WelCom February 2022
Fr James B Lyons, Cathedral Restoration Committee
Two quite remarkable gifts have been offered for auction in support of Wellington’s Sacred Heart Cathedral’s restoration.
They were to be part of a fund-raising dinner this month, regrettably cancelled, due to Covid-Omicron restrictions.
A painting by famed New Zealand artist, Ralph Hotere (1931–2013), is one of his Window in Spain series (1978).
Donated by former Cathedral parishioners, the painting shares top billing with a set of Suzanne Aubert’s ‘Herbal Remedies’, gifted for the fund-raising event by the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion.
Both gifts are expected to attract considerable interest. They may now become part of the online art auction scheduled to commence 19 March.
Ralph Hotere’s work has been widely acclaimed and he is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most important late 20th century artists. His art charts his journeys through Aotearoa and the world.
Suzanne Aubert, Meri Hohepa, founder of the Daughters of Compassion, worked with Māori to develop ‘herbal remedies’ using her skill in chemistry, gained in France, and their knowledge of native plants.
The set of four ‘Remedies’, registered between 1891–1894, are in their original packaging, each signed by Mother Mary Joseph as a guarantee of authenticity.
They were marketed as a means of supporting her work for the poor and underprivileged and used for a variety of ailments, including injuries, colds and liver complaints. The French Consul to New Zealand gave high commendation and introduced the medicines to the Faculty of Medicine at Paris.
The Consul’s letter to Suzanne was 30 November 1892, in which he wrote, ‘I congratulate you most sincerely for the valuable discoveries you have made in your untiring research of the virtues and properties of New Zealand flora.’
The auction also includes many other donated offerings.
Wine connoisseurs will be interested in a range of top vintages. There are additional paintings, holiday homestays and two dinners, one prepared and hosted by Cardinal John, the other by courtesy of Bella Italia Restaurant, Petone.
Meanwhile, efforts continue to raise the final $2.6 million required.
In the race to raise enough to ensure the opening of the Cathedral this year, a letter is being sent to all parishioners encouraging donations towards specific items, such as interior painting, audio-visual equipment and the Hobday Organ.