THE Three Saints Feast Brisbane group went to “plan B” and “took lemons and made limoncello” as COVID-19 restrictions put a cap on attendance for the annual Mass and festival.
Springfield parish priest Fr Mauro Conte celebrated the Three Saints Mass with Lutwyche parish priest Fr Peter Gablonsnki, who also led the rosary procession after the Mass, through the streets near Holy Cross Church, Lutwyche.
Despite the gathering limits and inability to host traditional stalls, the Mass and procession was enjoyed by a crowd of families, couples and individuals, including 21-year-old Sam Uchytil.
The Uchytil family has attended the festival for as long as Sam has been featured in The Catholic Leader – a decade – witnessing firsthand the emotion and dedication involved.
“It’s very emotive to witness and experience the devotion of the gathered community,” Sam said.
“It’s an honour to participate more fully in the feast by joining in the procession and by doing so, sharing the culture and tradition with the neighbourhood and local community.”
Committee representative Carmelina Vitale said the committee was buoyed by the support of those present at the Mass and dinner dance the night before, plus those prayerfully supporting from afar.
“The committee was overwhelmed with the gratitude and amazing feedback they received from both events this May,” she said.
“It was really beautiful to hear the comments of the devotees.”
Sam said he was grateful to attend to express gratitude for the support of his Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy diagnosis.
“(The Three Saints) is a special tradition that our family looks forward to each year and (it’s) rather co-incidental that it occurs so close to Sam’s birthday,” Sam’s mum, Kelly, said.
“It has now become part of his annual birthday celebrations too.”
Graduating from Padua College, Kedron, Sam worked two days a week at the Brisbane Airport Corporate although pandemic restrictions prevented him from continuing.
“Sam remains heavily involved in wheelchair soccer,” Mrs Uchytil said.
“He’s vice president of the committee, plays every fortnight through the season and attends national competitions once or twice a year.”
In terms of Sam’s physical challenges, the family continues to be supported, optimistic about the future.
“We are fortunate to have the help each day of a team of disability support workers who are all similar in age to Sam,” Mrs Uchytil said.
“They have been pivotal in helping him to maintain his independence and this has lead to him setting a goal of moving out of home in next couple of years … (and) we remain grateful to our Three Saints Brisbane family too.”
98-year-old Three Saints Brisbane committee president Giuseppe Vitale was front and centre as the statues of the saints were presented during the Mass and his presence spoke volumes as family patriarch and overseer of the festival.
“(My father-in-law) is always emotional when he sees the saints descend and he can see his family carrying on the tradition he began in Brisbane and also in Silkwood,” Mrs Vitale said.
She thanked the Brisbane City Council’s Festival’s Grant and the Lord Mayor’s Community Fund “for their generosity in supporting the festival” and in particular Cr Fiona Hammond who was present.
Also in attendance was Italian Consul Salvatore Napolitano, President of COMITES QLD/NT Mariangela Stagnitti, President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Cav Fillipo D’Arro and Mayor of Southern Downs Regional Council Vic Pennisi.
The “Coro S.Alfio” (St Alfio Choir), led by Carmela Bozzi, lifted the worship and Brisbane’s Michael Mangan presented the post-Communion song with 14 children ranging in ages from three to 13 years.
Next year’s event is being planned for the first Sunday in May, all hopeful for a return to normality.
God’s work, through the intercession of the saints Alfio, Filadelfo and Cirino, martyred for the faith in Sicily, Italy, in 253AD, is ever-present.
“We hear very often of them … the miracles are alive and well,” Mrs Vitale said.
Watch the Three Saints Festival Brisbane’s Facebook page for the latest updates on next year’s celebrations.
