Since May 2024, St. Mel’s parish has been celebrating a First Friday Novena Mass in honor of the Sto Niño, as a 9-month preparation prior to the celebration of the Grand Feast of the Holy Child on the 3rd Sunday of January 2025. As part of this celebration, the parishioners have been praying for their own statue of the Infant Jesus of Cebu.

On the 24th of August, their prayers were answered when Mrs. Theresa Breen, from Cranbourne, generously donated the image of the Holy Child of Jesus to the Parish. The statue came all the way from Cebu, made by a skilled artisan who creates replicas for the Shrine in Cebu.

The parish is incredibly grateful to Theresa Breen and her friends for their kindness and generosity in donating this precious gift. The statue of the Holy Child of Jesus will be a cherished addition to the parish, symbolizing faith, love, and community.

The parishioners of St. Mel’s are looking forward to venerating the statue and are deeply thankful for this wonderful and meaningful donation.