Kia Ora Lay Marists, Marian Mothers & friends,
Sadly the whole country is now impacted by a delta Covid outbreak and numbers suggest the lockdown may last some time. So it’s back to online Mass and making daily efforts to reach out and care for those who may be isolated or too vulnerable to go out and about. Keep close to Mary in prayer and she will guide us in our caring and prayer for an end to this pestilence.
Be good to essential workers and stay safe. Prayer & Blessings from Fr Chris, Bev 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
How did you celebrate the country’s rededication to Mary? You will find a link to Cardinal John’s homily during the rededication Mass (at the church of St Mary of the Angels) HERE, homily video HERE and click HERE for the rededication prayer. Hopefully most connected with this graced event in our church history through prayer and events in your parish. The new icon written by Damien Walker will make it’s way around the country starting in Invercargill. Please send in your pictures of this country-wide pilgrimage in your area over the next 12 months. Part of the rededication prayer:
“O God, under the patronage of Mary,
the mother of your son, and our mother,
We join with those who gathered in the Hokianga in January 1838
with the leadership of Jean-Baptiste Pompallier, first Catholic bishop of this place
to dedicate our land of Aotearoa New Zealand to the care of Mary, Mother of God, Assumed into Heaven.” AMEN
Mary’s Birthday September 8th.
Congratulations to the Marist Sisters. On September 8th 1823 in Cerdon, three women—Jeanne-Marie Chavoin, Marie Jotillon and Marie Gardet—form the first community of what becomes the Marist Sisters.
Also to all connected with Marist Laity. In 1850 on Sept 8th, Cardinal Bonald, Archbishop of Lyon acting on authority of Pope Pius IX, approved the Third Order of Mary.
On our Marist Patronal feast, we wish you all the blessings of bearing Mary’s name;
On this Holy Name of Mary, may she obtain blessings for all Marists.
May we imitate her manner of being a disciple of Jesus and so bring glory to God. Like Mary may we always be attentive to the needs of others,
specially those who are most vulnerable.
It is a great day to pray for all deceased members of your groups and the whole Marist Family. Please send in some pictures from your September meeting.
We pray also for the people of Haiti, Afghanistan and all those suffering with wars, the impact of climate change or natural disaster and for an end to the impacts of Covid 19.
Pope’s September Prayer Intention -An Environmentally Sustainable Lifestyle
We pray that we all will make courageous choices
for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle,
rejoicing in our young people who are resolutely committed to this.
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 Labrador and St Philip Neri. We will share Ignatian themed offerings as they are available.
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’.