Filipino Community Mass Held

Catholic Filipinos from across Nottingham flocked to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour on 28 May 2011 to attend Mass. This event was organised by the Filipino Rosary Crusade-Nottingham North (FRC). Pietro Albano, FRC Coordinator, read the Introduction before the Mass where he particularly welcomed kababayans especially Fr. Mariano Tarrosa, former Chaplain of the Filipino Chaplaincy in East Midlands, who concelebrated the Mass with Fr. Gerry Murphy, Parish Priest. Fr. Gerry welcomed all Filipinos and appreciated their participation.

A number of other Filipinos performed various roles in the liturgy: Digna Briones and Jean Amamio proclaimed the First and Second readings respectively while Ronald Abrera read the Prayer of the Faithful. Dianne and Jason Sulit, representing their family, were the offerors. Myrna Agana, Jude Amamio, Chris Provida, and Juliet Talanay served as collectors.

Right after the Mass, Fr. Mariano led devotees in praying the Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. In his short talk, he encouraged Filipinos to continue being united and having that time for God. He said that by doing so, they would become good examples for their children. He also proposed that, even with a priest, they would gather regularly to pray the novena in church which contains “the lovely image of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour”. To conclude the service, Jona Estioso and Dianne Sulit led devotees in the floral offering as part of the Flores de Mayo tradition of Pinoys.

A salu-salo (shared table) was held at the Parish’s McGuinness Centre. This was coordinated by Meng Sulit and Precy Lagman. A presentation followed where the FRC sang “Diyos ay Pag-ibig” in honor of Fr. Mariano. In response, expressed his gratitude and enjoyment being with Pinoys in Bulwell. He picked up a few lines from the song that was sung (“At kung tayo’y bigo ay huwag limutin na may Diyos tayong nagmamahal.”; And if we fail, let us not forget that we have a God who loves.) and admitted that he could relate with these, considering the difficulties that has hindered him from continuing his ministry as chaplain. Yet he recalls that even Jesus was a failure, being reviled and crucified in spite of His good works. He asked everyone to continue praying for him and, at the same time, gave assurance that should he be able to stay further in the UK, he will carry on reaching out to Filipino communities. (Photos courtesy of Ronald Abrera and Pietro Albano)