Here are the announcements for 6th Sunday of Easter, the 25th of May:
BISHOP BRIAN’S EASTER MESSAGE
Due to all the attention taken to the death of Pope Francis, the mourning period and of course the Conclave and the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, there wasn’t space to include the Bishop’s Easter message so here it is. Please note this was issued before the news of the death of the Pope but nonetheless let us take inspiration from our Bishop.
WORKING BEE
Thank you to everyone who came along and participated in the monthly working bee. A lot was achieved and the Shrine continues to look beautiful and cared for. All efforts are truly appreciated. The next working bee will be on Saturday 19th July 2025. Please consider coming along and helping to keep 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. Please speak to Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior for more information or specifics.
FATIMA DAY
A big Thank you to the Most Reverend Columba MacBeth-Green OSPPE DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes for coming and being the main celebrant and Homilist last Fatima Day, May 13th. There was about 2000 pilgrims who came. The weather was hit and miss and the Mass was planned to be outdoors but due to a last minute storm it was transferred to inside the Church. The weather cleared up and so the procession went ahead only to bucket down as the devotions began, devotions were cut short and benediction took place. Overall it was a good day and due to the weather there were no major incidents/accidents. Thank you to all who came and of course to all the volunteers who help to make the day go smoothly and keep pilgrims safe. God bless.
The Celebrant for June Fatima Day will be Reverend Doctor Casimir Zielinski OSPPE, Assistant Priest of the Pauline Parish of St Gertrude’s, Smithfield. This is a particularly significant day for Fr Casimir as he celebrates his 5th Anniversary of Ordination.
MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS AT THE OLD MONASTERY
Due to the groups coming today morning tea has been cancelled as the Old Monastery is being used. The next morning tea will be scheduled after winter (around September/October).
PASCHAL PRECEPT
A reminder that all Catholics are obliged to go to Confession and Holy Communion at least once a year between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday (15th June).
FR JOSEPH MARIA ON ANNUAL LEAVE
Fr Joseph Maria, Sub prior & Vice Rector of the Shrine will be on annual leave from 14th May. We wish Fr Joseph Maria a very happy and restful holiday and we pray he keeps safe and comes back happy and refreshed.
FR MAREK ON ANNUAL LEAVE
Fr Marek, Parish Priest of Moss Vale has taken annual leave as well as to lead a Parish Pilgrimage. While Fr Marek is away, Fr Richard will be looking after the Parish. Please note that appointments are important if you wish to see the Prior as he may be occupied going about both Shrine and Parish matters.
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.
WINTER SEASON – WEEKDAY MASSES (COMMENCING 1st JUNE 2025)
Weekday Masses (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday) during the winter season will be celebrated at the Old Monastery. Friday (with devotions afterwards), Saturday (with devotions afterwards) and Sunday Masses will be celebrated in the Shrine Church as usual. Please note: If there is a Solemnity or a large group booked to come then Mass will be celebrated in the Shrine Church.