WelCom December 2023

Two men were honoured at the Knights of the Southern Cross New Zealand (KSCNZ) centenary celebrations, held at St Francis Friary in Auckland in August.

Patrick Heaphy from the Nelson branch and Norman McPhee from the Napier branch were among the knights honoured with life memberships.

The weekend centenary celebration included a retreat guided by KSCNZ Auckland chaplain Fr Ezio Blasoni sm, two Masses, including a centenary Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, a whakatau delivered by Auckland Diocese Vicar for Māori Manuel Beazley, and presentations to several knights.

Supreme Knight Neil Rutherford told those gathered for the centenary dinner that, ‘as we reflect on the last 100 years, we are reminded of the countless lives touched by the Knights of the Southern Cross. Our mission, rooted in the values of faith, unity and charity, has been a guiding light for generations of members who have selflessly devoted themselves to helping those in need.’

‘Tonight’s celebration is not just about the Knights of the Southern Cross – it is about the people we serve, and the communities we have uplifted and continue to do so. Together, we have become a beacon of hope, a force for good, and a source of comfort for those who face hardship and adversity,’ Mr Rutherford added.

‘Let us stand united to make a positive impact, to lend a helping hand, and to be a voice for the voiceless.’

Auckland Bishop Stephen Lowe gave the keynote address at the centenary dinner in which he urged the knights to find other young men to be knights of the future. He asked them to repeat their own foundation story in their parishes today.

‘Invite eight men, sit them down, have a conversation, maybe have some material prepared about the knights, sit down and have the conversation, talk about what the knights have done for you, the importance of this work, and inspire other men to carry on this work.’

The Knights of the Southern Cross of New Zealand is a society of Catholic men in New Zealand actively involved in supporting the Church and each other through practical works, fraternity and promotion of the Gospel.

Source: NZ Catholic

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