31 January 2022 · 2022-01 newsletter
WA SHRINE NEW YEAR’S EVE MASS
Just after 10.00 pm on New Year’s Eve people began to drive into the Shrine property at Mount Richon, and patiently wait in the grounds for the Shrine door to be opened. Half an hour later Sr M Lisette unlocked the door to welcome them inside, where the Child Jesus lay in a crib in front of the altar, surrounded by Christmas lights.
Around 11.00 pm the Blessed Sacrament was exposed and more and more people arrived in the Shrine as well as outside to join in prayerful, silent adoration.
Following this time of prayer, everyone joined in singing Christmas carols, interspersed by short reflections on Mary, the Mother of God, whose feast we would be celebrating. This was prayerfully led by the Poppin family, Kevin, Maria and their 16-year-old daughter.
Just before midnight everyone in unison counted down the seconds into the New Year, when Sr M Lisette loudly rang the Shrine bell amid loud cheers and claps from the now over 200 people present. The sound of fireworks from the city of Perth was heard as those present moved outside to view the colourful display.
Soon we were ready to solemnly celebrate midnight Mass with Fr Matteo, the assistant parish priest from St Francis Xavier parish, Hilbert, honouring the Blessed Mother at the beginning of the New Year 2022.
Following Holy Mass all could mingle together as they were served non-alcoholic punch and Christmas cake before making their way home. Despite the uncertainty of some Covid cases within the community and mandatory masks, those who attended were so happy to have come to usher in the New Year at the Shrine.
NEW YEAR AT OUR MULGOA SHRINE.
In spite of Covid cases rapidly increasing in NSW, about 70 pilgrims ventured to the Shrine at Mulgoa on New Year’s Eve to welcome in the New Year.
Holy Mass, in honour of Mary, the Mother of God, was celebrated at 11pm in the Family Hall. Our parish priest, Fr. Giovani, gratefully accepted the invitation to celebrate the Mass and in his homily shared with us the importance of beginning a New Year with Our Lady. She is the one who leads us to Christ and the heavenly Father.
Following Holy Mass all present were invited to pray silently in front of the Shrine as we waited for the clock to tick over the minutes and seconds till midnight. While we all sang the Te Deum (Holy God, we praise your name) in thanksgiving for the past year and in anticipation for God’s gifts in 2022, Sr. Luisa Maria enthusiastically rang the Shrine bell as other more ‘worldly’ sounds of car horns and fireworks drifted through to us. Then we entrusted all our intentions and wishes for the New Year to the intercession of our Blessed Mother as we prayed for all gathered at the Shrine, for all friends, relatives and benefactors who have either asked for prayers at the Shrine or for whom we had promised our prayers.
There was a beautiful family-like atmosphere around the Shrine as everyone wished each other all the best for the New Year. It was then time to take turns to enter the Shrine to pray personally, mindful of keeping the social distancing.
The following morning, on New Year’s Day, Fr. Peter, one of our Dominican priests who so faithfully serve our community at Mount Schoenstatt, celebrated Holy Mass for around 100 people – a noticeably smaller gathering than usual, due to the current restrictions because of Covid and the concern for a ‘safe’ New Year.
The Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary wish all our readers in all the States of Australia where Schoenstatt is known and lived, a very blessed, safe and happy New Year.
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