In the month long series of celebrations for the 116th 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 08 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 who was on official trip to the Philippines and the Philippine Embassy team thanked Fr. Lyons, Mr. Peter and Margot Gresham, Ms. Josie Godinez, Ms. Christine Paterson and the Sacred Heart Parish Council for organizing the Philippine Independence Day Mass as it recognizes nations celebrating their national days. People-to-people ties between Filipinos and New Zealanders are reinforced by the strong spiritual connection and shared Christian values of Filipinos and New Zealanders. Filipinos continue to animate churches, share the values of faith and family similar to those held dear by New Zealanders, enliven cultural festivities, enrich rural communities throughout the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

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.