Shrine News - Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy Penrose Park

Announcements for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

15 February 202520 February 2025Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

Here are the announcements for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 16th of February:

YEAR OF JUBILEE 2025

Bishop Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong has appointed 6 Churches as offical pilgrimage sites during this year of Jubilee. The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy Penrose Park is one of those six, which Bishop Brian came to inaugurate here on the 12th of January. Therefore during this year, anyone coming on pilgrimage to the Shrine can gain a Plenary indulgence (full remission of sin and the punishments incurred) by fulfilling the requirements of: Visiting the Shrine, Confession, Mass with Holy Communion and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father. This is a great honour for the Shrine, and we welcome all our pilgrims to come along and celebrate the Jubilee year. Events will be planned throughout the year, so please stay tuned to our website and social media for more information.

ANNUAL LEAVE
From 18th January 2025, Fr Richard, Prior & Rector of the Shrine will be on annual leave. During his absence, Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior & Vice Rector, will be in charge. We pray that Fr Richard will have a pleasant and safe holiday and come back refreshed.

WORKING BEE
Thank you to everyone who came along to help with the monthly working bee. All your help is greatly appreciated. The next working bee will be on Saturday 15th March 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.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT (1st & 3rd Sunday’s of the month)
From December 2024, there will be an opportunity for Pilgrims to have some quiet time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This will be on the First and Third weeks of the month from 12:15pm – 1:15pm. As always, it is important to have custodians to keep vigil of the Blessed Sacrament, so if there are any volunteers looking to commit, please let Fr Richard know.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
The next morning tea after Mass will be on Sunday 16th February 2025. All Welcome!

NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH
The novena to St Joseph, will be celebrated from 10th – 18th March 2025. For anyone wishing to include their intentions in the novena, forms are available on the side table of the Shrine Church as well as they can be found online via the Shrine website. St Joseph, pray for us!

FIRST SATURDAY & LENTEN RETREAT

Saturday, the 5th of April, we will have our First Saturday Devotions in Honour of Our Lady, as she requested during the apparitions at Fatima. In addition for the Lenten Season, we will have an extended program to turn the day into a full-day Lenten retreat. The retreat will start at 10 am and finish at 3 pm. The retreat is Free to attend with No Booking. BYO lunch, but tea and coffee are provided in the Old Monastery.

Feburary Working Bee – Saturday 15th

11 February 202511 February 2025Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

Please consider coming along to our working bee on Saturday the 15th of Febuary 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.

During the working bee this month, we are going to focus on a variety of maintenance tasks. What is attempted depends on who attends and their interests. The list includes:

Tidying up the leftover bricks from the building project.
Trimming bushes and plants.
Cleaning gutters.
Painting around the entrance.
Fixing some sunken pavers.
Cleaning the chapels.
Moving plants.
Edging a garden.
Trimming the grass off the drive.

It would greatly assist in planning if anyone interested in coming would let Fr Joseph Maria know what projects they might be interested in working on. It is not expected that we will be able to start or finish the whole list.

If you have tools that can help with the particular task you are interested in, you are encouraged to bring them along.

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
Lunch around 1:30pm
Finish around 3:30pm (for those that can stay the whole day).

The Fathers and Brothers pray for the intentions of volunteers to the Shrine everyday.

Announcements for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

8 February 202514 February 2025Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

Here are the announcements for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 9th of February:

FATIMA DAY – 13th FEBRUARY 2025
The main celebrant for Fatima day will be Fr Joseph Maria Buckley, Subprior & Vice Rector of Penrose Park.

YEAR OF JUBILEE 2025

WORKING BEE
Thank you to everyone who came along to help with the monthly working bee. All your help is greatly appreciated. The next working bee will be on Saturday 15th February 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.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
The next morning tea after Mass will be on Sunday 16th February 2025. All Welcome!

OUR LADY OF LOURDES (Tuesday 11th February 2025)

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.

Announcements for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

1 February 202531 January 2025Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

Here are the announcements for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the 2nd of February:

YEAR OF JUBILEE 2025

FATIMA DAY – 13th FEBRUARY 2025
The main celebrant for Fatima day will be Fr Joseph Maria Buckley, Subprior & Vice Rector of Penrose Park.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
The next morning tea after Mass will be on Sunday 16th February 2025. All Welcome!

