SMSM’s@Chatham

Apr 26, 2015

By the late 1940’s the NZ government was finding it impossible to provide adequate medical care for the people of the Chatham Islands. The government made a request of the bishop who knew that the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary (SMSM) were founded for just this kind of missionary work and these sisters responded generously and courageously to the need taking over the staffing of the Chatham Islands hospital for fifty years from 1949.

While the presence of the “Catholic Nuns” on the Island was initially viewed by some with apprehension and even suspicion, within weeks these remarkable women became the heart and soul of life on the Island.

This week two of those who served as sisters here 30 and 40 years ago have returned, and this morning the community celebrated Mass together before processing to the hospital to unveil a “story-board” as a lasting tribute to the presence of the sisters. It has been a delight to witness the heart-felt welcomes that these sisters are receiving since arriving back on Thursday.

Bishop Barry Jones sent his own tribute asking me to pass on the message that the sisters were “legend in our diocese, and especially for the priests who served on the Chathams.”

The images below, and the snaps from the story-board tell the story.

IMG_3945

 

IMG_3964

the guests of honour, Sr Aidan & Mary-Ann

IMG_3971

 

IMG_3986

 

IMG_3993

 

IMG_3994

 

IMG_3995

 

IMG_3996

 

IMG_3997

 

IMG_3998

 

IMG_3999

 

IMG_4001

I didn’t realise this, but the smsm’s were not the only sisters who served here.

IMG_4002

 

IMG_4003

 

IMG_4004

Below:  Sr. “Ig” in the kitchen.

IMG_4005

 

IMG_4006

 

IMG_4009

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Posts

Tikkun Olam

Tikkun Olam

If you are ready for a broader faith perspective you might appreciate this offering – something a little different

seeking & calling

seeking & calling

In every encounter, local and afar, with people of every age and at every stage of life, the struggles and joys of people are remarkably similar.

Assumption

Assumption

Humans too often make the fatal mistake of separating body and soul, yet our deep desire is for unity of body and soul.

ahead of grace ?

ahead of grace ?

Both readings are personal favourites and every time I hear them and ponder them these texts speak to me in new and powerful ways.

Mary MacKillop

Mary MacKillop

Too often we settle for an existence of lurching from one satisfaction to the next.