Phase Two Completed

August, 2014, saw the completion of phase two

 of the work on the Oratory of Our Mother of Perpetual Succour,

 the chapel attached to our monastery in

 Christchurch, New Zealand.

The Oratory as it stood after phase one in March, 2013.

 The dome over the altar and beautiful arch window

 allowing light to stream in during the morning Mass is in place.

 Much of the sanctuary furnishing is in place along with the altar steps.

The Oratory on 31 August, 2014. 

The Gospel side of the sanctuary in March, 2013.

The Holy Baptism of little Ambrose Green on 31 August, 2014.

The Gospel side of the sanctuary has been transformed

 with a new door and window installed,

 new panelling fixed on the lower walls.

 To see the many young families that crowd into the

 Oratory every Sunday, injecting so much

 life and joy into the community is 

an hundred fold reward to all those 

who have contributed to the work.

2013

2014

In the wall of the Gospel side of the sanctuary

 an Ambry for the reservation of the Holy Oils

 has been installed. 

Two side altars have been installed

 in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

 and the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The altar of the Sacred Heart is erected

 in memory of Mr Duncan Simon, R.I.P. 

while the altar of the Immaculate Heart

 is erected in memory 

of Mrs Nancye Price, R.I.P.

 

The Altar of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima in its own chapel. 

This altar is erected in memory of Mr Michael Hayes, R.I.P.

The shrine of St Joseph 

erected in memory of Rev. Fr Augustine Cummins, C.SS.R., R.I.P.

The first and last thought in entering the Oratory 

is Our Blessed Lady of Christchurch.

 The ceiling around her altar is coffered 

and embellished with fleur-de-lis.

 The newly refurbished 

Stations of the Cross line the walls. 

 The stars which adorn the ceiling remind us

 of our Heavenly home,

 wherein dwells the Father of Lights!  

Our thanks to all our many and dear friends in Christchurch

 who gave of their time and substance

 to make this beautiful work possible

 for the glory of God and His Holy Church -

 helping with painting, woodworking, building,

 purchasing materials,

 cooking and catering for the work days, etc.

  This chapel is a fitting tribute to you all. 

As Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, 

it has been our privilege to make this humble effort

 for the rebuilding of the fair city of Christchurch,

 and provide a little sanctuary

 where souls may come to spend time

 with Our Heavenly Queen,

 and may enjoy some of the

 beauty of the traditional Rite.

Indeed we cannot repeat too often in our lives: 

Thanks be to God for all He has done

 and is doing for us.