WelCom December 2022
To mark World Day of the Poor on November 13, Dr Mary Eastham and Dr Mary Nash held a workshop at Palmerston North’s diocesan centre about The Letter – a new documentary, directed by Emmy-winner Nicholas Brown. The film premiered at the Vatican on 4 October and can be viewed online at theletterfilm.org
The letter of the title is Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, addressed to ‘all people of good will’ and urging an interconnected vision for humanity and the planet. The film is about Pope Francis’ letter of invitation to five people involved in different spheres of climate action.
The 80-minute feature focuses on how people at the grassroots level can bring about change. A diverse group of climate activists, Indigenous people, scientists and faithful meet with Pope Francis to talk about the environment.
In support of the Palmerston North workshop, the parish had held three preparatory screenings of the film. About 20 people took part in the workshop with Julie Randall providing additional support and music.
Following an opening prayer and hymn, participants said they hoped to learn more about The Letter, climate change and ways to contribute to saving mother earth.
In the documentary, the five recipients were filmed as they received the Pope’s letter. They were Arouna Kandé, a climate refugee from Senegal; Ridhiria Pandey, a voice of youth; Chief Dada Borari, from the Amazon in Brazil and ‘kaitiaki’ for the region; and two scientists, Robin Martin and Greg Asner, studying the health changes in coral in Hawaii.
Pope Francis spent time with each of them, passionately discussing the issues they brought to him, and in doing so he addresses all who watch documentary.
Mary Nash says, ‘I encourage everyone to watch The Letter on YouTube. Pope Francis’ words are inspiring. We plan a follow-up session. In the meantime, we encourage people to join groups already working in areas they are concerned about.’
For more information contact: Dr Mary Nash, egmanash@gmail.com or Dr Mary Eastham, maeastham23@gmail.com
Sources: Vatican News, Reuters
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 8 December
‘As has been the custom for many years an archdiocesan Mass will be celebrated on our diocesan feast day, 7pm, Thursday 8 December, at St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral, Karori. The archdiocese will again be entrusted to the care of Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception at this Mass. Parishes are asked to renew that Consecration on the following Sunday, 11 December, at All parish Masses.’ – Cardinal John Dew
Dates and events – what’s on
December 2022
If you would like your event listed on this page, please send an outline to welcom@wn.catholic.org.nz including name of event, date, time, location and contact.
Pope Francis registers for the next World Youth Day in Lisbon
At the conclusion of the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis registered for the next World Youth Day to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, in August 2023. Assisted and accompanied by Portuguese university students studying in Rome, the Pope tapped his way to becoming the first officially registered pilgrim for World Youth Day.