Kings Meadows Parish
Kings Meadows Parish hosted a group of 10 pilgrims from the Philippines for Days in the Diocese. Half of the group was from the island of Cebu and remainder was from Ormoc City.
To help our visitors adapt to Tasmania's cool climate we provided them with plenty of warm coats and beanies. A warm welcome was extended to our visitors with members of the Launceston Philippine community reciting the rosary and sharing an evening meal.
The parishioners enjoyed the singing led by our visitors at the morning Masses and Benediction. Fr. Leonardo Tan and Fr. Archie Carampatan, who were members of the group, celebrated some of the Masses.
A highlight for the pilgrims was a visit to the Trowunna Wildlife Park where they had their first encounter with some of Tasmania's native animals. They also enjoyed the BBQ and Fireworks at St. Patricks College where they met some of the other pilgrims visiting Northern Tasmania.
The pilgrims also enjoyed visiting the students and staff at Larmenier and St. Thomas More's Schools. Their visit to the labyrinth at the Emmanuel Centre provided a spiritually moving experience.
At an international family night the parishioners shared a meal with our visitors and were treated to some wonderful Philippine dances.
All the host families had a rewarding experience sharing their homes and lives with the visiting pilgrims. They have also made some wonderful friendships.
The parishioners were impressed by the deep faith and love of God that the pilgrims brought with them. The visiting pilgrims have helped to renew the Church in Kings Meadows.
We were sorry to say goodbye to our visiting pilgrims as they departed for WYD. However, our parish has been greatly blessed by their visit and we will be reminded of their visit by the many generous gifts that they gave to us.