Parishioners from Woodvale Parish were encouraged by Parish Priest, Father Francisco Mascarenhas to always keep the values of St Luke close to their hearts and practise them in their lives on 22 October on the feast day of the patron Saint of the parish. Photo: Natashya Fernandez.
Parishioners from Woodvale Parish were encouraged by Parish Priest, Father Francisco Mascarenhas to always keep the values of St Luke close to their hearts and practise them in their lives on 22 October, the feast day of the parish patron saint.
The feast was celebrated with the blessing of the Parish’s new offices at the 6pm Mass on Saturday and the unveiling of St Luke’s statue at 9.30am Mass on Sunday.
In welcoming all the parishioners to the Mass, Fr Mascarenhas explained that since becoming Woodvale Parish Priest six years ago he has been constantly promoting the feast of St Luke as an occasion to foster a sense of belonging among the Parishioners.
The feast was celebrated over the weekend with the blessing of the Parish’s new offices at the 6pm Mass on Saturday and the unveiling of St Luke’s statue at 9.30am Mass on Sunday. Photo: Supplied.
Fr Mascarenhas unveiled the new statue of St Luke with a special blessing during the Mass invoking many blessings from God for all parishioners through the intercession of their patron Saint.
The statue, which is situated on the left side of the altar, is made of Malaysian Kauri wood by Englebert Piccolrauz from Hurstville, NSW.
Mr Piccolrauz also carved the statue of Mary which is located on the right side of the altar, some 27 years ago.
Fr Mascarenhas told parishioners to keep the values of St Luke which are inclusiveness, forgiveness, attentiveness, courage, loyalty and personal best close to their hearts on the feast day of the patron Saint of the parish. Photo: Natashya Fernandez.
In his homily for the occasion, Fr Mascarenhas said that a lot can be said of St Luke.
“He was a writer but also a great follower of Christ and he tried to give to the world what Christ taught. What he taught are also taken as values for us.
“We have the seven values which the school often talks about, but it is not just for the school, it is for the whole parish.
Taken from the Gospel of St Luke, the values teach us to be inclusive, to forgive one another, to be attentive to God’s word and open our eyes to Him, to have courage and stand up for what is right, to be loyal and always give our personal best before God,” he told parishioners.
Fr Mascarenhas unveiled the statue of St Luke with a special blessing during the Mass invoking many blessings from God for all parishioners through the intercession of their patron Saint. Photo: Natashya Fernandez.
Fr Mascarenhas thanked and expressed deep gratitude, especially to the Parish Council and the finance committee members and to all the parishioners.
The new offices and two storages adjacent to the parish office will ensure easy access and secure parking being two reasons among many others, he explained.
He also added that he was commended for the relocation of the tabernacle and the beautiful framework done around it.
“I would like to thank parishioners, John and Marilyn Carter for all the work related to this project.
“The intricate woodwork is the replica of the Church’s unique steeple and spire,” he added.
Fr Mascarenhas concluded the Mass by inviting all parishioners to continue to have a sense of belonging to the parish and to pray to St Luke to put his values to practice in their lives.