May is the month of Mary and, in Heathcote, the parish and school communities honoured the Blessed Virgin Mary with two Marian events. The blessing of a new Rosary garden and statue in the parish grounds, and a ‘visit’ from the Our Lady of Fatima Pilgrim Statue. Fr Peter Ferwerda PP shares these stories from May – a month when we are all encouraged to deepen our devotion to Mary through prayer and reflection
By Fr Peter Ferwerda PP
New Rosary Garden at Our Lady Help of Christians, Heathcote
On 19 May, the Holy Rosary School community gathered to celebrate a whole-school Mass for Our Lady Help of Christians, followed by the blessing of a beautiful new Rosary Garden and statue of Our Lady in the school grounds.
The garden began with the vision of a school parent, Mrs Leanne Slee, who conceived the idea of a rosary-shaped pathway winding through and around the rose garden, leading visitors towards the statue of Mary. Adding a special personal touch, the pavers that form the pathway are inscribed with the names of families, students, parishioners and friends who have been part of the life of the school and parish over the years.
We are indebted to the school principal, Mrs Jenny Roberts, who has enabled this wonderful project to come to fruition. Jesus gave us all the precious Gift of His Mother to help us on our Faith journey towards our heavenly homeland. May Jesus and Mary be praised, both now and forever.
Our Lady of Fatima Pilgrim Statue at Heathcote
The Our Lady of Fatima Pilgrim Statue came to Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Heathcote on Friday 22 May where it was venerated for one week before being moved to the Parish of Rushworth.
Her visible presence inspired us to give her the Veneration which is Her due, since Our Lady of Fatima, who the statue represents, has played, and continues to play an indispensable role in our Salvation.
The Message of Prayer, Penance and personal Conversion will remain relevant for all time, and Her request that we consecrate ourselves and our families to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and carry out the Five First Saturdays Devotion, is also a pressing need for each one of us.
May this beautiful Statue continue to inspire our brothers and sisters wherever she goes.
