WelCom May 2017:
Bishop Charles blesses the Holy Oils at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. Photo: Supplied
The Palmerston North Diocese celebrated the Mass of the Oils on Tuesday 11 April at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. Cullinane College students proclaimed the readings, brought forward the oils and led the offertory procession. Pā Steve Hancy proclaimed the Gospel in Te Reo. During his homily, Bishop Charles said it was wonderful to have present representatives from each corner of the Diocese from Wairoa to Foxton. He also reminded everyone that, ‘We risk substituting God with good things: keeping a distinction between the essential and the secondary is New Zealand’s biggest pastoral challenge.
The Oils of Chrism, Catechumens, and the Oil of the Sick. Photo: WelCom
Parishioners, clergy and visitors filled the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Wellington for the Chrism Mass on Tuesday evening 11 April. Together they renewed their witness to Christ and witnessed the blessing and consecration of the Holy Oils of Chrism, of Catechumens and of the Sick, reverently prepared to be given to each parish. Cardinal John Dew said, ‘We are an extraordinary assembly of people who journey together, supporting each other. Whether we were baptised and anointed in India, Ireland, New Zealand or England, Samoa or the Philippines, Sri Lanka or Canada, Peru or Fiji; wherever; whether we live in Westport or Masterton, Ōtaki, Kaikōura, Wellington or Upper Hutt – we together are sent out from every Mass to take Christ with us…to make a difference in our world. We are able to go in joy and in hope because we are called and anointed in Baptism, in Confirmation, and, for us, in Holy Orders…it is a privilege.’
Cardinal John Dew and priests from the South Island parishes of the Archdiocese celebrated the Chrism Mass, on Monday 10 April, at St Peter Chanel Church, Motueka. Mass was hosted by Motueka and Richmond, parish communities.