The perfect present is hard to find, but St Brendan’s Catholic Church in Shepparton has offered a unique gift to the community that dates back to a 16th-century tradition.
The church has embraced an ancient Filipino tradition that blesses the community members of Shepparton as they prepare for Christmas.
In celebration of Misa de Gallo, Spanish for the Mass of the Rooster, about 100 people have gathered daily at the church steps at 6am as part of a nine-day novena ending on Sunday, December 24.
Assistant Priest Fr Jackson Saunders said there had been a buzz in the church each morning with live music, prayer and a shared breakfast.
“Our community has been blessed, and we give thanks to our Filipino community for sharing their culture with us,” he said.
“The great thing is that there are just as many Aussies and people of other nationalities at mass each morning.
“It’s a beautiful celebration of shared culture and faith, and we invite all in the community to join us.”
Across the nine-day novena, there are different priests and musicians each day.
Bishop of Sandhurst Shane Mackinlay will be the main celebrant on Saturday, December 23.
The nine-day novena leads up to the celebration of Christmas at St Brendan’s Parish.
Several Christmas Eve services will take place, including a children’s mass at 5pm and a family mass at 6.30pm.
At 10.30pm, carols will be sung, followed by a late mass at 11pm.
On Christmas Day, two masses will be available, at 8am and 11am.
Additionally, a mass will be held at St Mary’s in Dookie at 7pm on Christmas Eve, and a Syro-Malabar mass will be held at St Brendan’s in Shepparton at 8pm.
All are welcome to attend the masses at St Brendan’s Catholic Church, 121 Knight St, Shepparton.