Doreen Keogh
On 12 November more than 120 people from all around Hawke’s Bay packed St Mary’s Parish Centre in Taradale to hear noted biographer Jessie Munro share her vast knowledge of the woman who may be New Zealand’s first saint, Suzanne Aubert.
The winner of a 1997 Montana Book Award for her extensive biography The Story of Suzanne Aubert, Jessie spoke about Suzanne’s years in Hawke’s Bay when she lived and worked in Meeanee, Paki Paki and throughout the Bay, tirelessly ministering to all who needed both physical and spiritual care.
All who attended were caught up in the remarkable life and energy of Suzanne and we were very grateful to Jessie for sharing her scholarship and encyclopaedic knowledge of this notable woman in such an interesting and informative manner.
Afternoon tea was followed by short addresses by three Sisters of Compassion, Sister Catherine who gave an insight into ‘Learning How to Pray on the Go’ following the example of Suzanne Aubert, Sister Emma who spoke about her work at the Wellington Soup Kitchen and the necessity of welcoming all their guests as we would welcome Jesus, and Sister Jane who facilitated group discussions on some of the teachings from the Directory which Suzanne used for training her sisters.
A short, recent video on the life of Suzanne Aubert brought a most successful afternoon to a close and there is a possibility that the seminar may be repeated in the Wellington area sometime next year.