WelCom April 2022
It was discerned that celebrating Eucharist outside on Ash Wednesday was a good option for the people of Pukekaraka at Ōtaki. It gave ample space for people to sit apart and the surrounding weather was mild.
‘In the picture you can just see a statue of St Joseph who came to Mass to ensure he and people attending did not get wet!’ said Pā Piripi Cody sm.
Oriwia Raureti of Ngāti Kapu began the ceremony with a welcoming Mihi. In that she acknowledged God and those who have died. She welcomed all present to ‘your marae’, the Marae of Mary, Hine Nui o te Ao Katoa.
Ngāti Kapu are the kaitiaki of the area. They work in partnership with the Church based on a Covenant (Kawenata) with the Archdiocese.
Pā Alan Roberts, Chaplain, led the Eucharist and preached. ‘Lent is the time to focus on Jesus Christ and meditate our way through his life and teachings, his death and resurrection…. Lent is a time to make ourselves ready.’
The ceremony began with the penitential blessing of ashes. These were taken to the people and each placed them on their own foreheads. They prayed, ‘May we all begin Lent well, conscious of your forgiveness and healing for us and our world’.
The Eucharistic prayer was prayed in te reo Māori. Communion was taken to people in their seats. Concelebrants were Pā Pita Healy sm and Pā Piripi Cody sm, who work in Māori Pastoral Care in the area.
Prayers of the Faithful included a prayer, ‘Pray and listen to God’s voice, to fast from discontent, judgement and all that is negative and to be generous with our time…’.
Pā Alan played several contemplative hymns.
The occasion was a good chance to distribute WelCom for March and the Caritas Lenten envelopes.
A peaceful and prayerful beginning to Lent all under the watchful eye of Mary of Lourdes in her Pukekaraka shrine.