BLESSING OF CANDLES ON THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

On the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Sunday 2nd of February 2025, 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 Monday 3rd of February 2025, Feast of Saint Blaise, the traditional blessing of throats against sickness, will happen during the 11 am Mass.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES (Tuesday 11th February 2025)

FUNERAL FOR VINCE STROHMAYER

On Sunday, 26th of January Vince Strohmayer, the father of Fr. Peter James Strohmayer OSPPE, passed away after suffering from terminal illness for some time. His funeral will be on Thursday, 6th of February, at our Sydney Parish of St. Gertrude’s, where Fr. Peter is the parish priest. Please keep Vince and his family in your prayers.

Blessing of Candles on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

31 January 202531 January 2025Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

On the feast of the Presentation of the Lord there is an ancient tradition of blessing of candles that will be used during liturgies during the year.

On the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Sunday 2nd of February 2025, there will be the traditional blessing of candles at all Masses. People are welcome to bring their own candles that they use at their home altars to be included in the blessing.

Blessing of Throats

On Monday 3rd of February 2025, Feast of Saint Blaise, the traditional blessing of throats against sickness, will happen during the 11 am Mass. The blessing uses two candles that were blessed on the Feast of the Presentation.

First Saturday – February

28 January 202528 January 2025Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

Saturday, the 1st of February, we will have our First Saturday Devotions in Honour of Our Lady, as she requested 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

Announcements for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

25 January 202524 January 2025Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

Here are the announcements for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 26th of January:

YEAR OF JUBILEE 2025
A very big Thank you to Bishop Brian for coming on Sunday, 12th January to celebrate the 11am Mass and to inaugurate the Jubilee year here at Penrose Park. It was truly a beautiful and memorable celebration.

Bishop Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong has appointed 6 Churches as offical pilgrimage sites during this year of Jubilee and of course Penrose Park is one of those six. Therefore during this year, anyone coming on pilgrimage to the Shrine can gain themselves a Plenary indulgence (full remission of sin and the punishments incurred) by fulfilling the usual requirements, which are: Visiting the Shrine, Confession, Mass with Holy Communion and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father. This is a great honour for the Shrine and we welcome all our pilgrims to come along and celebrate the Jubilee year. Events will be planned through out the year so please stay tuned to our website and social media for more information.

FATIMA DAY – 13th FEBRUARY 2025
The main celebrant for Fatima day will be Fr Joseph Maria Buckley, Subprior & Vice Rector of Penrose Park.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
The next morning tea after Mass will be on Sunday 16th February 2025. All Welcome!

OLD MONASTERY ACCOMMODATION

At the start of 2025, the price for booking a night at one of the rooms in the Old Monastery was increased by $10. It is now $40 per night per person without linen or $50 a night per person with linen.

BLESSING OF CANDLES ON THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

BLESSING OF THROATS

On Monday 3rd of February 2025, Feast of Saint Blaise, the traditional blessing of throats against sickness, will happen during the 11 am Mass.

Announcements for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

19 January 202519 January 2025Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

Here are the announcements for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 19th of January:

YEAR OF JUBILEE 2025
A very big Thank you to Bishop Brian for coming last Sunday, 12th January to celebrate the 11am Mass and to inaugurate the Jubilee year here at Penrose Park. It was truly a beautiful and memorable celebration.

NOVENA TO ST PAUL THE FIRST HERMIT (PATRIARCH OF THE PAULINE ORDER)
Thank you to everyone for sending in their intentions for the novena to St Paul the First Hermit.

FATIMA DAY – 13th JANUARY 2025
Unfortunately due to some health issues, Fr Peter Joseph, Parish Priest of St Mel’s, Campsie was unable to attend Fatima day as the main celebrant and homilist. A big Thank you to Fr Richard, for stepping in and celebrating Fatima Day.

