By Natashya Fernandez
Weekend Masses in their honour, a Papal Blessing from Pope Francis and well wishes from all parishioners, Philip and Mignonne Goes celebrated 50 years of married life amidst family, friends and parishioners at St Pius X Parish on 12 March.
Manning Parish Priest Father Blasco Fonseca celebrated Mass and presented them with the certificate at the 9am Mass on Sunday, 12 March and thanked Philip and Mignonne for tirelessly contributing their time to serve the Church and all its parishioners.
With a special morning tea orgainsed by Fr Blasco at the Parish hall, Philip and Mignonne enjoyed the festivities with some family present and Parish community members. Later in the evening, the two celebrated with family and friends at a dinner party at the Parish hall.
Stalwarts of the Parish for the past 17 years, and prior to that, 24 years at Sacred Heart Parish, Thornlie, both Philip and Mignonne have been actively involved in the choir, St Vincent de Paul Society, Legion of Mary as well as the Parish’s Social Committee, where they have successfully run quite a few social activities.
Fr Blasco said that it’s parishioners like them that keep the Parish alive.
“Philip has been in charge of the music for some years and also been Parish council Chairman on a couple of occasions,” Fr Blasco said.
“Mignonne has also been active in the Social Committee functions of the Parish and is President of the Manning Praesidium of the Legion of Mary at the Parish and at diocesan level,” he said.
“At the Parish level, the Legion of Mary work has meant giving her time to visiting nursing homes, duty in the church foyer on Sundays, visiting homes, making rosaries for school children (on their Sacraments occasions) and for the Missions,” he said proudly.
Friends from the SPX Social Committee said that their invaluable contributions to the church community, especially their generosity, reliability and willingness and selflessness was appreciated by all.
Parishioner Maria Fernandes said that Phil and Mignonne are the two most generous and kind people she has met in SPX Parish.
“Both together make an amazing couple. I am happy that they celebrated 50 years of marriage. Taking on so many responsibilities within the Parish, these two are the backbone of SPX Parish.
“All I can say, as a choir and Parish, we are truly blessed to have them as part of our Parish,” she said.
In an interview with The eRecord, Philip and Mignonne said their love and commitment to each other is attributed to their Catholic faith and knowledge of God’s love for them.
When asked for the secret to their 50 beautiful years together, Philip said, “True love transcends all.”