17 December 2020 · 2020-12 newsletter
A lovely service was held at our Shrine at Mt Richon, Western Australia on Sunday 6th December 2020, to honour Our Lady for her Feast Day on 8th December. This was organised by Sr Lisette, Maria Filamor from the Maida Vale Parish and the Legion of Mary from Armadale.
In view of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, we wanted to honour Our Lady in a special way. As there is only one Mother of God who wants all of us to love her Son Jesus just as much as she does, and who wants to give us a home in her Shrine and to shelter us all, we invited people of many nations to come and honour Our Lady in their own cultural way.
Twelve different images of Our Lady from different countries were brought to the Shrine. A person representing each group would come up and explain about their statue or image of Our Lady and what it means to them. They then led us in part of the Rosary in their native language.
The groups were:-
- The Pieta, from Rome, Italy
- Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni, India
- Schoenstatt Pilgrim Mother, led by the Young Mothers Group from our Shrine
- Legion of Mary, Armadale
- Madonna Assunta Castellace, Italy
- Our Lady of Akita, Japan
- Our Lady of Penafrancia, Philippines
- Our Lady of Africa – Kenya
- Our Lady of the Rule, Mactan, Cebu
- Our Lady of Good Counsel, Zambia
- Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, France
- Our Lady of Fatima, Couples for Christ, Philippines
The Pieta from St. Peter’s Basilica was presented by a Schoenstatt couple who in a very beautiful way brought our father’s love for the Church into their presentation, encouraging everyone to imitate his ‘Dilexit Ecclesiam’.
Deacon Patrick Moore from the Armadale Parish volunteered enthusiastically to recite part of the Rosary in French as he could say the ‘Hail Mary’. His remark at the end of the celebration was: “Sister. see you again next year….” Around 150 people attended.
After the Rosary, we had Benediction, led by Deacon Patrick. A group of young musicians led us in singing hymns. Afterwards we had fellowship and sharing of many national dishes and more singing in the carpark in front of Emilie House.
The atmosphere felt was due to all being children of one Mother. Due to the new COVID restrictions, everyone had to register for the event on arrival, and it was all held outside.
It was a lovely event and brought many new people to the Shrine. One ‘First timer’ came the next day with 7 others to share her experience with them. The Shrine becoming a home had become a reality for her.
Philomena Theseira WA
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