Hall hosts Filipino community gathering
7 February 2008
On Sunday 20th January, the Canberra Filipino Community celebrated Santo Nino De Cebu at Sunday Mass in Hall's Francis Xavier Church and later at the Hall Pavilion. Hundreds of parishioners participated with song/dance and feasting.
This ceremony was introduced to the Catholic Church in Hall in 2002 by Lyn Doyle and her husband who live on Gooromon Ponds Road.
The Festival of Santo De Cebu commemorates the miraculous survival of a wooden statue of Santo Nino that had been given to Queen Juana in 1521 after a destructive fire during an invasion by Spanish soldiers. The statue has survived Spanish invasion, Japanese occupation and American bombers.The Santo Nino de Cebu and the Holy Infant of Prague are both recognised by the Vatican.
Our congratulations to the organisers of this wonderful community event!