Dear Friends,
Welcome to you all as this community of faith gathers to celebrate again its Patronal Festival, the feast of Michael, Archangel, ‘who is like God,’ and all the angels and archangels.
We are delighted that visitors are with us, friends from other churches, colleagues in ministry, former parishioners, friends and relatives, and enquirers. It is a joy to welcome home some of you who live in other parts of New Zealand, people for whom S. Michael’s has never ceased to be a spiritual home. Many of us are shaken and weary after the events of this last month, but here we seek to open our hearts in thanksgiving for God’s goodness and mercy.
We are glad to welcome Bishop Victoria to preside and preach for this Festival Mass, and to dedicate the new altar. This is the gift of the family of the late Leslie and Joan Martin, who were committed parish members and leaders some years ago. It is given by the family in their beloved memory.
There has been a community of faith here for 159 years now. Since September 1910 the Eucharist has been celebrated in this place daily, and the Blessed Sacrament reserved as a focus for prayer. Generations have adorned and cherished the building, and music of the highest standard has been offered for the praise of God.
The Liturgy offered here has been a witness to the glory and holiness and loving-kindness of God, while it has shaped a people in the way of Jesus Christ, and sent them out to give themselves in costly service.
It is with all this behind us and around us that we gather this evening to celebrate the festival, to open our hearts and minds and bodies and spirits to the good news of God, and to enjoy each other as sisters and brothers in Christ.
Jacob awoke from his dream of the great promise of God, and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” I hope and pray that we too may so awaken to God’s presence in this community gathered around the altar, that, with our perception heightened, we may go out and welcome the Risen Lord in every corner of the wider community. And even in its darkest corners, may we so engage, that we can truly say with Jacob, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.”
In the sight of the angels, I will praise you, O God.
May God bless you all.Fr Peter Williams
