Alf Lo Faro says it has been his dream for the last 25 years to build a replica statue of the Virgin Mary and parade it on a float to church to mark the importance of Our Lady in his family’s life and the wider Catholic community, and it will take place on the Patronal Feast Day in the Catholic calendar.

Mr Lo Faro said through the years and the ups and downs of family life, in particular his daughter Trish’s battle with a heart condition and subsequent heart transplant, it has been the Virgin Mary to whom he has directed his prayers.

Mr Lo Faro and committee members Gail Hayden, Aaron Henry, Lance Moore, Shirley Moore and Alf’s daughter Trish Kramer are organising the procession.

“I remember when I was very young in Italy there was a festival of this type to honour Our Lady in every town. I have always remembered it,” he said.

Mr Lo Faro has built a large fibreglass statue of the Virgin Mary which will travel on a float from his home to St Mary’s Church, where it will be carried inside by parishioners.

Following the mass, the statue will be carried to the nearby St Mary’s School Hall so the celebrations can continue.

“I really hope that this will be the start of something we can continue forever,” Mr LoFaro said.  The mass will start at 9.30am on September 20.