October/November 2015 +A.M.D.G.

Aotearoa – and Samoa Province RNDM CONNEXIONS 5/ 2014 Tena Koutou Katoa Talofa lava

Dear Sisters, In these days of lengthening daylight hours we see the signs of spring all around us: trees with the vibrant new green leaves, blossoms blowing about the lawn, new seedlings putting their heads up towards the sun, the mass of wisteria and clematis that fill our gardens. In the warmth of the sun new life is appearing. The title of the EGC was “I Am Doing Something New for Mission”. We worked on the Congregation Mission Plan and now have a plan for new missions that will take us into the future. It reflects the movement of the Spirit as we move from the known to the new within the Congregation. There is much that is new and energizing but we also recognise the wonderful work that has been, and continues to be, carried out by the majority of the sisters. This too is reflected in the mission plan. Pope Francis at the end of his tour of the U.S. encouraged American Catholics to be unafraid of trying new things. In a homily to hundreds of thousands at an outdoor Mass, Francis said that Jesus' disciples were also afraid of new things -- but that Jesus broke down all barriers to allow the Spirit to do its work. He could be saying the same to us. We are all called to move into the new continually, to embrace new situations, new ideas, new people in our church and parish, new ways of being in mission. Without change and newness there is no growth. The pope said that just like happiness, holiness is "tied to little gestures." We could be called to be more loving, more caring, and more open to others. What little gestures will help you to move with hope into the new and to live faithfully the call to be on Mission? May God bless us with hope and peace.

Sister Marie Benoît Pham RIP On Sunday, August 16, the sisters gathered to celebrate with Marie Benoît her special birthday of her entry into her 90th year. We had no idea on that day, what a special memory it was to be for all of us. She was very happy to be so warmly appreciated by her beloved people and the sisters too. She had a special love for the children and they came up at the end of the mass to sing for her. It was a shock to us all when early on Tuesday, September 1, we heard that Marie Benoît had suffered a stroke during the night and was in hospital not expected to survive. The sisters in the Auckland region and her beloved Vietnamese community kept her company through the following days till she died peacefully on Sunday, September 6, just before midday. Her Vigil was held on Tuesday evening in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ellerslie. The Rosary was prayed in Vietnamese and in English and moving and funny stories were shared of people’s encounters and relationship with Marie Benoît. On the following day her Requiem Mass was a continuation of celebrating her biculturalism and contribution to her Vietnamese people in New Zealand. She was buried in St Patrick’s Cemetery in Panmure alongside many other faithful RNDMs.

Comings and Goings Kathleen Prendergast arrives home from a month in the Philippines on Friday, October 16. Welcome home Kathleen. I am sure your teaching in Davao was of great value to the young sisters.

Pauline Leonard will continue her renewal which was unable to be completed last year, travelling from New Zealand on Saturday, October 17, returning to New Zealand on Monday, November 16. We wish you safe travel Pauline and an enjoyable and enriching time away.

Clare Murphy and Merle Hiscock leave New Zealand on Friday morning October 30. They will both be helping with the 30 day retreat in Davao. Merle returns on Saturday, December 5, and Clare a few days later on Monday, December 7. We wish you both safe travel and many blessings on your work with the young sisters.

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JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

