Kia Ora Lay Marists, Marian Mothers & friends,

 

 I visited Wanganui and Palmerston North recently. It was with a mix of joy and sadness that I shared the final ‘Highden’ group meeting in Palmerston North. Pat Curran did the books for Highden for many years and knew the confreres well. There were reminiscences of Fr Mick Tomasi SM who started the group, and many other Marist’s including Fr Justin Taylor. Chris Skinner and his group of seminarians were well known. He tinkled the ivories on many an occasion as well as helping Pat Curran move house! Clare, Audrey and Pat are the surviving members of that once thriving Third Order group. We pray with and for them as they stop meeting, to live Mary’s way in their respective homes. Their witness and sharing their Marist life is inspiring.

 

  

Marian Mothers News –

 

I also visited Adelie in Whanganui. The Gonville group has finished and we ask you to keep Raewyn and all from that group in prayer. Adelie had been meeting with Theresa who has now moved away. She is exploring possibilities for something for mothers and we shared various options in prayer and reflection together. Please pray for Whanganui.

 

  **************

Glen Eden Marian Mothers is turning 18! Come join US at the Day of Renewal on June 12th – see below.

 

SATURDAY, 12 JUNE 2021- 10:00 –3:30. 

 

Set Free – a Day of Renewal

  

At: 4 Ophir St, Newton, Auckland, Fr Chris Skinner SM and Bev are leading this reflection day.

 

Please bring your Own lunch. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.

 

RSVP by Thursday 10th June essential, to office@maristlaitynz.org

 

So many things can block our freedom. Do you need refreshment, freedom, renewal? Men, women, married and single can be encouraged from this time with Mary and Jesus. There will be a Saturday Mass included. Wear comfortable clothes.  We suggest a Koha of $20 -$30 but if that is a problem please give what you can. Some parking is available otherwise park on the street.

 Stairs are involved as some of the day will be on the first floor.

 *****************

 Whanganui Visit

I visited Jo Donovan in Whanganui (ex-Taihape). It was her 91st birthday which was a lovely surprise. Jo is a wonderful artist and shared this icon and some of her paintings with me. She has the icon in her window and encourages residents to acknowledge Mary as they pass her window. Mary’s gentle way of evangelising!

  

 

This icon is of Mary, San Sisto Madonna. It is one of the oldest surviving icons of the Blessed Virgin, one of a handful of icons which survived the destruction of the icons.

 

 

 

 

Snippets:

*The Laudato Si year ended in May 2021 but care for our common home continues. Bokashi ‘composting’ works for small homes or apartments. Take a look on our Facebook page.

 

*The year of St Joseph runs till December. How are you bringing St Joseph into your life?

 

*The year of St Ignatius: The theme of the year is “To see all things new in Christ”. In 2022 it is 400 years since the canonization of St Ignatius with St Francis Xavier, St Teresa of Jesus, St Isidore  and St Philip Neri. We will share Ignatian themed offerings as they are available.

  **************

Pope’s June Prayer Intention  – The Beauty of Marriage

Let us pray for young people who are preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community: may they grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness and patience.

  

 Pope Francis said:

 

“I invite you to pray to the Heart of Jesus during the month of June and to support your priests with closeness and affection, so that they are the image of this Heart full of merciful love.“ He added: “Draw from the Heart of Jesus the spiritual food and drink for your life so that nourished by Christ, you are new persons, transformed in depth by this divine love.”

  

 Laudato Si: You, your ideas and both personal and community actions are needed.

 Please share proposals or actions with us at the office so you can encourage others. I will add more material as it becomes available.

 

NZ’s Climate Commission Work.

 The NZ Arch Diocese of Wellington is encouraging NZ Catholic’s to get involved. Check it out here- New Zealand’s Climate Commission work ‘absolutely vital’.