February 1, 2023
Holy Family of Nazareth

February: Dedicated to the Holy Family

OCDS Shield

By Mary O'Boyle OCDS,
Christchurch President

Dear family in Carmel,

Here we are again, starting a new year, wondering what 2023 will bring. One thing we can be sure of… it’s going to be a full year here, in Peace of Christ Secular Community.

Catherine Moon will be entering Formation. Please keep her in your prayers, the early days of formation can be a nervous time until she becomes familiar with our Carmel family.

On February 21, 1933, 90 years ago, the first Carmelite Nuns sailed from Australia to Christchurch, New Zealand’s first Foundation of a Carmelite Monastery. What a blessing for Christchurch… how do we express to our dear Sisters, our gratitude and thanksgiving for their life of prayer, and intercession for the Church and people of Christchurch? Bring your ideas to our meeting.

Bishop Michael will be visiting us at our June meeting, your thoughts on what you would like our conversation with Bishop Michael to be. Perhaps a short note on paper for the Council to read and collate.

ANNIVERSARIES of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face:

  • 2023 150th Anniversary of her Birth (Jan. 2, 1873)
  • 2023 First Centenary of her Beatification (April 29, 1923)
  • 2025 First Centenary of her Canonisation (May 17, 1925)

 

As per Father Ramiro’s letter last December, we now enter three years of particular study of St Thérèse. As Formator, Megan will guide us through the material provided by Rome. Interesting that we have spent 2022 in studying Thérèse… in preparation perhaps.

Blessings in Carmel,

Mary O'Boyle, OCDS

Christchurch's Peace of Christ Community President

Read more in February’s newsletter