Christchurch

On Saturday, August 15, the sisters of the region along with friends and family and sisters from around the country gathered at Sacred Heart Church Addington to Celebrate with Martina her 60 years of Profession. Sisters Kathleen and Clare had prepared everything beautifully for the Liturgy. Father Anton McLean celebrated the Mass. Gloria Magee, our Associate Coordinator, and Clare Murphy read passages from Hosea and Ephesians. Father Anton reflected on Jesus’ mission, “I have come to bring good news”. He showed how Euphrasie Barbier understood the Divine Mission and responded to Jesus’ call by founding the RNDMs. Music for the Liturgy was provided by Anna Maria whose tuneful playing of the organ added to the singing and the Samoan Choir lifted everyone’s hearts and minds to God in their rendition of ‘How Great Thou Art’. Sister Anne Marie and her team, (Roleen had spent many hours making her very tasty slices), organised delicious and plentiful refreshments – all tastefully set out in the Parish Hall. Many religious from different congregations along with the Marist priests of the parish, relations, RNDMs and good friends from former parishes gathered to celebrate the occasion. They were delighted by the atmosphere of joyful and loving camaraderie. Martina’s cousin Rosemary, who had been her ‘angel’ for her Holy Habit, had the prayer book Martina had given her, dated August 15, 1953. She was going to give the book to her granddaughter who was making her First Communion the next day. She said that the sisters’ angelic singing took her back to the Ferry Rd Chapel days when she had been a boarder. It was a wonderful day of celebration that continued the next day when the sisters gathered again in the Addington hall for prayer and dinner.

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Hamilton Gathered with the sisters of the Waikato Region, Sister Mary David celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of her Religious Profession on the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, August 15. The day dawned warm and sunny adding to the joy of the occasion. Reverend Monsignor McCarthy, a former Parish Priest of Cambridge, now retired, was delighted to be asked to celebrate the Mass of Thanksgiving being a personal friend of the family as well as working with our sisters in Cambridge. In the homily he emphasised the contribution of the religious women who gifted the faith to the church of New Zealand from early times to today. After the cutting of the cake made by Sister Raewyn, the sisters had organized a tasty luncheon during which they shared experiences of former times adding a lighter touch to the occasion. Monsignor remarked on the obvious enjoyment of all the sisters. What a truly memorable occasion of joy and thanksgiving.

Auckland: Clare Turner writes about her jubilee celebration: The Region celebrated up at Paha House. A beautiful setting - in the boardroom. We were all able to sit at the one very large oval table surrounded by art and the beautiful outdoor view of what was once Marcellin Hall. We began by joining hands while Adrienne led us singing a blessing. The highlight here was the waiter asking to join in. For me the centre of my celebration was my 10 day Diamond Jubilee Retreat up at Mission Bay. It had the theme My Salvation Journey taking the Old Testament story as a model. I had arranged to celebrate with Marie, Bennie, Leone and 2 past Liston Village women, one who had been my next door neighbour and the other a Good Shepherd Sister, but my trip to hospital and Bennie's death put paid to that. However, I hopefully will take a Jubilee afternoon tea to them in two weeks time with a piece of Gerry's lovely Jubilee Cake.

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90th Birthday Our Waikato Sisters gathered in Assisi Home on Sunday, September 6 to celebrate Kathleen Carroll’s 90th birthday. They went to Mass there that morning and after having lunch out together they regathered in the afternoon around 2pm at Assisi for afternoon tea. The celebration started with greetings and cutting the cake and then gifts were opened and there were photos and lots of talking. Kathleen smiled and smiled and was very taken by the beautiful flowers. She realised that she was the reason for the celebration and was enjoying it.

Enlarged General Council September 2015 – I am doing Something New for Mission. The Enlarged General council took place in Bangalore at the Province Centre from August 30 to September 18. It was a special time of connection and sharing among the leaders. The sisters of the South Indian Province were exceptional in their care and hospitality, in making us welcome and ensuring we had whatever we needed. The days were filled with reports from the CLT and Provinces. We shared our own hopes and the new missions, some of which are taking shape with concrete steps being taken while others are still a dream waiting for birth. The sisters from Myanmar have a very concrete proposal for a new school with plans for the building well underway. Two sisters are doing their primary teacher training in in preparation for this mission. The sisters in Canada presented a plan for a new mission in an Aboriginal Parish in Winnipeg. This mission possibility is still in the birthing stage with much ground work to be done and sisters to be found to work there. Many Provinces were very generous as they offered sisters who will be able to help in missions around the world: Latin America, Kenya, Philippines, Senegal, Canada, France.

