Kia Ora Lay Marists, Marian Mothers & friends,
Believe it or not September is upon us and has brought some warmer, sunnier days which I’m sure we’re all grateful for. We pray for all those affected by floods in NZ, most particularly the people of the Nelson area.
A big ‘thank you’ to the members of groups from Tawa, Lower Hutt and Johnsonville who had a very successful and joy-filled meeting together, and shared this photo with us.
Prayer & Blessings from Fr Chris, and Margaret
For an easy-to-read PDF version of the Marist Laity news, click HERE
For an easy-to-read PDF version of the Marian Mothers news, click HERE
On August 14th in Wellington the feast of Our Lady’s Assumption was celebrated at St Mary of the Angels.
The bishops of Aotearoa/New Zealand were present to declare St Mary’s as the
National Shrine of Our Lady. In fact the whole weekend was one of celebration
including the centenary of the Church itself. Celebrations included the new
triptych icon (seen right, and written by Michael Pervan) of St Peter Chanel, St
Marcellin Champagnat and Venerable Jean Claude Colin on display in the Church
for the first time to the public, which includes the Marist Seminary first class relic
of St Peter Chanel’s rib. This icon is now housed at the Marist Seminary in
Auckland.
However the beautiful icon of Our Lady entitled Ko Hāta
Maria, te Matua Wahine o te Atua (Santa Maria, the Virgin
Mother of God) seen left, is to be permanently housed in St
Mary of the Angels Church. This icon has been travelling the
country for a year.
If you travel to Wellington, include St Mary’s (Boulcott St,
Wgtn Central) as a place of pilgrimage given the status of the church as the National Shrine of Our
Lady. Please note: The name for this icon was incorrect in the printed copy of the newsletter. Our apologies.
September Marist Dates
8th Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Anniversary of Third Order of Mary 1850
12th Most Holy Name of Mary, Marist Patronal Day
15th Our Lady of Sorrows
29th Feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael
On our Marist Patronal feast, we wish you all the blessings of bearing Mary’s name.
R.I.P. Please pray for Fr Brian Cummings SM 27/10/1953 – 19/08.2022
and also for Br. Daniel Connell SM 08/09/1945 – 26/08/2022
St Joseph’s Home of Compassion Rest Home & Hospital at Silverstream is to close by the end of this year due to an inability to fill vacancies for nursing staff. We pray for the Sisters of Compassion, governors, management, staff and residents of the home, who are adapting to news of the pending closure.
Mary, Mother of Good Hope.
A reminder to dedicate pregnant mothers and babies to Mary Mother of Good Hope.(maristlaitynz.org)
The Marist Family, dedicate mother, family and baby to the care of Mary. They receive ongoing prayer for a safe delivery, a life of grace and the gift of belonging in the family of God. Also a prayer to join with.
All are welcome – please share the invite widely.
Living the Word Sunday Mass reading reflections are at www.livingtheword.org.nz
and are a help when we cannot attend Mass in person.
Pope’s September Prayer Intention
Abolition of the Death Penalty
We pray that the death penalty, which
attacks the dignity of the human person,
may be legally abolished in every country.