Gallery | From procession to plate, Shepparton’s Syro-Malabar community honours St Alphonsa
The St Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission Community of Shepparton celebrated the feast of their patron saint with devotion and cultural pride on October 11 and 12 at St Brendan’s Catholic Church.
St Alphonsa, revered for her humility and compassion in Kerala, India, remains a guiding inspiration for the faithful.
Her feast is a time for renewal, reflection and unity within the community.
Festivities began on October 11 with a flag-raising ceremony led by Fr Ronald Masilang RCJ, followed by a Eucharistic celebration with Rev Saji Thomas MST, parish priest of the Syro-Malabar Mission.
That evening, parishioners enjoyed Thachan – The Protector, a renowned Indian drama depicting the life of St Joseph, staged at St Augustine’s Hall.
The celebrations culminated on October 12 with a solemn Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Shyju Edathiparampil MST, followed by a novena and grand Eucharistic procession honouring St Alphonsa’s sacred relic.
The feast concluded with a shared meal, symbolising the unity and fraternity that define the Syro-Malabar community.
The thriving Shepparton mission, under Rev Saji Thomas MST and parish trustees Jubin James and Jerry Manuel, expressed gratitude to St Brendan’s Parish for its ongoing support – a partnership that continues to strengthen Catholic life across the region.