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Along with the new mission priorities there was recognition of the tremendous work that is being done by the sisters around the world. Each province has provided a summary of ministries in their province along with a more detailed plan of ministries in Education and other areas. These plans in draft form will be available for you to see at the gathering. The Bursars joined us for the last ten days. We had two days together during which Catherine Brabender shared with us about the International Mission Development Office. Carlo Michero shared his reflection on the past three years and the financial analysis of the congregation. The Australian Province shared their experience of using a Province Advisory Board. These very full days ended in a more relaxed way as we planted trees in the convent grounds. Hopefully, in many years’ time, we will be able to return and see how they have grown.

Refugees The EGC was moved by the pictures that were appearing on our TV screens and the news just a month ago. These are not so in our face now but let us not forget the plight of millions of people who have been forced to flee their home lands. Included with this newsletter is a card with the prayers written at the EGC and from Barbara Cameron. Let us continue to pray and to act for those who are suffering. Some suggestions to help with refugees: 1) Be informed. 2) Pray. 3) Watch for developments early in 2016 for ways that your parish and diocese is responding to the refugees and see in what practical ways you can be involved. 4) As many of the refugees are expected to be Muslim, learn about and Islam in New Zealand.

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Patricia Boyd’s celebration will be on Sunday, January 3, at St Peter and Paul’s chapel at 2 pm followed by afternoon tea at 116 Waterloo Road. If you will be attending please let Colleen or Carmel know.

Raewyn Hogan’s celebration will be on Wednesday, January 6, with Mass at 1.30 pm in the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Hamilton. Afternoon tea will follow. For catering purposes please reply to Raewyn by December 1, if you are able to attend.

Gael Henry’s celebration will be with the Kaiapoi Parish on Sunday, January 10, at the 9 am Parish Mass. Morning tea will follow. This is a normal parish activity so you do not need to let anyone know you will be attending.

Mission Rest Home – 25 Years On Thursday, August 20, Mission Rest Home marked 25 years as a Rest Home. Family members and others associated with Mission, joined Residents and Staff for a Jubilee Mass in the Chapel. Father Craig Butler presided, together with Fathers Bill Casey, Sanjay Pradhan, Vijay Dung Dung and Adonis Rancho. During the Mass we remembered the many Mission Sisters who had lived in community here before the convent became a Rest Home. We thanked God for the blessings of the past 25 years and prayed for all those who had lived and worked at Mission over that time. Celebrations continued with a lovely morning tea which included a Jubilee cake, made and decorated by Liz Stockman, Mission’s talented cook. The cake was cut by Sister Chanel, the longest residing Rest Home Resident. Kinsley Sampson spoke on behalf of the Directors. He related the history of Mission and praised the Mission Sisters for their courage and foresight in establishing Mission Rest Home in 1990. Presentations were made to the Directors and to two long-serving Staff members – Margaret Dodunski, former Senior Care Giver, now in Reception and Administration (23 years), and to Micky Mason who has been the Home’s Maintenance Man for 21 years.

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Mission has seen changes in recent years. It is now a Rest Home and Supported Living facility with apartments on the top and middle floors and two villas in the grounds. We ask God’s blessing on Mission as it continues to minister to those needing care and support in their advancing years.

Christmas Catalogue 2015 This again proved extremely successful with US$47,481.41 being raised worldwide in 2014. New Zealand contributed US$3,052.00 for the projects involved. We are pleased to be able to offer this form of giving again. The 2015 projects are listed below. Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions – A Gift that Makes a Difference  Education of girls, India  Caring for abandoned Children,  Empowerment of Women, South India  Improving the lives of destitute indigenous children, Vietnam The material for this is enclosed. We encourage you to spread the word about this gifting possibility and Mission Sunday is an ideal time to seek to share this in your parish. If you would like more order forms or catalogues please let us know in the office.

Ministries This picture appeared on the front page of the Kete Korero (the Official publication of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton) with an interesting article about Marie and her work in the Hospital. It was an edition focusing on the Year of Consecrated Life so other Congregations had articles as well. It was good to see the photos of most of our Waikato sisters and a little about them.

Picture supplied by the Waikato Hospital.

