By Afia Enosa

       Brunswick, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 14 April 2023 -- “Sing Alleluia, the Lord is Risen…” was chanted by many faithful parishioners of St Margaret Mary Parish as they came together to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, a celebration of joy and renewal. The church was packed with local parishioners, relatives and family members as they gather to witness the foundation of our faith, the resurrection of Christ. Father Phillip Gleeson (Rector) was the main celebrant of the Easter Vigil mass in English followed by the Vietnamese Eucharistic celebration led by Father Anthony Nguyen (Parish Priest) and Father John Kich SDB and it ended with a powerful Easter proclamation, and the joyous singing of the Alleluia.

       The Holy Thursday celebration brought the whole parish together and was led by Father Anthony Nguyen, assisted by Father Jan Walenciej SDB. One of our parishioners shared about the washing of the feet. She said, “it’s a symbolic gesture by Jesus that will never get old, and reminds me of life, humility and service to others in life”. Father Phillip Gleeson led the Good Friday service with Father Jan Walenciej and Father John Kick celebrated the Vietnamese mass later on. The Vietnamese group made up of adults and children performed the Stations of the Cross in a very reflective and solemn way. They were also celebrating Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday in Vietnamese.

       All liturgical celebrations were light it up with lively, energetic and joyful singing from two choirs (Vietnamese and English) with reflective hymns. The participants were actively engaged in the liturgy with singing and readings and other service responsibilities.

       Let us rejoice in the hope of Easter, and pray that this hope will fill our hearts and guide our lives. May the joy and peace of this Easter Vigil remind us of our service to all people and the importance of humility and prayer life. Happy Easter to you all.

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