Last May 13-20 Fr. Herman Abcede, Provincial Superior, and Fr. Rene Ramirez went to Melbourne Australia to commence the Rogationist presence within the ecclesiastical territory of the archdiocese of Melbourne. While in Melbourne the FDZ Sisters accomodated them in their Student's House in Church St., Richmond, Victoria, Australia. For two time Fr. Herman Abcede and Fr. Renato Arvin Ramirez met His Grace, Archbishop Denis Hart D.D., to discuss and to agree of the conditions surrounding the intention of the St. Matthew Province.
The good Archbishop entrusted to the Rogationists the Pastoral care of the “partnered” Parishes of Braybrook/Maidstone – Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Maidstone (including St. John’s Church, West Footscray), and Christ the King, Braybrook. All these three churches, which care for about 1509 Catholic households, are within a 10km radius from the city center. The Office of the combined parishes is located at the presbytery on 46 Ballarat Road, Maidstone.
The parishioners of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Maidstone are from a wide range of ethnic background, including Vietnamese, Filipinos and Italians, who organize novena prayers for Our Lady and an annual Italian Feast of the Holy Family. The faithful of the Christ the King are also from a wide range of ethnic background, including Vietnamese, Filipino, Indian, Maltese, Romanian, Italian, Croatian, Eritrean and Australian, who organize an annual multi-cultural feast.
Fr. Rene remained in Melbourne to further study other matters related to the mission. Eventually when the visas will be ready they will commence in the end of the 3rd quarter of the year.
Praise the Lord for this wonderful opportunity!