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Travels in Samoa. Margaret Purdie writes about her time in Samoa: I went to Samoa with our Parish Priest, Fr Dan Doyle, ostensibly to visit some of the many Samoan people in our parish who have family members living back home. In effect, it turned out to be much more of a Logoipulotu reunion - we came Monika, Margaret and Losa across past-pupils everywhere, God bless them, although we also visited a number of parishioners' families. The trip to Savai'i was a revelation - a very smooth, quick crossing in comfortable seats in a spacious lounge watching New Zealand TV on a large screen! Salelologa - another revelation! Shops everywhere, including banks where I was able to withdraw tala from an ATM; tourist accommodation places; very nice eating places; and - where the wharf road meets the main road - traffic lights!!! Monika came with us, and had arranged accommodation at Don Bosco Trade School, also in Salelologa. The principal, Salesian Fr Mosese, would be known to many of you, as would his Deputy, Mika - both Logo past pupils, as were a number of his staff. Of course we went up to have a look at Logoipulotu. The first-year Catechists and their wives and families live there, and while the grounds were in fine shape, with a very nice fence right along the road and a sign saying 'Logoipulotu Pastoral and Cultural Centre', all our buildings were in a very sorry state of dereliction - they would be much better to pull them down. The catechists have their own houses around the malae, and only the Palagi fale and the end classroom nearest it are being used. I was saddened to see the place, but heartened to see how the spirit lives on in the good work being done on both islands by so many of the past pupils. St Theresa's is still in good form, with a couple of Mercy Sisters still there. The convent is no more - Patele's house is now where it used to be. We visited there during the lunch break, and the children were all eating a meal of noodles for which they pay two tala. They were certainly enjoying it! Pupils of St Theresa’s

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One of the Deacons, Iosefo, (whose wife has family here in Woolston) took me for a drive along the south coast of Upolo, where you might remember they experienced a tsunami a while ago. The coastal plain is pretty narrow there, and the mountain rises very steeply up behind it - many people were trapped, with nowhere to go, and Iosefo said there were many bodies buried under the sand - no one knows where or who. The sand was everywhere, with not a blade of grass to be seen, and the skeletons of many houses were a stark reminder of what had happened. However, life goes on, and the tourists are all back, their accommodation is up and running and most of the locals' houses have been rebuilt. Talking of deacons, we also met Iakopo, whom many of you would remember. He's a deacon also. And Sefo brought his wife and two children round to visit also. It was great to see them. They probably say "Logoipulotu" more than anyone else, to me Iakopo with Margaret and Monika at least. Monika and Losa are in good spirits. Their house has just undergone a major upgrade, which I believe it needed. The floors have been tiled throughout - cool and clean - and the windows and doors have been fitted with a metal grillwork which will give them much greater security. They've been waiting for a kitchen upgrade for some Sefo and family with Margaret. weeks, and the men arrived while we were there and fitted a new bench top with a gas hob with four rings to sit on top of the bench I had no intention of rambling on at such length! Suffice it to say that I really enjoyed my visit - and am looking forward to the next one!!!!! God bless, Margaret

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A new Window at St Joesphs. Overlooking the Chapel playing area, St Joseph’s Maori Girls’ College now has a beautiful coloured glass and lead light window thanks to a gifted local artist, Mark Nichol, and a bequest from the late Martin Beveridge of Dannevirke. Whanau and friends gathered at the College on Sunday, September 20, for the blessing of the window and the unveiling of a plaque in Martin’s memory. The window is Mark’s interpretation of the Official Seal of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions.

