By: St. Mary the Virgin South Hill Church
A big Philippine flag framed the entrance to the St. Mary the Virgin South Hill church on Sunday, June 14 which marked the church’s commemoration of the 168th anniversary of the Philippine independence.
From coast to coast, Filipino communities, organizations, social clubs, churches, and schools mark the whole month of June as Filipino Heritage Month in Canada with events like Filipino flag-raising ceremonies, festivals, parades, masses, potlucks, forums and webinars, concerts, and many more. St. Mary’s celebrated this anniversary as part of its annual tradition.
On June 21, St. Mary’s celebrated Fathers’ Day, honouring all kinds of fathers for their role and continuing contribution as fathers, role models, parents in families, churches, organizations, etc. Special mention was made for Tatay Cesar, the elderly father of Mary Jane Veloso, who continues to campaign to free his daughter Mary Jane. Fathers’ Day also featured a plant auction and raffle with gorgeous plants going to new homes and gardens.
St. Mary’s the Virgin Church has been a long supporter of the campaign to free Mary Jane Veloso, Filipina migrant worker who continues to be behind bars at the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong. With her years of imprisonment in Indonesia, Mary Jane has been behind bars for 16 years, and counting. Rev. Expedito Farinas and the congregation showed their solidarity for Mary Jane after she testified against her illegal recruiters. The congregation of the “little church with a big heart” held their signs and chanted “Clemency for Mary Jane!” “Free Mary Jane!” St. Mary’s continues their prayers, solidarity and support for Mary Jane Veloso.
All photos credited to St Mary the Virgin Church
ReyFort Media 
Leave a comment