr Vajra said.
“Some of them are a precious resource in some of the various ministries of the parish, especially the catechesis to hand over the faith to our younger brethren,” he said.
Fr Vajra went on to say that he hopes this celebration will be the first step towards a greater involvement of all backgrounds and traditions for a more active and participating Church.
“There is such a wealth of talent and potential among our Catholics. May it all emerge, for the good of all and the progress of the Kingdom of God among us,” he said.