Bang MSC, Ash Wednesday, Auckland Diocese

With thanks to Kenji for this news from the Diocese of Auckland website.

It was a beautiful feeling last night, on Ash Wednesday, to join Fr Bang MSC,, and the Rawene and Pakanae parishioners - for a Mass at St Charles Borromeo Church in Rawene - to start our Lenten hikoi/ journey together.

There were palms from the last year's Palm Sunday brought and made into a fire, and so, into the ashes....

There was a simple, from the heart homily by Fr Bang - inviting to "live" truly rather than to "perform" for others, our Lenten call to pray, fast and give alms.

There was the imposition of the ashes on everyone's forehead - even the youngest, few months old babies.

There were prayers for peace, justice, and care, also for the most vulnerable, needy, imprisoned, or oppressed.

And, after the mass, there were more introductions and kōrero between the adults and the new priest, while the youngsters were enjoying the sun, freedom and the space outside the church.

In their deeply spiritual and genuine manner, yet ordinary and natural, the Hokianga whanu/family/community has entered the Lenten hikoi.