ANNUAL LEAVE
From 18th January 2025, Fr Richard, Prior & Rector of the Shrine will be on annual leave. During his abcence, Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior & Vice Rector will be in charge. We pray that Fr Richard will have a pleasant and safe holiday and come back refreshed.

FATIMA DAY – 13th FEBRUARY 2025
The main celebrant for Fatima day will be Fr Joseph Maria Buckley, Subprior & Vice Rector of Penrose Park.

WORKING BEE
Thank you to everyone who came along to help with the monthly working bee. All your help is greatly appreciated. The next working bee will be on Saturday 15th February 2025. 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.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT (1st & 3rd Sunday’s of the month)
From December 2024, there will be an opportunity for Pilgrims to have some quiet time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This will be on the First and Third weeks of the month from 12:15pm – 1:15pm. As always it is important to have custodians to keep vigil of the Blessed Sacrament, so if there are any volunteers looking to commit please let Fr Richard know.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
The next morning tea after Mass will be on Sunday 16th February 2025. All Welcome!

The offical inauguration of the Jubille Year

12 January 202512 January 2025Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

This Sunday 12th January, at the 11 am Mass, Bishop Brian came to officially inaugurate the Jubilee year at Penrose Park. Bishop Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong, has appointed 5 Churches as official pilgrimage sites during this year of Jubilee, and of course, Penrose Park is one of those five. We would like to greatly thank him for both coming today and giving us this privilege for this year.

Therefore during this year, anyone coming on pilgrimage to the Shrine can gain themselves a Plenary indulgence (full remission of sin and the punishments incurred) by fulfilling the usual requirements: visiting the Shrine, Confession, Mass with Holy Communion and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father.

This is a great honour for the Shrine and we welcome all our pilgrims to come along and celebrate the Jubilee year. Events will be planned throughout the year so please stay tuned to our website and social media for more information. God bless you all!

Some photos of the day are below.

Announcements for the Baptism of the Lord

11 January 202511 January 2025Fr. Joseph MariaLeave a comment

Here are the announcements for the Baptism of the Lord, the 12th of January:

YEAR OF JUBILEE 2025
Bishop Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong has appointed 5 Churches as official pilgrimage sites during this year of Jubilee and of course Penrose Park is one of those five. Therefore during this year, anyone coming on pilgrimage to the Shrine can gain themselves a Plenary indulgence (full remission of sin and the punishments incurred) by fulfilling the usual requirements, which are: Visiting the Shrine, Confession, Mass with Holy Communion and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father. This is a great honour for the Shrine, and we welcome all our pilgrims to come and celebrate the Jubilee year. Events will be planned throughout the year, so please stay tuned to our website and social media for more information.

A big Thank you to Bishop Brian for coming today to celebrate the 11 am Mass and to inaugurate the Jubilee year here at Penrose Park.

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 chalk and water were blessed on the Vigil of the Epiphany and is now available for the pilgrims to take home and to bless their houses with. Please note: 1 pack per family.

THANK YOU
Fr Richard and the community would like to thank everyone for their Christmas wishes, cards, gifts and invitations. This is all very much appreciated. Please be assured you are all in our prayers.

NOVENA TO ST PAUL THE FIRST HERMIT (PATRIARCH OF THE PAULINE ORDER)
This will take place from Monday 6th January to Tuesday 14th January 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 2025
The main celebrant for Fatima day will be Fr Peter Joseph, Parish Priest of St Mel’s Campsie.

SOLEMNITY OF ST PAUL THE FIRST HERMIT
The Solemnity of the Patriarch of the Pauline Order will be celebrated with a Solemn Mass on Wednesday 15th January 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 Thursday 16th January 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 along to help with the monthly working bee. All your help is greatly appreciated. The next working bee will be on Saturday 15th February 2025. 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.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT (1st & 3rd Sunday’s of the month)
From December 2024, there will be an opportunity for Pilgrims to have some quiet time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This will be on the First and Third weeks of the month from 12:15pm – 1:15pm. As always it is important to have custodians to keep vigil of the Blessed Sacrament, so if there are any volunteers looking to commit please let Fr Richard know.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
The next morning tea after Mass will be on Sunday 16th February 2025. All Welcome!