The church bell rang out to begin celebrations marking 50 years since St Mary’s Church was opened and blessed, continuing a tradition that has echoed across Whanganui, off and on, for 175 years. In 1851, a cowbell called the early Catholic settlers to Mass at the residence of Fr John Penzant SM.
The celebrations reflected the same sense of gratitude felt when the church opened at 2 p.m. on Saturday 30 October 1976. Those gathered acknowledged the generations who had given so much and were no longer with them.
“Our connection with those who have gone before us, asks that they nudge us forward towards the wholeness/holiness that they knew and now forever know,” said Marie Skidmore RSJ in her welcome.
The Eucharist for the feast of All Saints was celebrated by Emeritus Bishop Peter Cullinane, parish priest Fr Craig Butler, Fr John Roberts and former parish priest Monsignor David Bell.
“We give thanks for this very worthy place of worship,” said Bishop Peter at the start of his homily.
The parish priest at the time, the late Fr Paddy Kinsella SM, asked architect Ron Lamont, also now deceased, to design a building that would meet the needs of modern liturgy and encourage active community participation.
The building’s distinctive octagonal roof is an architectural landmark, while its treasured stained-glass windows overlook the city.
At the conclusion of Mass, Pastoral Council chairperson John McMenamin invited parishioners to take part in four mini-tours, rotating every 10 minutes.
Juliet Kojis explained the Stations of the Cross created by George Kojis, a locally based ceramics teacher and master potter.
David Scoullar gave a historical overview of the 16 stained-glass windows.
Carver Kiwa Waipara explained the significance of the Risen Christ and Stations of the Cross, which he was commissioned to create in 1983 using pews from the old St Mary’s Church.
Mark Southcombe, an associate professor at the Wellington School of Architecture, spoke about the building’s architecture and the additions made in 2006.
Following a scrumptious shared lunch, Monsignor David Bell reminded those gathered that they are the living body. “As people of faith gather to celebrate the Eucharist, to be nourished and fed, we then go out to bring the faith to others,” he said. “I urge you all to carry as our predecessors did, and while priests come and go, it’s the people that remain.”
Barbara Vine, a longstanding and well-known parishioner, was invited to cut the cake.
Much to everyone’s delight, children from the Indian community performed a skit about the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Filipino singers had everyone tapping their toes to a selection of ABBA hits, while the Irish singers brought some to their feet to dance.