Talofa & Warm Greetings from Samoa I like to take this opportunity to say a BIG THANK YOU to each of the Sisters, the Provincial Office, the Team and especially to Carmel for agreeing to have our house in Apia renovated. It surely is a much better place now than it was. We are very happy with the look of it both in and out. The washing machine is not the only bonus we have but also our lovely kitchen! We wish each of you warm wishes from Samoa and may all of you stay safe and happy. Let us always be united in our love and our prayers. Alofa tele Monika

Talofa lava Sisters. Trust you are all well and enjoying the coming of Spring. Last month I was in Savaii celebrating with the whole island the 170th year of the Catholic Faith here in Samoa. We had most of the celebrations at the place where the first Marist Fathers arrived. So many people were there and the whole village too, joined in the celebration and I believed the preparation as well. They're not all Catholics. During this time the Bishop (Alapati) started two new Congregations. One is the ‘Daughters of the Divine Word’ and the other is the ‘Brothers of St Joseph the Worker’. The latter was started by Cardinal Pio during the 150th anniversary but faded away and is now being revived. Our country is experiencing terrible heat and shortage of water, the grass is so brown and of course a warning about fires is on all the time. It’s been a long time without rain, and our College students have been sent home for a 11

week and if by the end of that time there's still no rain, then the holiday will be extended. On that note sisters please pray for us and hope you all enjoy the time together. With God's blessings on this Year of Consecrated Life, ciao. Arohanui, alofa tele atu, Losa

Messages of Thanks Patricia Clark has sent this message. Dear Sisters, I wish to thank you all for your messages of loving support at the time of the death of my brother Des. Special thanks to those present at his requiem and for the beautiful cards and phone calls received. I was blessed to spend time with him and the family during his last days, sharing memories as he prepared to go home to God. I shall miss Des, the last of my five brothers, but I would not wish him back. May he rest in his true home, heaven. Love and blessings to you all, Patricia Clark R.N.D.M

Message of Thanks from Mary David; I was humbled as I looked back over the years to recognise so late, in my changing missionary endeavours, God's loving presence throughout the journey of changes and redirections. Just in case anyone didn't receive a thank you email for your generosity, please accept this one now. I have framed the one from the Addington Community it was so beautiful. It is daily reminder I am in God's hands. Mary David.

Message from Jan Donnelly An Extremely grateful “Thank you to all”. You certainly brightened my days of three months spent in Palmerston North Hospital. My wish is to answer each and all personally but that would now be impossible – Sorry. As for a roll call of names – I decided against such in case I muddle up or miss any one to whom my sincere “Thanks” is due. Jan Jan is now in Metlifecare Palmerston North Village, 7 Fitchett Street, Palmerston North 4410 Ph (06) 350 6400

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Balance Exercises

Important for Fall Prevention Each year, more than one-third of people age 65 or older fall. Falls and fall- related injuries, such as hip fracture, can have a serious impact on an older person's life. If you fall, it could limit your activities or make it impossible to live independently. Balance exercises, along with certain strength exercises, can help prevent falls by improving your ability to control and maintain your body's position, whether you are moving or still. Safety Tips Have a sturdy chair or a person nearby to hold on to if you feel unsteady. Do the strength exercises -- back leg raises, side leg raises, and hip extensions -- two or more days per week, but not on any two days in a row. Consult your GP if unsure about doing the exercises. Modify as You Progress The exercises can improve your balance even more if you modify them as you progress. Start by holding on to a sturdy chair for support. To challenge yourself, try holding on to the chair with only one hand; then with time, you can try holding on with only one finger, then no hands. If you are steady on your feet, try doing the exercise with your eyes closed. 1. Balance Exercise - Standing on One Foot Stand on one foot behind a sturdy chair, holding on for balance. Hold position for up to 10 seconds. Repeat 10 to 15 times. Repeat 10 to 15 times with other leg. Repeat 10 to 15 more times with each leg. 2. Balance Exercise - Walking Heel to Toe Position the heel of one foot just in front of the toes of the other foot. Your heel and toes should touch or almost touch. Choose a spot ahead of you and focus on it to keep you steady as you walk. Take a step. Put your heel just in front of the toe of your other foot. Repeat for 20 steps. 3. Balance Exercise - Balance Walk Raise arms to sides, shoulder height. Choose a spot ahead of you and focus on it to keep you steady as you walk. Walk in a straight line with one foot in front of the other. As you walk, lift your back leg. Pause for 1 second before stepping forward. Repeat for 20 steps, alternating legs.

