![Parsippany parish hosts Philippine Independence Day celebration #Catholic - St. Christopher Parish in Parsippany, N.J., hosted a vibrant Mass and celebration of Philippine Independence Day (Araw ng Kalayaan) on June 20. The colorful event fostered unity, fellowship, and camaraderie among Filipino Catholics from Parsippany, neighboring communities in Morris County, and throughout the Paterson Diocese, N.J.
Organizing this year’s celebration were the Diocesan Commission for Catholic Filipino Ministries (DCCFM), under the leadership of its president, Deacon Elmer Maximo, and the Biyaya Group of St. Christopher’s. Jeanette East was the event’s principal coordinator.
A beautiful image of Our Lady of the Philippines was prominently displayed near the altar, which was adorned with elegant white-and-red floral arrangements. Red, white, and blue ribbons echoed the colors of the Philippine flag, creating a festive and patriotic atmosphere.
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The Mass was concelebrated by Father. Emerson Francisco, parochial vicar of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Clifton, N.J.; Father Cerilo Javinez, temporary administrator of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rockaway, N.J., and parochial vicar of Sacred Heart and Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Dover, N.J.; and Father Luis Hernandez, pastor of St. Christopher’s. Assisting with the liturgy were Deacon Maximo of Sacred Heart in Rockaway, Deacon Luis Carlos Mendez of St. Christopher’s, Deacon Jose Rivera, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the Haskell neighborhood of Wanaque, N.J.
In his homily, Deacon Maximo invited Filipinos, who are commemorating the sacrifices of national heroes who fought for the nation’s freedom, to remember the greater sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave his life to free humanity from sin. He reminded everyone that the greatest freedom is not merely freedom from oppression, but the freedom to love God and serve others — a freedom that rests within our hands and hearts.
Following the Mass, the celebration continued in the parish’s All-Purpose Room with a joyful cultural program showcasing Filipino talent and heritage. Guests enjoyed musical performances, including Ako’y Isang Pinoy, Harana by Parokya ni Edgar, performed by Eugene Ungab, as well as Bayan Ko and Rosas Pandan by the Alay Awit Choir.
The festivities also featured a lively Kuratsa dance performed by Dr. Edgar Gary and Melissa Bautista, line dancing, and a feast of authentic Filipino cuisine highlighted by a delicious roasted lechon.
Afterward, Deacon Maximo thanked the organizers, volunteers, performers, clergy, and participants for their contributions to the event.
“The celebration was a beautiful expression of Filipino faith, culture, and patriotism, bringing together generations of Filipino Catholics in thanksgiving to God for the gift of freedom, community, and the enduring spirit of the Filipino people,” Deacon Maximo told BeaconNJ.org.
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St. Christopher Parish in Parsippany, N.J., hosted a vibrant Mass and celebration of Philippine Independence Day (Araw ng Kalayaan) on June 20. The colorful event fostered unity, fellowship, and camaraderie among Filipino Catholics from Parsippany, neighboring communities in Morris County, and throughout the Paterson Diocese, N.J.
Organizing this year’s celebration were the Diocesan Commission for Catholic Filipino Ministries (DCCFM), under the leadership of its president, Deacon Elmer Maximo, and the Biyaya Group of St. Christopher’s. Jeanette East was the event’s principal coordinator.
A beautiful image of Our Lady of the Philippines was prominently displayed near the altar, which was adorned with elegant white-and-red floral arrangements. Red, white, and blue ribbons echoed the colors of the Philippine flag, creating a festive and patriotic atmosphere.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
The Mass was concelebrated by Father. Emerson Francisco, parochial vicar of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Clifton, N.J.; Father Cerilo Javinez, temporary administrator of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rockaway, N.J., and parochial vicar of Sacred Heart and Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Dover, N.J.; and Father Luis Hernandez, pastor of St. Christopher’s. Assisting with the liturgy were Deacon Maximo of Sacred Heart in Rockaway, Deacon Luis Carlos Mendez of St. Christopher’s, Deacon Jose Rivera, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the Haskell neighborhood of Wanaque, N.J.
