This month, Chris Skinner SM, presents a thoughtful reflection on Matariki, and the stars that hold significance for us as Christians and New Zealanders.  

 

For the reflection material click HERE
An easy to print Marian Mothers guide can be found HERE

To Use Online, keep scrolling – 

 

 

 

 

Begin with Prayer, then read Psalm 8:

 

O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is your name in all the earth!

   You have exalted your majesty above the heavens.

Out of the mouths of newborn babes and infants you have brought forth praise

   as a bulwark against your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger.

When I look up at your heavens that have been formed by your fingers,

   the moon and the stars that you set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

   You have made him a little less than the angels and crowned him with glory and honour.

You have given him dominion over the works of your hands and placed everything under his feet:  

   all sheep and oxen as well as the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, the fish of the sea, 

and whatever swims in the paths of the sea.  O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is your name in all the earth!

 

  • Read the Scripture again to yourself. Notice how you feel.

  • Share a word, phrase, or sense that touches you.

  • Listen to the Reflection or Read the Script.

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To Listen online, click HERE

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Marian Mothers Charter # 5

When a mother co-operates with God and His loving plan for herself and her family, she is nurtured by the Holy Spirit.   

She becomes holy; is a blessing, and a grace for her family and others.

‘The Spirit of God has made His home in you.’ Romans 8:9

 

 

 

 

These questions can be used as a guide for your sharing

  • How did you mark the first public holiday of Matariki?

  • How do you think you can grow in appreciation of what this day means?

  • Have you ever found yourself staring up into the night sky at the stars? What does it invoke in you?

  • Does the Southern Cross hold significance for you? In what ways?

  • As Catholics we remember our beloved dead on All Souls Day. In what other ways do you remember, and honour loved ones who have died in the past year?

  • If you are a gardener, what significance does the planting of crops and flowers hold for you?

  • One of Mary’s titles is ‘Star of the Sea’. What does this title mean for you or how does this title impact on your relationship with her?

     

    Possible activity-

    In the light of Matariki read aloud the Canticle of Daniel 3:57-88

    What words touch you specifically?  Perhaps you can share with each other that significance.

    What do you understand by the interconnectedness of all things?

     

 

 

 

Pray with and for each other then conclude with this prayer. 

God our Creator, guide us in our days

Strengthen us through our years

May we learn from those gone before us,

and plant for those yet to come.

May the ‘Yes’ of Mary live on in us

in the way we live and care for our world and those we share it with.

Amen.