‘Keeping the church alive’: How Filipino migrants are revitalising Australian parishes

This Holy Week, look back on a meaningful interview with Jesuit priest Father Nono Alfonso about the growth of the Filipino faith while living in a foreign country.

The Simbang Gabi Mass held at St Peter Chanel Church in Yarralumla, Canberra. Credit: Daniel Deleña

Key Points

• Based on the 2021 Australian Census, there are now over 216,000 Philippine-born Catholics residing here in Australia.
• The Philippines is the "top-ranked birthplace" for overseas-born Catholics in Australia. From 1991 to 2021, this number has more than tripled.
• Jesuit priest Father Nono Alfonso stated that, according to the priests he has spoken with, migrants are the ones keeping the church in Australia alive.

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