Day of recollection for Prison Ministry volunteers

Benilda, our new staff member from India

Hi, I’m Benilda Gonsalves from India, and a full-time missionary for Jesus in the ICPE Mission. During the last six years in India, I had the opportunity to journey with the youth, counseling and praying with them; helping with faith formation in the Parish; assisting at the ICPE Schools of Mission as also at the retreats conducted for schools and colleges. There were also opportunities to minister to prayer groups and other ministries beside the occasional missions abroad.

On 22nd January this year I was happy to move to the NZ Mission. I looked forward to get to know other brothers and sisters in the Mission, live in a Monastery and experience Community life with them. Acts 1:8 quotes Jesus instructing his disciples, “You will be my witnesses……to the ends of the earth.” I felt amused this was partly being fulfilled in me as I arrived in New Zealand!

From the time I arrived I have felt a special endearment for the people of NZ, even though I only know a few. The beauty of this place too is truly breathtaking. I am sure the Lord who brought me here will use me to draw many to Himself. I hope to have a very fruitful time here. Praise God.

Celebrations in the past month

Petrus and Mely celebrates their 7th wedding anniversary!

We are so blessed to be able to pray with them for their future together.

Marie and Joseph Lee's little princess, Ye Seo, celebrating her 2nd birthday.

What a blessing! 3 lovelies celebrating the same birthday! God bless you Benilda (covenanted member), Monica and Melissa (School of Mission participants).

Therese, School of Mission staff, celebrates her birthday with the community.

School of Mission 2012 - Week 1

School of Mission 2012 -Opening mass!

 

The worship team!

Wimpie Santoso -Director of ICPE New Zealand, with the opening address.

Leading the entrance procession are the participants!

Each participant makes a gesture of surrender of the next 5 months by placing a leaf at the altar with a short reflection written on them.

Praying over by Fr Peter Conaghan and supported by the community.

The entire congregation.

Participants from 8 countries.
From left to right, top row: Sylvia (Canada), Rachael (Malaysia), Irene (Malaysia), Sr Agrippiina (Uganda), Fr Peter Conaghan, Emmanuel (Malaysia), Brandon (Singapore), Daniel (Germany), PinPin (Indonesia).
Bottom row: Agnes (South Korea), Shawn (Singapore), Miriam (South Korea), Gloria (Singapore), Melissa (Indonesia), Samantha (Singapore), Veronica (South Korea), Meryshani (Indonesia), Dierdre (Ireland)

 

Wimpie, director and leader of the School of Mission welcomes the participants officially with the 'Agape meal'.

Waving hello to the ICPE Mission international directors and founders: Mario & Anna Cappello.

A very encouraging word from Mario & Anna via Skype.

House Blessing

This day, every room in St Gerard's monastery was blessed, every occupant, every nook and corner, even the toilets and all the vehicles!