26th May 2021 marked a very important day in the Sancta Maria College calendar. During Special Character week, we came together as a college to celebrate the Feast of the Visitation Mass. We were joined by Bishop Michael Gielen and Fr Kevin Murphy who officiated the mass together. This occasion was made all the more special as it included Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion for five students and commissioning of 20 Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers.
Feast of the Visitation
This is a significant time as we remember Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth, both women pregnant. As we read in in Luke’s gospel, Mary arrives after a long journey and calls out to greet Elizabeth. Elizabeth feels her baby move within her and senses the presence of the Son of God. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaims, “You are the most blessed among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1vs42-44)
Mass Day Ceremony
We were honoured to have Bishop Michael Gielen visit the college and officiate the mass together with Father Kevin and Father Terry of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish. Bishop Michael spoke about how special Sancta Maria College is and the significance of our name, which we share with the schooner in which Bishop Pompallier sailed around New Zealand preaching the Gospel. Bishop Michael reminded us that getting on a boat is like an act of faith. Just like in our relationship with God, we know we can put our trust in Him because He will guide us through the journey of our lives.
There were many special elements to the Feast Day Mass.
• Dramatisation of the message of Elizabeth and Mary – thank you to Father Kevin SM for creating a visual representation of the gospel. These roles were played by Sydney Causer (Elizabeth) and Minju Kim (Mary)
• Offertory procession led by our cultural groups, handing out leis to the Priests and special guests
• Prayers of the faithful was a beautiful multi-lingual representation of native languages among our Sancta Maria College students and families
• Worship leadership – Worship band and kapa haka group
We would like to acknowledge and thank the students who played key roles as well as those who worked behind the scenes. Our thanks also to Cedric Piggin and Verna-Lee Oliver.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Congratulations to Ava Ellis, Leana Heffernan, Enzo Scaggiante, Carmen Tam and River Swaris.
Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers
Mary Aguirre, Sharliz Ang, Francesca Camacho, Cyprus Causer, Grace Chen, Nathan Chin, Odile De Jesus, Joshua Dickson, Tomasi Halafihi, Roya Jin Mannaparambil, Akshita Ann Joby, Ethan John Karl, Alexandria Lazatin, Scarlette Oliver, Linus Pang John Salavante, Alanna Santoso, Amadeo Tangilambi, Nichole Xu.
Special Guests
It was wonderful to celebrate with so many Sancta Maria College parents and family members. We would also like to acknowledge a number of guests that came to celebrate with us
- SMC Board Members – Warren Brabant (Chairperson), Natasha Rodrigues, David Smith
- McAuley High School Principal Jan Waelen and Prefects
- Rosmini High School Prefects
- Our Lady Star of the Sea Principal, Louise Campbell
