The Immaculate Heart of Mary

In the 1800s there was a devastating earthquake in Wellington, New Zealand.

As a result, Catholics and non-Catholics alike joined together in the consecration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; imploring her to intercede on their behalf and to protect them from further scourge.

Today, in Christchurch, many Catholics again joined together to ask our Holy Mother to pray for our protection.

The weather behaved itself beautifully.

I joined ranks with a One News camera man and a photographer from the Press newspaper to document the occasion. It was moving and, despite the singing not always being in tune, very beautiful.

It was ironic, humbling and fitting to see the statue of Our Lady against the backdrop of our ruined Cathedral. The cranes and earth-movers immobile for the day and the sun creating some beautiful backlight.

This statue was rescued from the tower of the Cathedral. She turned 180 degrees during the earthquake, ending up facing outwards, looking over the city. She was broken during the removal, but was perfectly restored by the Carmelite nuns afterwards.

Apart from that, I have done little today. A coffee and dog walk with friends. Much talking and laughter.

Just watching A very long engagement. My senior students are doing a film study of it this week and I need to remember how it goes. Can anyone tell me who come ALL French movies tend to have nudity and sexual scenes in them. Even when they don't seem at all relevant or necessary? At least it's not explicit in this one. I can stand in front of the screen when they come on if I need to. It's rated 16 and all my students in that class are 16+, but still ...

Anyway, I'm drivelling on now, so will go.

Night all.