Kia Ora, if you’ve been wondering where I’ve been because you haven’t heard from me in a while its that I have been so involved in the Holy Week and Easter liturgies for our Parish.
So now that those celebrations are over, I can finally sit down and write to you.
But no sooner have I begun writing, I realise that another huge celebration is looming very soon….
I can remember when our diocese first started to prepare for World Youth Day 2008. It was in July 2006! Bishop Pat hosted Bishop Anthony Fisher who is the Bishop in charge of WYD08. When +Anthony visited he met with many interested people and outlined Sydney’s plans for WYD.
Its mind blowing to think that we began preparing for WYD 2008 a whopping 637 days ago. I mention the time in days because on April 8th 2008, we officially count-down the last 100 DAYS to World Youth Day.
To mark that significant milestone a National countdown will be initiated at Aotea Square on Tuesday 8th April beginning at 11.30am. Dignitaries and celebrities will be there…and I hope you will be there too! We’ll have live bands and a few speakers, but the main event is the official 100 day countdown launch. Yeah I know its during the week, but just ask the boss for an early (an extended) lunch break… The whole event will be about an hour so come along.
You may also decide to do something special to mark the event in your own parish or school. Why not even start your own 100 day countdown clock outside your school or church. If you think you might plan something then give me a buzz and I’ll tell the world!
After all, this is WORLD Youth Day… and we want the WORLD to know about it!!!
Well my friends, I hope to see you at Aotea Square! Don’t keep the faith… share it!
Easter Blessings!
Manuel
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Easter Blessings on you all
Hi all,
Just as I posted that last one out, I just thought I'd take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Easter. May our good Lord bless you all this Easter season and that the death and resurrection will bring a sense of renewal in body and spirit. For those who are travelling this weekend, I pray that you travel safely on your journeys.
Try not to go too hard on the chocolate!
Let us remember the Passion of our beloved Jesus, I pray that his final pilgrimage will be the focus of our great pilgrimage this year - that it was through God's love that we are all here today.
To the ambassadors (because I think we're the only ones who read these blogs anyway, haha, kidding) - can't wait to catch up with you all soon. Keep up the great work each of you are blessing your diocese with - malo lava le onosa'i.
Soifua ona o Iesu Keriso - Ia manuia lava le Eseta!
Blessings!
Just as I posted that last one out, I just thought I'd take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Easter. May our good Lord bless you all this Easter season and that the death and resurrection will bring a sense of renewal in body and spirit. For those who are travelling this weekend, I pray that you travel safely on your journeys.
Try not to go too hard on the chocolate!
Let us remember the Passion of our beloved Jesus, I pray that his final pilgrimage will be the focus of our great pilgrimage this year - that it was through God's love that we are all here today.
To the ambassadors (because I think we're the only ones who read these blogs anyway, haha, kidding) - can't wait to catch up with you all soon. Keep up the great work each of you are blessing your diocese with - malo lava le onosa'i.
Soifua ona o Iesu Keriso - Ia manuia lava le Eseta!
Blessings!
Wellington Archdiocese Samoan Youth Rally
March has been a month of many blessings – and not just because I celebrated my birthday earlier in the month, yay! - but because of many things, today I will share of the events of our Youth Rally ….
March 1st – Wellington Samoan Chaplaincy Youth Rally
The theme was youth for Christ - and there was no doubt as we began at 7am marching through the streets of Newtown that we young people were making a stand for something more than ourselves – we were shouting, singing, and chanting our faith out loud.
Quick run down of some of the highlights:
Mass celebrated by Archbishop John Dew, with our visiting clergy from our French delegation who will be visiting Wellington during Days in Diocese in July. How fortunate we were to share our culture with others in the celebration of the Eucharist.
Her honourable Luamanuvao Winnie Laban represented Her right honourable Helen Clark who was called overseas. Luamanuvao spoke beautifully of her journey in life, and there is no doubt that many young people were uplifted and inspired by her stories of cultural sacrifice, hard work and perseverance.
Celebration of song, dance, and speech from the thirteen Samoan youth groups of the Wellington Archdiocese. Messages of hope, peace, coming together and love were shared – what a sight to behold leading into WYD2008 – this is what it’s all about!
