Feast-day parade a colourful affair

Zachary Field had the job of being torch-bearer. Photo/Lewis Gardner

St Anthony's Church in Wanganui was the only Catholic church in New Zealand to hold a special parade for the Feast of Christ the King on Sunday.

The parade left the Alma Rd church after a solemn High Mass, with papal flags fluttering, colourful robes and an embroidered canopy covering the sacrament - all making for a colourful display.

Children who had received their first Holy Communion scattered rose petals from baskets as the parade made its way along Alma Rd to Gonville domain.

The feast day is celebrated on the last Sunday of October each year and parishioners Paulette Oakman and Liz Burberry have been attending since they were children.

"I think the first parade was held here in 1977, if I remember correctly," said Mrs Burberry.

"We bring our own children along now and we look forward to it each year," Mrs Oakman said.

Teacher Linda Foster has been helping children prepare for their first Communion and 16 of them experienced their first reception of the sacrament on Sunday.

"It would be nice if the sun was shining but at least the rain is holding off and we won't be getting wet," said Mrs Foster.