Filipino Americans attend Mass on PH Independence Day in the Carolinas



ROCKINGHAM, North Carolina—Due to the diaspora of Filipinos all over the world,  the celebration of the June 12 Philippine Independence Day is now a global event.

This year, the 126th year of Philippine Independence is celebrated by millions of Filipinos who foist the Philippine flags in the Middle East, Australia, Asia, Canada, Europe and the US. 

The beauty of the Filipino flag and its special meaning to every Filipino reverberates in each of their hearts even after leaving the homeland and migrating to other countries where they eventually made their new homes.

Filipinos by the way especially those who are new to their host countries and wants to find fellow Filipinos won’t be disappointed if they go to Catholic churches. 

Here in Richmond County, Americans with Filipino heritage and those who are still Filipinos working on their special visas celebrated Philippine Independence Day by hearing Mass at St. James Catholic Church. 

Many attended the Mass including those who haven’t gone to Church for a long time. Women wearing Filipiniana dress or kimonos led the offerings while the American husbands heard Mass and their children held Filipino flaglets.

Some of the kids who attended Mass were Gwyneth  Jones, the children of Robert and Levy (Brooks, Max, Colt and Chloe) and the children of Lorraine and Matthew Zullo (Phoenix and Joshua).  

John and Adelaida Carr were also seen with their chilren Liana and Alex.  The offering was made by Cora Munsee, spouses Ron and Marianne Jones, Marilou Haynes and Robert Steele.  

Aileen Calo of Pruitt Hospital likewise attended as well as the teachers Annalyn Llenarisas, Bebina Butad, Jiffy Cabarse, Maria Glicelda Cafe and Glaze Milana and their respective families from Wadesboro, North Carolina.

Of course the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas, Inc. (FACC) based in Charlotte was represented by FACC Treasurer Doreen Reynolds and FACC Past President Yulie Armstrong. 

There were still others Pinoys in Church who left early and were unable to join the group photo. Cora Munsee who wore a Filipiniana dress said the Mass was nice and ‘na mora pod ta celebrity kadiyot (we became temporary celebrities).’  Marilou Haynes agreed that it was a beautiful service. 

Victor N. Lesbia for his part said ‘it was a beautiful Mass’ and that he was so happy to see the Filipino Catholic community ‘come together for the special celebration.’ Terri Wyman said she loved the multiculturalism at St. James Catholic Church.

Rev. Father Fidel Melo, parish priest of St. James and the Sacred Heart Mission Church officiated the special Mass and made special mention of the Filipinos in the Philippines and those around the Charlotte area.  He said he is looking forward to the celebration of Philippine Independence Day next year.(with photos by Connie Lindstrand)




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