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Gallery | From procession to plate, Shepparton’s Syro-Malabar community honours St Alphonsa

Oct 30, 2025

A solemn Holy Mass set the tone for the day’s spiritual devotions.

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.

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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.