Eastern traditions flourish
Local
St Mary’s Syro-Malabar parish celebrated the joint feasts of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St Sebastian on May 6 at St Therese’s Catholic Church, Colonel Light Gardens.
The nine-day novena of St Sebastian and Holy Mass began on April 27 and concluded on May 5 when the traditional flag hoisting ceremony, Kodiyettu, was held.
On each day of the novena, a different intention was brought to focus in the offering of the Holy Mass and the Rosary, led by Syro-Malabar priests serving in the Adelaide Archdiocese along with different groups from the community.
More than 100 St Mary’s families were joined by families from St Alphonsa and St. Euphrasia Syro-Malabar parishes and Emmaus parish.
Rev Dr Siby Kurian Pulickal was the main celebrant for the Holy Mass and afterwards Fr John Shanahan and Fr Josy Sebastian participated in the procession and cultural programs.
“It was a great honour to express such a pinnacle moment of our faith and culture through this celebration,” said Angel Joshy, assistant coordinator of the Syro-Malabar Youth Movement.
“Upon seeing the diverse exhibition of culture and tradition seen on the feast day, many of the faithful were able to reminisce memories of participating in this feast throughout their own childhood.”
The church was decorated with floral decorations and traditional garlands while the faithful dressed in traditional clothing holding the papal umbrellas and ornamental umbrellas followed by the traditional Kerala band sets.
Young people performed a flash mob with Sunday School students and ran stalls including balloon animals, ring toss, henna and face painting.
“It truly was a day of nostalgia,” Angel said.
“We are beyond grateful to our Mother Mary for blessing this celebration and thankful to everyone who joined us to celebrate this feast of our patroness and St Sebastian.”
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