17 January 2025 · 2025-01 newsletter
As many of you have experienced there is a constant stream of people visiting the Shrine in Mulgoa. We were all aware that this would only increase during the Christmas period. So, to engage and possibly open a door for an interaction with the many visiting pilgrims, the “Christmas Star” idea was born.
On Christmas morning two beautifully decorated signposts went up next to the shrine. The poster had a short reflection about Christmas, as well as an invitation to write one’s own name or the name of someone you care about on a star and place it on the tree with the indication that the Sisters would be praying for those whose names were on the stars.
Within minutes the first colourful stars were hanging, and many families were already taking photos. After the 11am Mass the “Christmas Star” initiative was announced and the approximately 250 stars that had been prepared, unfortunately were all used straight away. Within the next few days, a couple of sisters as well as volunteers continued to cut up more colourful stars relentlessly.
By New Years Day there were over 600 stars hanging on the tree creating a magnificent view. It didn’t matter what time of day it was, there was always so many people in and around the shrine. Often there were many families standing under the tree adding another star or simply enjoying the amazing atmosphere and image that was daily growing. An older couple mentioned that they would bring their grandchildren the following day so that they too could enjoy this wonderful scene. Another couple took a photo of their star and sent it to their grown children so that they would know that they are being prayed for.
The Christmas Star initiative was a brilliant success and a great joy for many people. Next year we will definitely need to start preparations earlier and possibly even think of ways of expanding this idea further.
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