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4. Strength Exercise - Back Leg Raises Stand behind a sturdy chair, holding on for balance. Breathe in slowly. Breathe out and slowly lift one leg straight back without bending your knee or pointing your toes. Try not to lean forward. The leg you are standing on should be slightly bent. Hold position for 1 second. Breathe in as you slowly lower your leg. Repeat 10 to 15 times. Repeat 10 to 15 times with other leg. Repeat 10 to 15 more times with each leg. 5. Strength Exercise - Side Leg Raises Stand behind a sturdy chair with feet slightly apart, holding on for balance. Breathe in slowly. Breathe out and slowly lift one leg out to the side. Keep your back straight and your toes facing forward. The leg you are standing on should be slightly bent. Hold position for 1 second. Breathe in as you slowly lower your leg. Repeat 10 to 15 times. Repeat 10 to 15 times with other leg. Repeat 10 to 15 more times with each leg

Climate De-Stabilization The U.N. has a goal of keeping the Earth’s temperature from rising no more than 2 degrees Celsius by 2100 and, in turn, keep the planet from facing even more disasters like famine, disease and water shortages.

Simple, Practical Things You Can Do 1. Eat less meat Farm animals generate more greenhouse gas emissions than all forms of transportation combined. Red meat is one of the primary sources of human-induced methane (a by-product of manure), which is more than 20 times more toxic than carbon dioxide. Just ponder: eating a beef mince patty of 120 grams (the MacDonald ¼ pounder burger) with cheese for lunch? This choice means you have just used up 730 grams of petroleum and left a 5.8 kilogram carbon footprint, which is the same as burning 3.1 kilogram of coal. You can make a difference by just skipping red meat once a week.

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2. Mind your waste Behind the oil and gas and agriculture industries, landfills are the third largest source of methane emissions in the US. NZ has a similar scenario. To mitigate this, consider composting. See July/August 2015 Newsletter, page 14. Recycling paper, plastic, aluminium, and glass helps as well. For instance, just one recycled aluminium can saves 95% of the energy needed to make a new one from scratch — that’s enough power to watch three hours of TV — and repurposing a glass pasta-sauce jar saves enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for four hours. In your home. Check that your furniture isn’t blocking the flow of air from your heaters/heat pump otherwise you will be wasting energy heating and cooling your home. Investing in lined thermal drapes to block heat in the summer and drafts in the winter can be a huge energy saver (think: as much as 20 percent off your bill) as well. And when shopping for new home accoutrements look for items made by artisans, not polluting factories. 3. Cook consciously Dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, blender, coffee maker, toaster, food processor…This lengthy list of appliances is what likely makes your kitchen one of the biggest energy drains in your home. The simplest and easiest trick to conserve energy is to unplug anything that is not in use. While you can’t disconnect your stove, you can use it more efficiently by matching pot to element/burner size. To alleviate your refrigerator’s vast energy consumption, keep its freezer adequately stocked — even if it is just full of water bottles. Otherwise, each time you reach in for a few ice cubes or some ice-cream, large amounts of warm air will fill the empty space, prompting it to use even more energy in order to maintain its cold temperature.

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Prayer Intentions October/November

* Refugees who are seeking a life free from persecution and fear. * The places in our world where there is violence and war, especially those countries where our Sisters are working. * The Synod on the Family in Rome especially for the New Zealanders who are there. * Our elderly sisters and those sisters who are not enjoying good health these days. * All those in our communities who have asked for prayers for many different reasons, ill health, job preparedness, comfort and support.

Our Dead

+ Marie Benoit Pham + Jim Halpin, benefactor of the Napier sisters + Palepa Seumanu, former RNDM in Samoa + Lowson Collins, RNDM associate and long time staff member of Sacred Heart College + Bill Wilkinson, benefactor of our Sisters in Cambridge + Marie de Joux, Pauline Leonard’s sister + Diane Hogg, past DP at St Patrick’s Napier + As we move into the month of November, let us remember all our deceased sisters, family members, friends and benefactors.

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