For over 70 years, the Missionary Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima on Summer Street has been a place of quiet reflection. But since last September, a new energy has arrived. Every Sunday at 1:00 PM, the chapel fills with the sounds of bilingual prayers and traditional hymns—a “gathering of faith and culture,” as Father Joeven Matugas describes it.
How a Shared Vision Became Reality
The ministry grew from a beautiful series of connections and a long-held desire to keep a community together. The roots of this apostolate stretch back several years, beginning at St. Anne in Southborough before moving to St. Tarcisius in Framingham in November 2019. However, after only a few months, the pandemic brought everything to a halt; the last Filipino Mass was held in February 2020. While the community tried to maintain their bond through online services during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the distance proved difficult.
The spark returned last April when Father Joeven arrived at the Shrine. Parishioners Melissa and Rommel Tarin were among the first to see the potential for a weekly Filipino Mass, helping to establish the regular 1:00 PM Sunday service. The vision expanded further when Fr. Joeven met Arlene Kutzko, who, along with her husband Joe, shared their history of organizing the previous apostolate. Arlene offered to revive that mission at the Shrine, finding it to be the perfect location to gather the community once again.
Together, these families have turned the Shrine into a regional hub for Filipinos from all over Massachusetts and across New England.
A Legacy of Celebration
- The vitality of the Catholic Filipino Family Ministry at Fatima (CFFM) is best seen through its high-energy community events, which have become hallmarks of the Shrine’s calendar:
- Simbang Gabi: A cherished December novena where spiritual preparation for Christmas meets the beauty of the Shrine’s famous holiday light show.
- Sinulog: Each January, the chapel transforms for this colorful festival as families bring their Santo Niño statues for a rhythmic dance of prayer and petition.
- National Marriage Week: An annual highlight featuring a moving Renewal of Vows ceremony. These celebrations mirror a grand wedding, allowing couples to reclaim their promises in the chapel followed by a festive reception.
“It is about bringing ‘home’ to people, even if just for an hour or two,” says the team.
The Spirit of Bayanihan
While the Sunday Mass provides the spiritual center, a dedicated team ensures the community remains vibrant and sustainable. Organizers like Arlene Kutzko, Vanessa Rosalan, Melissa Tarin, Chie Ferrelli and others work behind the scenes to coordinate everything from liturgical roles to the “Third Sunday” potlucks. Their work ensures that the ministry has the resources to cover hall fees and essential supplies like plates, utensils and even printing of bilingual missalettes.
An Open Table for All
While the liturgy honors Filipino roots, the ministry’s “family” includes the entire community. In a region where many may be unfamiliar with Filipino traditions, the CFFM serves as an open door to a world-class culture defined by its warmth and hospitality.
“You don’t have to be Filipino or speak Tagalog to join us,” the organizers emphasize. “Whether you have lived in town for decades or are just passing through, we want to share our joy, our traditions, and our table with you.“
To keep these events free and accessible to the public, the ministry relies on the spirit of Bayanihan—the Filipino tradition of communal unity and helping one’s neighbor. Whether through a donation to help cover hall fees or by simply bringing your curiosity to a Sunday service, every neighbor is a welcome part of the journey.
Celebrate With Us!
The community continues to grow, with plans for upcoming seasonal festivals and fellowship events. Neighbors of all backgrounds are encouraged to visit, experience the music, and stay for the food.
When: Sundays at 1:00 PM (Bilingual Mass); Potluck Fellowship every 3rd Sunday.
Where: Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, 101 Summer Street, Holliston, MA
Get Involved: To volunteer, donate toward event costs, or learn more, contact us at fcfsma@gmail.com
