Month: January 2026

Here are the announcements for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 1st of February:

FATIMA DAY – 13th February 2026
The celebrant for February will be Fr Joseph Maria Buckley, Subprior & Vice Rector of Penrose Park.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES (Wednesday 11th February 2026)
In honour of our Lady of Lourdes, Patroness of all those with illness seeking healing, the Rite of Anointing of the Sick will be offered during the 11am Mass. The anointing is for those seeking healing either physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually.

BLESSING OF CANDLES ON THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
On the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Monday, 2nd of February 2026, there will be the traditional blessing of candles. People are welcome to bring their own candles along to be included in the blessing.

BLESSING OF THROATS
On Tuesday 3rd of February 2026, Feast of Saint Blaise, the traditional blessing of throats against sickness, will happen during the 11 am Mass.

ASH WEDNESDAY – 18th FEBRUARY
This day commences the Lenten season. Please remember this is a day of Fasting/Abstinence and prayer. Mass with the distribution of Ashes will be celebrated at 11 am (followed by the Stations of the Cross) and 6 pm. Confession will be available before and after both Masses.

ANNUAL LEAVE
Fr Richard, Prior & Rector of the Shrine, will be on annual leave from 17th January to 17th February 2026. While he is away Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior will be in charge.

WORKING BEE
Thank you to everyone who came and participated in the December working bee and those who helped throughout the year of 2025. There will be a break in January. The next working bee will be on Saturday, 21st February 2026. Please consider coming along and helping to keep the Shrine beautiful for our local area and the pilgrims who visit. This Shrine is a treasure to the Order, the Diocese, and the country; any help or talent is always most welcome. Please speak to Fr. Joseph Maria, Subprior, for more information or specifics.

READERS AT MASS
This is a periodic run looking for volunteers. We are looking for people interested in reading at the Sunday Masses and other times during the Liturgical year. It is always good to have a few people and if this is achieved a roster can be created for each of the Masses. Please speak to one of the community or please email the office and specify which particular Sunday Mass you would like to read at and the regularity you can offer.

VOTIVE CANDLE STANDS
This is a periodic reminder that the votive candle stands are a unique burning system therefore ONLY the candles provided are to be used in them and not other forms of tea lights or candles as this is a fire hazard as well as it damages the glass holders and clogs them with wax. If you wish to make an offering of tea lights or candles please give them to someone in the Monastic community or leave them unlit on one of the side Altars.

LEAVING OF RELIGIOUS ARTICLES
It is requested that people do not leave flyers, leaflets or other devotional items on the side table of the Church without permission from either Fr Joseph Maria Buckley or Fr Richard Green.
It is also requested that people not leave broken or damaged religious items they no longer want around the chapels or shrine grounds. And ABSOLUTELY NO lighting of candles during summer outside due to the Fire Hazard of doing so.

Here are the announcements for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 25th of January:

FATIMA DAY – 13th February 2026
The celebrant for February will be Fr Joseph Maria Buckley, Subprior & Vice Rector of Penrose Park.

WORKING BEE

Thank you to everyone who came and participated in the December working bee and those who helped throughout the year of 2025. There will be a break in January. The next working bee will be on Saturday, 22nd February 2026. Please consider coming along and helping to keep the Shrine beautiful for our local area and the pilgrims who visit. This Shrine is a treasure to the Order, the Diocese, and the country; any help or talent is always most welcome. Please speak to Fr. Joseph Maria, Subprior, for more information or specifics.

ANNUAL LEAVE
Fr Richard, Prior & Rector of the Shrine, will be on annual leave from 17th January to 17th February 2026. While he is away Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior will be in charge.

READERS AT MASS
This is a periodic run looking for volunteers. We are looking for people interested in reading at the Sunday Masses and other times during the Liturgical year. It is always good to have a few people and if this is achieved a roster can be created for each of the Masses. Please speak to one of the community or please email the office and specify which particular Sunday Mass you would like to read at and the regularity you can offer.

VOTIVE CANDLE STANDS
This is a periodic reminder that the votive candle stands are a unique burning system therefore ONLY the candles provided are to be used in them and not other forms of tea lights or candles as this is a fire hazard as well as it damages the glass holders and clogs them with wax. If you wish to make an offering of tea lights or candles please give them to someone in the Monastic community or leave them unlit on one of the side Altars.

