Bishop Stephen Lowe officially consecrated a new Chapel dedicated to Saint Gianna in November.
The “tiny” Chapel, located within Saint Gianna’s Home for Mothers and Babies, will provide a place of peace and calm for residents, staff, and volunteers.
The Mass of Consecration was attended by supporters, volunteers and staff of Family Life International.
One Saint Gianna’s Home resident attended the Mass and was surprised and gladdened by the welcome, support and care she received from all present.
In his homily, Bishop Lowe noted how sad it was that “for some women, the blessing of a child suddenly becomes a burden.”
“This is a place of blessing,” he said. “Every mother is a blessing.”
We should “give thanks for the vision of Colleen and the team” and “give thanks to courageous mothers that give life to their child.”
“What we have here is a model of something beautiful that will spread from this place throughout society and throughout our world.”
After Mass, Dame Colleen Bayer, the Founder and National Director of Family Life International NZ, spoke to those gathered.
She thanked all present, giving special attention to Barbara Lee and the FLI staff who had worked diligently assisting mothers, preparing the Chapel, and organising the special Mass of Consecration.
Colleen made special mention of Suzannah Fu and the Mother of Divine Mercy Refuge team, remarking how pleased she was to be working in closer collaboration with them.
“The complexities that face families today are very deep, and very real,” she stated. “We must reach down to our very being, our soul, to help.”
Bayer explained that Mother of Divine Mercy understood these needs and she “couldn’t think of anyone else” to partner with in this great cause for life and family.
After Mass, there was an opportunity for food and fellowship, which was greatly appreciated by all in attendance.
Holy Mass will regularly be celebrated in the Chapel by priests in South Auckland.
