Celebration of Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul

On Sunday, 5th July, the parish community of Saint Paul’s, Monbulk, celebrated the Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the latter being the patron saint of Saint Paul’s Church and Saint Paul’s School, Monbulk. Some visitors, including those from other mass centres in the Belgrave parish, joined the Monbulk parish community for this celebration.

In his homily, the celebrant, Fr. Thomas Kuruvila, spoke of the conversion of Saint Paul (formerly Saul) on the road to Damascus. Prior to his conversion, Saul’s heart was full of a zealous desire to eradicate the world of Christ’s followers. However, God rerouted Saul’s journey with an urge to follow Him. Saint Paul who seemed most unlikely to be a witness to Christ became Christ’s faithful apostle and one of the most zealous evangelists in the world. He travelled far and wide for the next 27 years following his conversion, proclaiming Jesus as the Christ. At least thirteen of the twenty-seven New Testament books are attributed to Saint Paul, providing much of what we know about Jesus Christ. His letters are not only historical but they are rich in theology, providing a strong foundation for Christian belief. Throughout his life, Saint Paul showed remarkable perseverance in the face of many adversities and endured physical suffering and danger. He suffered martyrdom in Rome and was beheaded with a sword at around the age of sixty. Father Thomas reminded us of our own calling to be a disciple/evangelist for Christ even though it might at first seem unlikely because we do not feel worthy of our calling to be an evangelist. Following the mass, parishioners and visitors enjoyed refreshments, including a sponge celebration cake which was cut by Father Thomas. A big thank you needs to be given to all those involved in the preparation as well as participation in this celebration. In particular, special thanks to Mrs. Sue Luxford, the mass manager at Saint Paul’s, for her dedication, organisation behind the scenes, playing the keyboard and directing the talented choir. 

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Reflection by Mary Hicks

Photos by Peter Hicks