A PRAYER FOR AUSTRALIA
O God, powerful and gentle,
you love this southern land and all its people, old and new.
As the Cross shines in our heavens so may Christ bring light to our nation.
As the waves encircle our shores so may your mercy enfold us all.
O God, the wonders of our vast and rugged land reflect your beauty,
ever ancient, ever new.
May your blessings flow upon us as a stream in the desert,
and may your spirit prompt us to use your gifts for the good of all.
May God who formed our southern land be for us a rock of strength.
May God who rules our southern seas keep us safe in every storm.
May God  who made our southern skies turn our darkness into light.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN

Here are the announcements for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 18th of January:

WORKING BEE
 Thank you to everyone who came and participated in the December working bee and those who helped throughout the year of 2025. There will be a break in January. The next working bee will be on Saturday, 21st February 2026. Please consider coming along and helping to keep the Shrine beautiful for our local area and the pilgrims who visit. This Shrine is a treasure to the Order, the Diocese, and the country; any help or talent is always most welcome. Please speak to Fr. Joseph Maria, Subprior, for more information or specifics.

READERS AT MASS
This is a periodic run looking for volunteers. We are looking for people interested in reading at the Sunday Masses and other times during the Liturgical year. It is always good to have a few people and if this is achieved a roster can be created for each of the Masses. Please speak to one of the community or please email the office and specify which particular Sunday Mass you would like to read at and the regularity you can offer.

VOTIVE CANDLE STANDS
This is a periodic reminder that the votive candle stands are a unique burning system therefore ONLY the candles provided are to be used in them and not other forms of tea lights or candles as this is a fire hazard as well as it damages the glass holders and clogs them with wax. If you wish to make an offering of tea lights or candles please give them to someone in the Monastic community or leave them unlit on one of the side Altars.

ANNUAL LEAVE
Welcome back to Br Luke who has returned refreshed from annual leave.

Fr Richard, Prior & Rector of the Shrine, will be on annual leave from 17th January to 17th February 2026. While he is away Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior will be in charge.

NOVENA TO ST PAUL THE FIRST HERMIT (PATRIARCH OF THE PAULINE ORDER)
This took place from Tuesday 6th January to Wednesday 14th January 2026 at the 11am Masses. Thank you to everyone who sent in their intentions that were prayed for during this time.

FATIMA DAY – 13th January 2026
Thank you to Fr Richard Green OSPPE, Prior & Rector of Penrose Park and Vicar Provincial of the Australian Pauline Province for celebrating Fatima day for January.

The celebrant for February will be Fr Joseph Maria Buckley, Subprior & Vice Rector of Penrose Park.

SOLEMNITY OF ST PAUL THE FIRST HERMIT & SOLEMNITY OF MARY, QUEEN OF HERMITS
The Solemnity of the Patriarch of the Pauline Order was celebrated on Thursday 15th January 2026 and the Solemnity of the Patroness of the Pauline Order was celebrated on Friday 16th January 2026. A big Thank you to all who participated and prayed with the Pauline Fathers and Brothers during this time of solemnity and celebration.

Here are the announcements for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the 11th of January:

CHRISTMAS CARDS, GIFTS AND WISHES
Fr Richard and the Community of Penrose Park would like to express their sincere gratitude to all pilgrims who sent in cards, gifts and good wishes for Christmas. It was all truly appreciated and it was joyful time for the community to celebrate. God bless you all!

CONCLUSION OF THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025
As the Jubilee has drawn to a close, Fr Richard would like to exress his heartfelt THANKS to Bishop Brian for bestowing this great honour upon the Shrine as well as to all the Groups and individuals who can on pilgrimage to Penrose Park to recieve the Plenary indulgence. It has been an extremly busy year but a rewarding time filled with love, joy, conversion and deepened trust in the presence of God through the intercession of His Mother Mary! Let us now turn our attention to preparing for the Eucharistic Congress to be held in Sydney in 2028.

CHRISTMAS NOVENA
The Novena commenced on 16th and ended on 24th December 2025. Thank you to everyone for sending in their intentions for the Novena. God bless you all.

BLESSED EPIPHANY CHALK AND WATER
The tradition of blessing the chalk and Holy water to celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord is a beautiful tradition of the Catholic Church. The blessing took place on Saturday 3rd January 2026. Pilgrims are invited to take some chalk and the printed card with the instructions and prayers for the house blessing in honour of the Magi.

NOVENA TO ST PAUL THE FIRST HERMIT (PATRIARCH OF THE PAULINE ORDER)
This commenced on Tuesday 6th January to Wednesday 14th January 2026 at the 11am Masses (inclusive of Sunday). For those wishing to include intentions for the novena (these will be place upon the High Altar), slips can be found at the side table of the Church. Intentions can be left in one of the offering boxes in the Church, handed back to one of the Fathers or Brothers or put into the collection basket.

FATIMA DAY – 13th January 2026
The celebrant for January will be Fr Richard Green OSPPE, Prior & Rector of Penrose Park and Vicar Provincial of the Australian Pauline Province.