In his homily, Deacon Maximo invited Filipinos, who are commemorating the sacrifices of national heroes who fought for the nation’s freedom, to remember the greater sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave his life to free humanity from sin. He reminded everyone that the greatest freedom is not merely freedom from oppression, but the freedom to love God and serve others — a freedom that rests within our hands and hearts.
Following the Mass, the celebration continued in the parish’s All-Purpose Room with a joyful cultural program showcasing Filipino talent and heritage. Guests enjoyed musical performances, including Ako’y Isang Pinoy, Harana by Parokya ni Edgar, performed by Eugene Ungab, as well as Bayan Ko and Rosas Pandan by the Alay Awit Choir.
The festivities also featured a lively Kuratsa dance performed by Dr. Edgar Gary and Melissa Bautista, line dancing, and a feast of authentic Filipino cuisine highlighted by a delicious roasted lechon.
Afterward, Deacon Maximo thanked the organizers, volunteers, performers, clergy, and participants for their contributions to the event.
“The celebration was a beautiful expression of Filipino faith, culture, and patriotism, bringing together generations of Filipino Catholics in thanksgiving to God for the gift of freedom, community, and the enduring spirit of the Filipino people,” Deacon Maximo told BeaconNJ.org.
Parsippany parish hosts Philippine Independence Day celebration #Catholic –
St. Christopher Parish in Parsippany, N.J., hosted a vibrant Mass and celebration of Philippine Independence Day (Araw ng Kalayaan) on June 20. The colorful event fostered unity, fellowship, and camaraderie among Filipino Catholics from Parsippany, neighboring communities in Morris County, and throughout the Paterson Diocese, N.J.
Organizing this year’s celebration were the Diocesan Commission for Catholic Filipino Ministries (DCCFM), under the leadership of its president, Deacon Elmer Maximo, and the Biyaya Group of St. Christopher’s. Jeanette East was the event’s principal coordinator.
A beautiful image of Our Lady of the Philippines was prominently displayed near the altar, which was adorned with elegant white-and-red floral arrangements. Red, white, and blue ribbons echoed the colors of the Philippine flag, creating a festive and patriotic atmosphere.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
The Mass was concelebrated by Father. Emerson Francisco, parochial vicar of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Clifton, N.J.; Father Cerilo Javinez, temporary administrator of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rockaway, N.J., and parochial vicar of Sacred Heart and Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Dover, N.J.; and Father Luis Hernandez, pastor of St. Christopher’s. Assisting with the liturgy were Deacon Maximo of Sacred Heart in Rockaway, Deacon Luis Carlos Mendez of St. Christopher’s, Deacon Jose Rivera, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the Haskell neighborhood of Wanaque, N.J.
In his homily, Deacon Maximo invited Filipinos, who are commemorating the sacrifices of national heroes who fought for the nation’s freedom, to remember the greater sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave his life to free humanity from sin. He reminded everyone that the greatest freedom is not merely freedom from oppression, but the freedom to love God and serve others — a freedom that rests within our hands and hearts.
Following the Mass, the celebration continued in the parish’s All-Purpose Room with a joyful cultural program showcasing Filipino talent and heritage. Guests enjoyed musical performances, including Ako’y Isang Pinoy, Harana by Parokya ni Edgar, performed by Eugene Ungab, as well as Bayan Ko and Rosas Pandan by the Alay Awit Choir.
The festivities also featured a lively Kuratsa dance performed by Dr. Edgar Gary and Melissa Bautista, line dancing, and a feast of authentic Filipino cuisine highlighted by a delicious roasted lechon.
Afterward, Deacon Maximo thanked the organizers, volunteers, performers, clergy, and participants for their contributions to the event.
“The celebration was a beautiful expression of Filipino faith, culture, and patriotism, bringing together generations of Filipino Catholics in thanksgiving to God for the gift of freedom, community, and the enduring spirit of the Filipino people,” Deacon Maximo told BeaconNJ.org.