2024 - Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy Penrose Park

Novena to Our Lady of Mercy

15 August 202415 August 2024Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

This Saturday, August 17th, we start our Novena to Our Lady of Mercy, the Black Madonna to whom the main Shrine Church is dedicated.

If you wish to have your intentions included in the Novena, you can still do so using the options at the following link: https://penrosepark.com.au/novena-offerings/novena-to-our-lady-of-mercy/

The Novena to Our Lady of Mercy will conclude with a Tridum to celebrate the Solemnity. The program for these celebrations are as follows:

Saturday 24th August: 5pm – Holy Hour and Vespers in the Shrine Church

Sunday 25th August: 8am – Low Mass of Our Lady of Mercy followed by Exposition
9:30am Mass – CANCELLED
11am – Solemn High Mass of Our Lady of Mercy
Celebrant: Bishop Columba MacBeth-Green OSPPE DD
5pm – Solemn Vespers 1 for our Lady of Mercy (Traditional form)

Monday 26th August: 9am – Solemn Lauds of our Lady of Mercy followed by Exposition
11am – Solemn Mass of Our Lady of Mercy
Celebrant: Bishop Columba MacBeth-Green OSPPE DD

August Working Bee – Saturday 17th

14 August 202414 August 2024Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

During our monthly working bee on the 3rd Saturday of the month (17 of August), we are going to continue cleaning up the dead wood around the chapels at the back of the property. The goal of doing so will be:

We want our shrine to look as beautiful as possible and to be spiritually uplifting to the pilgrims who come.
Enure that should a bush fire ever come our way, we are as prepared as possible by removing the fuel load.
The general safety of those who walk around the Shrine property.

The program for the day would be:

Mass at around 8:15am in the Shrine Church
Begin work at 9am at the back of the property
BBQ lunch around 1:30pm
Finish around 5:30pm (for those that can stay the whole day).

The work will include collecting small branches and large logs, loading them in a trailer, and piling them up in an open field to be burnt.

Solid shoes and gloves would be a must. Anyone who can bring a chainsaw to help cut up logs or a trailer to help move them is encouraged to bring them.

Fatima Day – August 2024

11 August 202411 August 2024Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

The main celebrant for Fatima Day on August 13th will be Fr Richard Green OSPPE, the Prior and Rector of Our Shrine.

The program will be as usual:

10 am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
10:30 am Rosary
11 am Solemn Mass
12 noon Lunch
1:30 pm Eucharistic Procession to the Gotto while reciting the Rosary.
2 pm Prayers and Devotions at the Gotto, and blessing of pilgrims.

Pilgrims are reminded that Penrose Park can get very cold at this time of year. Please make sure to rug up and bring a jacket.

Here are some photos from Fatima Day, March 2024.

Announcements for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

10 August 20248 August 2024Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

Here are the announcements for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 11th of August:

BR MATTHEW – HEALTH CONDITION
Br Matthew went for his check up and has been cleared as the cancer has been completely removed. Praise the Lord for this great news. Thank you to all, for the prayers and support during this time for Br Matthew. Over the next few weeks Br Matthew will slowly resume his duties whilst remaining vigilant for his health.

FATIMA DAY AUGUST
Due to pressing circumstances Fr Anthony Robbie will not be able to be the main celebrant at this months Fatima Day celebrations. We look forward to welcoming him at one of the Fatima Days next year. In his place Fr Richard, Prior, will be the main celebrant.

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Thursday 15th August)
This is a Holy day of Obligation. Mass will be celebrated in the Shrine at 8am & 11am. There will also be Mass at 7:15am at St Paul’s International College and at Bowral Parish at 7pm.

WORKING BEE
The next working bee will be on Saturday 17th August. Please consider coming along and helping in keeping the Shrine beautiful for our local area and the pilgrims that visit. This Shrine is a treasure to the Order, Diocese and country, any help and forms of talent are always most welcome. For more information or specifics, please speak to Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior.

NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF MERCY
Novena slips are available for those wishing to include their intentions in the annual novena to Our Lady of Mercy. Patroness of the Pauline Order. The Novena is celebrated from 17th – 25th August.

MAJOR WORK ON THE SHRINE CHURCH
Major work on the Shrine Church will commence on Wednesday 14th August. Originally the work was to commence on Wednesday 7th August, Fr Richard was contacted last Monday morning (5th August) that due to delays in previous jobs, Penrose Park will now have work starting a week later. The copper gutters will all be repined and all galvanised down pipes, gutters and flashings (which have rotted through with age) will be replaced. The total cost of the job is $29,000.00. The work will take about 6-8 working days to complete and will be done by a local company, Reliable roofing from Moss Vale.

For anyone who would like to donate towards the renovation work please speak to Fr Richard, alternatively you can use the tap and go points or make a direct transfer to the Pauline Fathers. Details are as follows: BSB: 062 576 Account Number: 00910786 Account Name: Order of St Paul the Hermit

When the work commences, weekday Mass will be celebrated in the Old monastery. Sunday Masses will be in the Church as usual. Thank you for your understanding and also a huge thank you to those who have already made donations towards the work. Thank you for your generosity.

TRIDUUM FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LADY OF MERCY
(24th-26th August)
Saturday 24th August: 5pm – Holy Hour and Vespers in the Shrine Church

Monday 26th August: 9am – Solemn Lauds of our Lady of Mercy followed by Exposition
11am – Solemn Mass of Our Lady of Mercy
Celebrant: Bishop Columba MacBeth-Green OSPPE DD

Triduum for the Solemnity of our Lady of Mercy

10 August 202410 August 2024Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

Saturday 24th August: 5pm – Holy Hour and Vespers in the Shrine Church

Monday 26th August: 9am – Solemn Lauds of our Lady of Mercy followed by Exposition
11am – Solemn Mass of Our Lady of Mercy
Celebrant: Bishop Columba MacBeth-Green OSPPE DD

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8 August 20248 August 2024Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Thursday 15th August) is a Holy day of Obligation. Mass will be celebrated in the Shrine at 8am & 11am. There will also be Mass at 7:15am at St Paul’s International College and at Bowral Parish at 7pm.

Announcements for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

3 August 20243 August 2024Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

Here are the announcements for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 4th of August:

RENEWAL OF RELIGIOUS PROFESSION
On Tuesday 6th August at the 11am Mass, Br Augustine Apolloni will be renewing his Religious Profession in the Order. All are welcome to come along and celebrate this occasion with him and the community. Please keep Br Augustine in your prayers as he prepares for this occasion.

MAJOR WORK ON THE SHRINE CHURCH
Commencing Wednesday 7th August, major work on the Shrine Church will commence. The copper gutters will all be repined and all galvanised down pipes, gutters and flashings (which have rotted through with age) will be replaced. The total cost of the job is $29,000.00. The work will take about 6-8 working days to complete and will be done by a local company Reliable roofing from Moss Vale.

Sunday and Fatima day Masses will take place in the Church but all other weekday Masses at 11am, including Adoration will take place at the Old Monastery. During the work period the Church will be closed due to WHS measures. Sorry for the inconvenience but this is necessary work that needs to be done to maintain the Shrine Church. Thank you for your understanding and generosity.

TRIDUUM FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LADY OF MERCY
(24th-26th August)
Saturday 24th August: 5pm – Holy Hour and Vespers in the Shrine Church

Monday 26th August: 9am – Solemn Lauds of our Lady of Mercy followed by Exposition
11am – Solemn Mass of Our Lady of Mercy
Celebrant: Bishop Columba MacBeth-Green OSPPE DD

First Saturday – August 2024

1 August 20241 August 2024Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

Saturday, the 3th of August, we will be having our First Saturday Devotions in Honour of Our Lady, as she asked for during the apparitions at Fatima. The program will be as always:

10 am Devotional Talk
10:30 am Meditation before the Blessed Sacrament and Confession
11 am Mass
12-noon Rosary Procession around 5 Altars of the Church

Here is the talk given last month on the Fourth Glorious Mystery – The Assumption by Fr. Joseph Maria. This month, the topic will be the Fifth Glorious Mystery.