SOLEMNITY OF ST PAUL THE FIRST HERMIT
The Solemnity of the Patriarch of the Pauline Order will be celebrated with a Solemn Mass on Thursday 15th January 2026 at the 11am Mass. During the Mass the Fathers and Brothers will be renewing their Religious Profession. At the end of Mass there will be a special blessing of the fruits of the Palm along with a special blessing for children. Please come along and celebrate this great day with us otherwise please keep the Pauline Fathers and Brothers in your prayers.

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, QUEEN OF HERMITS
The Solemnity of the Patroness of the Pauline Order will be celebrated with a Solemn Mass on Friday 16th January 2026 at the 11am Mass During the Mass the Fathers and Brothers will be renewing their Covenant to the Blessed Virgin. Again please come along and celebrate this great day with us otherwise please keep the Fathers and Brothers in your prayers.

WORKING BEE

Thank you to everyone who came and participated in the December working bee and those who helped throughout the year of 2025. There will be a break in January. The next working bee will be on Saturday, 21st February 2026. Please consider coming along and helping to keep the Shrine beautiful for our local area and the pilgrims who visit. This Shrine is a treasure to the Order, the Diocese, and the country; any help or talent is always most welcome. Please speak to Fr. Joseph Maria, Subprior, for more information or specifics.

Here are the announcements for the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, the 4th of January:

CHRISTMAS CARDS, GIFTS AND WISHES
Fr Richard and the Community of Penrose Park would like to express their sincere gratitude to all pilgrims who sent in cards, gifts and good wishes for Christmas. It was all truly appreciated and it was joyful time for the community to celebrate. God bless you all!

CONCLUSION OF THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025
As the Jubilee has drawn to a close, Fr Richard would like to exress his heartfelt THANKS to Bishop Brian for bestowing this great honour upon the Shrine as well as to all the Groups and individuals who can on pilgrimage to Penrose Park to recieve the Plenary indulgence. It has been an extremly busy year but a rewarding time filled with love, joy, conversion and deepened trust in the presence of God through the intercession of His Mother Mary! Let us now turn our attention to preparing for the Eucharistic Congress to be held in Sydney in 2028.

CHRISTMAS NOVENA
The Novena commenced on 16th and ended on 24th December 2025. Thank you to everyone for sending in their intentions for the Novena. God bless you all.

BLESSED EPIPHANY CHALK AND WATER
The tradition of blessing the chalk and Holy water to celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord is a beautiful tradition of the Catholic Church. The blessing took place on Saturday 3rd January 2026. Pilgrims are invited to take some chalk and the printed card with the instructions and prayers for the house blessing in honour of the Magi.

NOVENA TO ST PAUL THE FIRST HERMIT (PATRIARCH OF THE PAULINE ORDER)
This will take place from Tuesday 6th January to Wednesday 14th January 2026 at the 11am Masses (inclusive of Sunday). For those wishing to include intentions for the novena (these will be place upon the High Altar), slips can be found at the side table of the Church. Intentions can be left in one of the offering boxes in the Church, handed back to one of the Fathers or Brothers or put into the collection basket.

FATIMA DAY – 13th January 2026
The celebrant for January will be Fr Richard Green OSPPE, Prior & Rector of Penrose Park and Vicar Provincial of the Australian Pauline Province.

SOLEMNITY OF ST PAUL THE FIRST HERMIT
The Solemnity of the Patriarch of the Pauline Order will be celebrated with a Solemn Mass on Thursday 15th January 2026 at the 11am Mass. During the Mass the Fathers and Brothers will be renewing their Religious Profession. At the end of Mass there will be a special blessing of the fruits of the Palm along with a special blessing for children. Please come along and celebrate this great day with us otherwise please keep the Pauline Fathers and Brothers in your prayers.

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, QUEEN OF HERMITS
The Solemnity of the Patroness of the Pauline Order will be celebrated with a Solemn Mass on Friday 16th January 2026 at the 11am Mass During the Mass the Fathers and Brothers will be renewing their Covenant to the Blessed Virgin. Again please come along and celebrate this great day with us otherwise please keep the Fathers and Brothers in your prayers.

WORKING BEE

Thank you to everyone who came and participated in the December working bee and those who helped throughout the year of 2025. There will be a break in January. The next working bee will be on Saturday, 21st February 2026. Please consider coming along and helping to keep the Shrine beautiful for our local area and the pilgrims who visit. This Shrine is a treasure to the Order, the Diocese, and the country; any help or talent is always most welcome. Please speak to Fr. Joseph Maria, Subprior, for more information or specifics.

Fr Richard and the community of Penrose Park,
would like to wish all Pilgrims a very
Happy and Blessed New Year of 2026