A big congregation of worshippers gathered for the Osborne Park St Kieran’s Parish annual celebration of the Pentecost and the parade for the Maria Annunziata on May 19.
There was an anointing of the sick during the 10 am Mass followed by the public procession and benediction.
The parade has a special significance for families of Italian descent who originally came from Messina.
They form the backbone of St Kieran’s Maria Annunziata Association, maintaining a tradition begun in the village of Raccuia, which like most southern Italian villages, honours Our Lady as their patroness.
The Osborne Park committee continues the tradition that meant so much to them in their homeland and each year the statue of Mary is blessed at a special Italian Mass, then paraded in a street procession followed by a benediction and social gathering on the feast day.
St Kieran’s also features a Maria Annunziata shrine which has large leadlight windows in an abstract design in brilliant blue in the background.
The association began its association with the parish when the statue arrived from Italy in 1971, and in later years has extended it by supporting the local St Kieran’s school.
The association inaugurated a scholarship to a student at the school who displayed Christian values within the school community.
The successful student is awarded a perpetual trophy and receives a year’s tuition fees.

The Record 13 June 2002