Our Lady honoured at Bridgewater-Brighton’s Marian Festival

By Josh Low

Honour was given to the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Bridgewater-Brighton Parish community celebrated their annual Marian Festival at St Paul’s Church in Bridgewater on Sunday 13 October.

In its ninth year, the Marian Festival began with the Rosary and testimonies of faith by parishioners, before catechesis, Mass, and finally an outdoor procession with an image of Our Lady of All Nations followed by a community lunch.

Belonging to a Marian congregation, Parish Priest Fr Leo Zenarosa MLCC said the event was intended to help promote and encourage devotion to Our Lady.

“Because October is the month of the Rosary, we’ve tried as much as we can to introduce the Blessed Virgin Mary here – we believe that she’s the queen of evangelisation.

“We always acknowledge her presence here in Bridgewater. We know that if we invoke her prayers, we will become closer and closer to Jesus.

“The procession gives me joy – it is very symbolic, people walking together with the Blessed Virgin Mary at our side toward God. That’s the beauty of it.

“I may not know everyone here, and they may not know me, but through this procession we are united through this 15-minute mini-pilgrimage.”

Parishioner Hecel Oliveros said the Blessed Mother has played an important role in her faith, and found the day to be very special.

“We’ve been looking forward to celebrating this to give honour to the Blessed Virgin Mary,” she said.

“Even if it only happens once a year, it’s important because it brings people together, and invites and inspires people who may not come to church regularly.

“The testimonies we heard about the personal encounters of those whose lives have been touched by Mother Mary in their journey of faith also help to strengthen our own faith.”