Filipino priests and women religious from the Mary’s Little Children Community (MLCC) based in Talisay City, Cebu, are breathing new life into parish communities in Hobart, Tasmania, by journeying with the people in a true spirit of synodality.
A Vision Rooted in the Charismatic Movement
The Mary’s Little Children Community was founded in 1998 by the late Monsignor Frederick “Fred” Kriekenbeek, one of the pioneers of the charismatic renewal movement in the Philippines. While ministering to thousands of charismatic converts, Monsignor Fred envisioned an institute for consecrated women, a vision realized in 2002.
To date, MLCC has produced 20 priests, two of whom now serve in Hobart, Tasmania, supported by four MLCC sisters working in the island state.
The Beginning of the Tasmanian Mission
In 1999, Monsignor Fred’s nephew, then living in Sydney, arranged a meeting between his uncle and Archbishop Julian Charles Porteous of Hobart, Tasmania.
Speaking to RVA, Fr. Chris Mendoza, MLCC, who has served in the Hobart mission territory since 2000, recalled that Archbishop Porteous, who was himself associated with the charismatic movement in Australia, was eager to meet Monsignor Fred. During their conversation, the Archbishop invited MLCC to consider Tasmania as a mission territory, an invitation that Monsignor Fred gladly accepted.
A Challenging Beginning
Tasmania, an island state of Australia, was originally inhabited by Aboriginal peoples before European colonization in the 1800s, when it became a penal colony under British control. It joined the Australian Federation in 1901.
When MLCC missionaries first arrived in Hobart, their first overseas mission territory, they faced a challenging environment. The majority of the local population, of English and Australian ancestry, were initially suspicious of foreigners.
Sr. Maria Guadalupe Romarate, MLCC, who continues to serve in Hobart, shared that some missionaries experienced discrimination and even threats during the early years. “One of our priests was once confronted by a man who pointed a gun at him,” she recalled.
Despite such trials, the missionaries persevered, their faith and love slowly melting barriers and winning hearts.
Ten Years of Missionary Presence
The painful memories of the past now seem distant as the MLCC missionaries recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of their presence in Tasmania. The Thanksgiving celebration was held on October 12, 2025, at the Bridgewater–Brighton Catholic Parish Church.
The Thanksgiving Mass was presided over by Archbishop Emeritus of Hobart, Most Rev. Julian Charles Porteous, with Fr. Jerome Antogop, MLCC Superior General, as co-celebrant.
Sr. Romarate explained that their mission work includes organizing family cenacles or prayer meetings, often hosted in private homes. These gatherings include the recitation of the Holy Rosary, Scripture reading, spiritual warfare prayers, and moments of contemplation.
Each week, MLCC sisters visit different families, often elderly parishioners, for prayer and fellowship. Every Sunday, they also bring Holy Communion to those unable to attend Mass.
“We are just over 25 years old, a relatively young congregation,” said Fr. Jerome Antogop, MLCC, “but we have made a meaningful contribution to the life of the local Church in the Archdiocese of Hobart. What was once a lifeless parish has been transformed into a vibrant community of faith through our mission efforts with the Legion of Mary and the Family Cenacle.”
Integrating Filipino Traditions
Over the years, the MLCC mission has also introduced Filipino religious traditions that have enriched the faith life of Tasmanian communities. With the help of Filipino parishioners, they organize a mini Sinulog in honor of the Santo Niño de Cebu every third Sunday of January.
During the Christmas season, they hold the traditional nine-day novena Masses (Simbang Gabi) in preparation for Christmas Day. Nativity scenes also decorate the Bridgewater–Brighton Parish Church, often sparking curiosity and conversation among local parishioners.
Looking Ahead with Hope
Fr. Jerome said that Monsignor Fred Kriekenbeek had always envisioned a global mission for MLCC.
“Tasmania is our base for providing future missionaries to the rest of Australia and Oceania,” he shared. “At the moment, we have two priests in Hobart who are already citizens, and four sisters assisting in the mission. Cebu continues to nurture vocations for future missions. Where God will send us next, only He knows.”
He also expressed deep gratitude to Archbishop Jose S. Palma of Cebu, under whose episcopate 18 of the 20 MLCC priests were ordained.
In a separate interview, Archbishop Palma shared that he visited Tasmania last year and witnessed firsthand the warm reception given to the MLCC missionaries.
“I praise and thank the Lord,” Archbishop Palma said. “I pray that the presence of MLCC will bear much fruit, in conversion, in vocations, and in the many blessings that God wishes to bestow upon His people through the presence of religious communities.”
(Malou Guanzon-Apalisok is a freelancer based in the Philippines who contributes regularly to RVA)
