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.