Ikenasio Tuia. This young man’s sharing on his journey as a Samoan Youth and his journey through spirituality was truly touching. How fortunate we have been in our diocese to have such a courageous and humble servant who is willing to share his love for Christ. His sharing invited young people to question their own journey, and to challenge us all to take up our crosses and to not be afraid to follow Christ.
I was honoured to also have the chance to speak, and the feeling of being on stage and sharing my journey with the youth was such a special gift that I will treasure. My only prayer is that, even if it is only one person, is that my sharing was able to stir a sense of want for youth to journey closer with Jesus.
I am so excited for what WYD2008 is bringing to our communities. We have so much to offer our church, our energy, our passion, our longing to be drawn nearer – it goes beyond one event – and this rally made me see this clearer. WYD2008 has begun everybody! It’s happening all around us, whether it’s fundraising, group meetings, or marching through the streets holding banners.
Stay tuned for more of what March has blessed me with including an update on our Youth Mass on Palm Sunday – we packed out the Cathedral!! Plus,photos from the Rally - I'm on the hunt for these as we speak!
Soifua ona o Iesu Keriso.
God Bless you all!
March 1st – Wellington Samoan Chaplaincy Youth Rally
The theme was youth for Christ - and there was no doubt as we began at 7am marching through the streets of Newtown that we young people were making a stand for something more than ourselves – we were shouting, singing, and chanting our faith out loud.
Quick run down of some of the highlights:
Mass celebrated by Archbishop John Dew, with our visiting clergy from our French delegation who will be visiting Wellington during Days in Diocese in July. How fortunate we were to share our culture with others in the celebration of the Eucharist.
Her honourable Luamanuvao Winnie Laban represented Her right honourable Helen Clark who was called overseas. Luamanuvao spoke beautifully of her journey in life, and there is no doubt that many young people were uplifted and inspired by her stories of cultural sacrifice, hard work and perseverance.
Celebration of song, dance, and speech from the thirteen Samoan youth groups of the Wellington Archdiocese. Messages of hope, peace, coming together and love were shared – what a sight to behold leading into WYD2008 – this is what it’s all about!
Ikenasio Tuia. This young man’s sharing on his journey as a Samoan Youth and his journey through spirituality was truly touching. How fortunate we have been in our diocese to have such a courageous and humble servant who is willing to share his love for Christ. His sharing invited young people to question their own journey, and to challenge us all to take up our crosses and to not be afraid to follow Christ.
I was honoured to also have the chance to speak, and the feeling of being on stage and sharing my journey with the youth was such a special gift that I will treasure. My only prayer is that, even if it is only one person, is that my sharing was able to stir a sense of want for youth to journey closer with Jesus.
I am so excited for what WYD2008 is bringing to our communities. We have so much to offer our church, our energy, our passion, our longing to be drawn nearer – it goes beyond one event – and this rally made me see this clearer. WYD2008 has begun everybody! It’s happening all around us, whether it’s fundraising, group meetings, or marching through the streets holding banners.
Stay tuned for more of what March has blessed me with including an update on our Youth Mass on Palm Sunday – we packed out the Cathedral!! Plus,photos from the Rally - I'm on the hunt for these as we speak!
Soifua ona o Iesu Keriso.
God Bless you all!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Milestones not Millstones!
This week two great milestones occurred.
On March 10th, I and those around me celebrated the anniversary of my birth! I really was a beautiful baby... or so my mother tells me. It is probably fair to say that she didn't know me that well when she named me otherwise right now you could be reading the blog of a Mark or a Thomas? I hear even the name Engelbert was proffered (Yes... after Engelbert Humperdinck, my mothers idol!)
Instead she named me Manuel, deriving from the Hebrew Emmanuel "God is with us!".... Hmmm....
I remember my first job interview and I sat down in front of the person conducting the interview and he asks, "What's your name?"
In my breaking adolescent voice I reply "Manuel Beazley"
to which he continued, "When's your birthday?"
"March 10" I confidently respond.
"What year?" he asks.
"Every year..." I cheekily admit.
Sad to say, but I didn't get the job, but it wasn't too long before I was sitting before an employer being interviewed again.
Anyway enough about me... another birthday been and gone.
The other significant milestone is the payment deadline for the Travel and Administration component of the World Youth Day pilgrimage on March 11th.
