From Religious Education Curriculum

.... Farewell Fr Palé

It’s very fitting that one of Fr Pale’s final celebrations with our College community, before he returns to Samoa to care for his father, was the Sacrament of First Eucharist for fourteen students. In his homily last Sunday, he quoted St. Therese of Lisieux, who described her First Communion day as being a day of great joy, where she knew she was loved; she became one with Christ, “like a drop of water lost in the mighty ocean”.  

Fr Palé has shared this love and joy during his five years as our Parish Priest; his beaming smile and sense of humour, along with his beautiful singing voice will always be remembered.  His support during the recent challenges of natural disasters and the pandemic has been greatly appreciated. Although his time at Lumen Christi has come to an end, he will always remain part of our story.

The Gospel during Sunday’s First Eucharist celebration was Jesus’ parable about the pharisee who prays boastfully as opposed to the humble tax collector who simply and quietly prays, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”  Fr Pale’s gentle and humble nature has endeared him to staff and students alike, whether it be encouraging students during their preparation for Sacraments or welcoming families into the wider parish community.  

The students who received their First Eucharist prepared carefully, participated in a special retreat, and actively contributed to Parish Masses each weekend.  They are to be congratulated on the reverent and beautiful way in which they received this second Sacrament of Christian Initiation.

This Sunday there will be a special Parish Mass on Sunday in Merimbula at 10:00am followed by lunch and entertainment from the Melbourne Samoan community and our local Filipino community.  Fr Palé is cooking a traditional Samoan umu (an above-ground oven of hot stones).  

Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate with our parish as we farewell Fr Palé.