Announcements for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

27 July 202427 July 2024Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

Here are the announcements for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 28st of July:

BR MATTHEW – HEALTH CONDITION
Br Matthew is recovering well and is starting to get back into routine. There are a few more tests that need to be undertaken but he is staying positive along with the community. Thank you for all the prayerful support. St Raphael the Archangel, pray for him.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
This has become part of the usual Shrine schedule and therefore is now part of the front page information on the bulletin and home page information on the website.

BLESSING OF VEHICLES AND MODES OF TRANSPORTATION
In honour of the feast day of St Christopher, Patron Saint of travellers, after each of the Masses TODAY, Sunday 28th July, there will be a special blessing and sprinkling of Holy water on all vehicles and modes of transportation. St Christopher, Patron of the travellers, pray for us.

THURSDAY 1st AUGUST 2024
On this day due to the Shrine Church being booked for a wedding, the regular adoration of the Blessed Sacrament commencing at 9:30am and the 11am Mass will be celebrated at the Old Monastery.

UPCOMING CELEBRATIONS FOR THE 40th ANNIVERSARY OF THE SHRINE
2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the blessing and opening of Penrose Park. The main celebration was in May but there are a few more celebrations planned to Mark the occasion. Please consider saving the dates for the following and information regarding the celebrations will be out in a couple of weeks.
24th-26th August – Triduum for the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mercy.
Sunday 13th October – Extended Fatima day celebrations with concert.

TRIDUUM FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LADY OF MERCY
(24th-26th August)
Saturday 24th August: 5pm – Holy Hour and Vespers in the Shrine Church

Monday 26th August: 9am – Solemn Lauds of our Lady of Mercy followed by Exposition
11am – Solemn Mass of Our Lady of Mercy
Celebrant: Bishop Columba MacBeth-Green OSPPE DD

Announcements for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

20 July 202420 July 2024Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

Here are the announcements for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 21st of July:

FATIMA DAY
Fatima day, as usual was a great success. Once again a very special THANK YOU to Fr Joseph Maria for a sterling job in leading the days celebrations.

BR MATTHEW – HEALTH CONDITION
Br Matthew is resting and healing well and is on no duties, other than spiritual duties during his time of recovery. Br Matthew would like to thank everyone for their prayers thus far but please keep up the prayers for his speedy recovery. St Raphael the Archangel, pray for him.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is available for the faithful to come and adore the Lord in the Shrine Church at the side chapel of Divine Mercy from 9:30am to 11am, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and in the Old Monastery on Wednesday. It is customary to have custodians keeping vigil so as the Blessed Sacrament is not left alone from the point of security and of course, piety. For anyone wishing to participate on a regular basis or for more information please speak to either Fr Richard or Fr Joseph Maria. Thank you to those who have already volunteered.

WORKING BEE
Due to several circumstances the working bee for July was cancelled. The next working bee will be on Saturday 17th August. Please consider coming along and helping in keeping the Shrine beautiful for our local area and the pilgrims that visit. This Shrine is a treasure to the Order, Diocese and country, any help and forms of talent are always most welcome. For more information or specifics, please speak to Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior.

BLESSING OF VEHICLES AND MODES OF TRANSPORTATION
In honour of the feast day of St Christopher, Patron Saint of travellers, after each of the Masses on Sunday 28th July, there will be a special blessing and sprinkling of Holy water on all vehicles and modes of transportation. Motorcycles are welcome to park on the footpath opposite the piety stall.

We are looking forward to your participation in these celebrations!

PLEASE NOTE: INFORMATION PERTAINING THE THE UPCOMING TRIDUUM WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM NEXT WEEKEND.