As part of the month long series of celebrations for the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy Team together with the parishioners of the Sacred Heart Cathedral held a special Philippine Independence Mass on 13 June 2014. Fr. James Lyons officiated the Mass and the Philippine Embassy officers and staff and their families participated in the Readings and Offertory.

Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez and the Philippine Embassy team thanked Fr. Lyons, officers and members of the Pastoral council, the liturgy committee, friends from New Zealand, and the wider communities for organizing and attending the Philippine Independence Day Mass as it recognizes nations celebrating their national days.

The parishioners were in awe and utter delight as they were treated with a special performance of the renowned and highly acclaimed Loboc Children’s Choir, who were currently in the middle of their “Voices to the World” concert tour in New Zealand. They sang “The Prayer” and “You Raise Me Up” which moved the audience to tears and elicited admiration, inspiration, and pride especially among the members of the Filipino community present.

A lively interaction with the parishioners and Filipino community after the Mass was a wonderful opportunity to share the Filipino dishes prepared by the Embassy of the Philippines.