Travelling the diocese and being a part of so many fundraising events I have accquired a deep respect for the leaders, parents and supporters of all the WYD pilgrims who have tirelessly sold cakes, sausages, prayer cards - you name it. They've washed cars; put up with loud music at fundraising socials; sold raffle tickets; walked the streets...etc.
They are the un-sung heroes of this WYD pilgrimage and I just want to take my hat off to you. You are all amazing and I know that when WYD is over, your work and efforts will begin to bear fruit for the Church and the kingdom of God.
Secondly, congratulations to group leaders who have put in a hell of an effort (can I say hell?? oh well) over the last 12 months. It is largely due to your commitment and leadership that this pilgrimage will be successful.
Speaking particulary to the group leaders of the Auckland diocese but in the same sense to group leaders throughout the country. The diocese is indeed very appreciative and grateful for all that you have done and all that is still expected of you. This has been a mammoth undertaking for us all and I personally have nothing but admiration for you.
May God continue to bless you...
On March 10th, I and those around me celebrated the anniversary of my birth! I really was a beautiful baby... or so my mother tells me. It is probably fair to say that she didn't know me that well when she named me otherwise right now you could be reading the blog of a Mark or a Thomas? I hear even the name Engelbert was proffered (Yes... after Engelbert Humperdinck, my mothers idol!)
Instead she named me Manuel, deriving from the Hebrew Emmanuel "God is with us!".... Hmmm....
I remember my first job interview and I sat down in front of the person conducting the interview and he asks, "What's your name?"
In my breaking adolescent voice I reply "Manuel Beazley"
to which he continued, "When's your birthday?"
"March 10" I confidently respond.
"What year?" he asks.
"Every year..." I cheekily admit.
Sad to say, but I didn't get the job, but it wasn't too long before I was sitting before an employer being interviewed again.
Anyway enough about me... another birthday been and gone.
The other significant milestone is the payment deadline for the Travel and Administration component of the World Youth Day pilgrimage on March 11th.
Travelling the diocese and being a part of so many fundraising events I have accquired a deep respect for the leaders, parents and supporters of all the WYD pilgrims who have tirelessly sold cakes, sausages, prayer cards - you name it. They've washed cars; put up with loud music at fundraising socials; sold raffle tickets; walked the streets...etc.
They are the un-sung heroes of this WYD pilgrimage and I just want to take my hat off to you. You are all amazing and I know that when WYD is over, your work and efforts will begin to bear fruit for the Church and the kingdom of God.
Secondly, congratulations to group leaders who have put in a hell of an effort (can I say hell?? oh well) over the last 12 months. It is largely due to your commitment and leadership that this pilgrimage will be successful.
Speaking particulary to the group leaders of the Auckland diocese but in the same sense to group leaders throughout the country. The diocese is indeed very appreciative and grateful for all that you have done and all that is still expected of you. This has been a mammoth undertaking for us all and I personally have nothing but admiration for you.
May God continue to bless you...
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Children's Day
We're all focusing on World Youth Day 2008 yeah? But did you know that National Children's Day has just passed?
Yep! The first Sunday of March for the past 8 years has been designated National Children's Day. More than 1000 public events were held on Sunday (including one at my parish) to celebrate the gift that children are to the world.
"He took the children in his arms and put his hands on them and blessed them"
Mark 10:16.
If only we all could do the same - and just simply hug the children! I spoke at our Parish Masses on Sunday and encouraged all parents to hug their children - even the adult ones! and show them how much they love them.
Since being married, my wife Pata and I have adopted my sister's daughter. It is somewhat of a Maori custom for the oldest sibling to adopt and raise a siblings child. By doing this the mana (dignity) of our adopted child increases because now she has two sets of parents who will love her.
Most of you will know her. She and my wife are never too far from my side, either at events or meetings. Her name is Paris. She is adorable. Honestly, she is the best kid in the world. She has never given us any trouble and so loving her is a joy and not a chore.
Here's "Fairy" Paris at the Onehunga Youth "Fairytale" Ball 
... and here's me and Pata at the same Ball!
Loving children should never be a chore. If you are blessed with children, love them and protect them. Make every day 'children's day' and give your children the most precious thing you have - your time.
Please pray for all the children of the world and all those yet to be born. Through our prayers and love may they never leave the arms of Jesus who will ensure their safety and love them into the fullness of life.
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