Excitement was in the air as the participants of the School of Mission (SOM) arrived in Wellington to embark on a 20-week journey to see what God has in store for them. Hailing from nine different nations, with varying cultures and languages they have some to make St. Gerard’s their homes for the next 5 months. Each of them having left their families, friends, careers, homes for something far greater than what this world could offer i.e. to be rooted and built up in Christ’s love for them. The theme for this year’s School of Mission being, “I Have Called You by Name” (Col 2:7).
Cardinal John Dew, the archbishop of Wellington welcomed the participants at the Opening Mass on World Mission Sunday 2016 addressing the participants with words of wisdom, encouragement and comfort. He reassured the participants saying that though things may not be comfortable at the start with having to adapt to new surroundings, at the end, this place would feel like home because of the hospitality they would receive here. He prayed that at the end of the School of Mission their hearts will be touched with the love of God and will have grown up as a people on mission.
The day continued with the Sunday congregation moving to the lawn of St Gerard’s Monastery on a beautiful sunny day for fellowship over finger food. It was as if Wellington put on its best weather to welcome our SOM participants. The celebrations continued in the evening with a formal agape meal as the staff prepared a sumptuous meal for the participants as we endeavor to live as one ICPE NZ Mission Community.
We look forward to what God will unfold in the lives of these participants in the months to come. Do keep us in your prayers too.
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