A testimony:

My dear mother, Shirley Anne died in 2013 on November 5th, which is a little ironic because she always hated Guy Fawkes!

She was a wonderful woman of faith and wanted nothing more than to spend her eternity with Jesus and Mary and all the saints, especially her first born son, John, who lived with a severe mental and physical handicap, and so was not capable of offending God. He returned to the Lord in 1984, at the age of 16.

One good thing about Mum's anniversary being in November - especially on Guy Fawkes is that as soon as we start to hear fireworks in the distance, it is a reminder for us to pray for Mum's soul and all the holy souls in purgatory.

The Church designates November as a special month to pray for the holy souls, not only our own dear loved ones, but also those souls who have nobody to pray for them. As Mum always said, God loves nothing more than for us to pray for His mercy. God loves us so much that a simple prayer, an offering of love can open his Heart and the gates of Heaven!

Offering Mass for a loved one is a very special way to pray for a person who has died. The Holy Mass is the prayer of Jesus offering Himself totally to the Father in a perfect sacrifice of love. It is the same sacrifice which has earned for us our salvation.

It was so beautiful to have Mass celebrated for Mum's soul on her anniversary. The Beatitudes Community Mass that day was so special. Even my elderly Father, who is not Catholic and doesn't usually attend Mass was present with the rest of the family to pray for Mum.

If you would like the Beatitudes Community to offer Mass for your loved one, it is easy to do - even if you cannot attend in person. Just click on the link below and fill out the Mass request with their name and your intention, click on the donate button to offer a small stipend and submit the form. The Beatitudes will get back to you to let you know when the Mass will be offered.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace!

Amen.


To submit a MASS INTENTION for a loved one:  CLICK HERE

Coming up.... 



The Fourvière Festival of Lights is the Beatitudes' largest annual festive event.

Join Bishop Michael Gielen of Christchurch and hundreds of pilgrims at the Sanctuary of Fourvière for Mass of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception followed by a picnic dinner, Eucharistic Procession and all night adoration at the Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Light.

Mass starts at 6pm on Saturday 9th December. This is a beautiful festive event for the whole family.

Roast / Hangi Lamb meals will be for sale along with great coffee, snacks and and cold drinks, or simply bring your picnic. The giftshop will also be open for great souvenirs and gift ideas for Christmas.

After dinner, as dusk approaches, light a candle in a lantern from Lourdes and process together singing hymns to Mary and Jesus.

Then settle for a time of silent adoration under the stars. Stay as late as you like.

Confession will also be available.

We are very much looking forward to welcoming you and all of your friends and whanau!