C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !

to Father Bevan Smith who celebrates the Golden Jubilee of his priestly ordination in October 2006.

His sister, Sister Mary of the Angels, also celebrates her golden jubilee this year.

A double celebration was held in the Carmelite Monastery in Christchurch on the 1st of October 2006.







Our special blessings and Congratulations to them both !

Haere Mai

Namasté नमस्ते

A BIG WELCOME to Father Paul Achandy visiting New Zealand and St Matthew's.

Father Paul is the Assistant Provincial of the Carmelite of Mary Immaculate congregation in India, the order to which our Parish priest, Father Joseph belongs.

We wish Father Paul well. May his time spent in New Zealand be a fruitful and joyful experience !

Do you know that . . .

the Benemerenti Medal, bestowed by Pope John Paul II was presented by Bishop Denis Browne on 16th March 2005 to our parishioner, Brian Marquand at St Matthew’s Roman Catholic Church, Silverdale, Hamilton.




What is the Benemerenti Medal?
“Benemerenti” is Latin for “Good Merit” / “To a well-deserving person”

Benemerenti Medals are awarded to individuals who have merited special recognition by the Holy See. This award seldom comes more than once during a pontificate.
The Medals are Pontifical decorations instituted by Gregory XVI in 1832, and awarded as a recognition of distinguished military and civil services. They are worn on the breast, suspended by ribbons of the papal colours.
Source: http://www.catholicforum.com/saints/ncd01203.htm

The civil Benemerenti Medal
This papal honour, the highest civilian award given by the Vatican, is conferred to men and women for exceptional accomplishment and service. It is given for distinguished service to Catholic principles, the Church and society, to people who have shown an active fidelity to and love for the Church

The award is not lightly given and is earned by sustained and outstanding witness. Although the archbishop nominates the candidates, the award is granted by the Holy Father based on merit and represent "his gratitude and esteem." The medal is a papal, not an archdiocesan award.

The award is accompanied by a certificate (in Latin).

October Rosary

CONGRATULATIONS ! Golden Wedding Anniversary

St. Matthew’s Church, Silverdale. Hamilton. New Zealand

Congratulations to our Parishioners
Eileen and John Williams
Celebrating their
Golden Wedding Anniversary
on 6th October 2006.