Despite last weekend’s heavy rain, crowds poured into St Joseph’s Catholic church in Moorebank to celebrate the Solemnity of St Jerome Emiliani, founder of the Somascan Fathers who care for the parish community.
Accompanied by traditional hymns dedicated to Mary, Mother of Orphans, co-foundress of the Somascan Fathers, the Solemn Mass was celebrated for parishioners from both St Joseph’s Moorebank and St Christopher’s Holsworthy on 8 February.
Parish Priest of Padre Pio Glenmore Park Fr Johnson Malayil CRS was the main celebrant for the Liturgy which was concelebrated by St Joseph’s Moorebank and St Christopher’s Holsworthy Parish Priest Fr Mathew Velliyamkandathil CRS, his assistants Fr David Romero CRS and Fr Paul Antony CRS, Glenmore Park Assistant Priest Fr Sheldon Burke CRS and Fr Chris de Sousa CRS who is visiting from his appointment in Rome.
During his homily, Fr Johnson spoke on a number of lessons that St Jerome Emiliani has taught throughout his life and ministry to the poor and abandoned.
He used the lay founder’s experiences to highlight the fruits gained by persistence in prayer and to the journey of conversion to Christ.
“So my brothers and sisters, your silent example, your silent witness will bear fruit in its own time,” said the Glenmore Park Parish Priest to a packed church.
“God will use it but, until then, don’t be discouraged for even St Jerome’s mother prayed for many long years before his conversion.
“St Jerome Emiliani, despite the fact that he had a miraculous and supernatural intervention by Our Lady, didn’t convert overnight.
“He went back to work in the government, after being liberated from his imprisonment, and it took 11 years before his conversion took shape.
“Pray mothers, pray fathers, pray friends. Your intercession will bear fruit. God will use it.”
Following the Solemn Mass, a first-class relic of St Jerome Emiliani was processed with a statue of the saint from the church to the school grounds where devotees enjoyed a shared lunch with others from their community.
