JOYOUSLY peeling bells recently heard from one of Wynnum’s highest hills announced a Mass of Thanksgiving for the restoration of the historic Nazareth House Chapel.
The bells were sounded on the night of December 20 during the Te Deum, an ancient hymn of thanksgiving, and at the close of the Solemn Mass enriched with prayer and song in Latin, Samoan and the vernacular.
Memorable were the massed voices of the Chanel Old Boys Association accompanied by organist Jack Ho, especially during the singing of the Lord’s Prayer in alternate English and Samoan.
Interesting details of the renovations emerged such as the return to its original glory of the chapel’s magnificent parquetry floor, long hidden under carpet.
Bishops Joseph Oudeman, Brian Finnigan and Raymond Benjamin concelebrated the Mass with Capuchin Friars, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and various other priests of the archdiocese and other religious orders.
Master of ceremonies was Capuchin Brother Michael O’Dwyer, guardian of Our Lady of the Angels Friary, Wynnum, on Brisbane’s bayside.
Others present included Sisters of Nazareth (Australasia) regional superior Sr Dominica Cooper, Sisters of Nazareth (Wynnum) superior Sr Sesilia Ioane and Nazareth Care (Wynnum) general manager Tony McPhillips.
State Member for Lytton Paul Lucas and Wynnum Manly Councillor Peter Cumming also attended the Mass.
Bishop Finnigan opened his homily by noting the nativity scene in front of the chapel.
“When we contemplate quietly and prayerfully this scene there is a great deal of material for meditation,” he said.
“We celebrate the nativity when Christ came to live with us forever.”
Bishop Finnigan then said “we often hear our bodies are not ours but temples of the Holy Spirit”.
“Such thoughts lead us to this newly renovated chapel – the readings explain that the Lord is in this place,” he said.
“How awesome is this chapel … it has been a prayer area for countless people open to the Lord’s presence in their lives.
“In this chapel, countless numbers of people have experienced the love of God and we can imagine all have professed their love in return.
“I now call down God’s blessing on this sacred place, also being mindful of those in future who will pray here.
“I pray all who come here may be blessed.
“I also ask blessings upon all involved in the chapel’s renovations.”
Sr Ioane gave a word of thanks after Communion.
“This chapel is the heart of everything here,” she said, noting the Nazareth House heritage chapel was consecrated by Archbishop Sir James Duhig in 1939.
“I also take this opportunity to congratulate you all on your generous contributions to this restoration – you have made a significant difference.”
She said about $34,000 of the target $140,000 had been raised so far.
“We trust in the providence of God but also would appreciate any donations,” she said.
To donate contact Nazareth House office on (07) 3393 5511.
