From the Rector

Greetings!

Yesterday we celebrated Ash Wednesday via a video linked liturgy posted on MazCom. Ash Wednesday is important because it marks the start of the Lenten Season leading up to Easter, when Christians believe Jesus was resurrected. In non-COVID times we received the blessed ashes symbolising our preparedness to undertake some form of repentance with a renewed focus on Jesus’ message. The ashes also symbolise our human mortality, we have a limited time allotted to us on this earth.

The theme for this year’s Caritas Lenten Project Compassion is:       

“Aspire not to have more but to be more.” 

(Saint Oscar Romero) 

I like this theme as we can typically view Lent as a time to give up something like computer time, TV, chocolate or whatever we decide. During the past twelve months we have given up much due to the pandemic, however, this theme challenges us, not so much to give up, but to take up or to change something in our lives that will help us to live a Christian life and become a better person. Firstly, let us begin by asking ourselves: “What do I need to change or work on in my life”? Secondly, to assist this personal reflection put aside some quiet time for prayer to balance our ever-increasing busy lives to decide on random acts of kindness, controlling our temper, of being non-judgemental. We all know the list can be as varied as there are people. Thirdly, don’t let this special season pass without making some effort as St Paul reminds us in his letter to the Corinthians: “There is no better time than the present”.

Coinciding with Ash Wednesday, February 17 this year, is also known throughout the Oblate World as “Oblate Day.” It commemorates the day in 1826 when Pope Leo XII officially validated the work of Eugene and his Missionaries of Provence by officially approving this new Congregation as the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. During the Wednesday morning, College Mass the Mulgrave Oblate community renewed their vows along with Oblates around the world and also consecrate themselves to Mary Immaculate, the patroness of our congregation. Under normal circumstance, Oblate communities would try to come together to celebrate this day.

This Oblate day of celebration also mirrors this year’s Lenten theme as St Eugene encouraged all people to make a change and to “Know who they are in the eyes of Christ”. 

Let Us Pray

Lord, have mercy on us.   Lord, we know we have fallen short of your message.    Lord, we enter this Lenten season calling on your mercy and grace, we know you will be near to us, you will help us, to renew our lives in accordance with your message.

Lord, help us, with the power of your Spirit, to have the strength to listen to your message and have the courage to renew our lives.

 Amen.

God bless and take care,

Fr Harry Dyer OMI

Rector