Author: root

Reflection on Christmas

by Fr. Kevin Canty, CM (National Director), published in AMM Bulletin Christmas 2023.

In our first reading from Isaiah for the Christmas Day Mass, the prophet Isaiah announces the return of the Israelites from exile in terms that speak of “good tidings”. The Hebrew word for good tidings lies at the root of the New Testament ‘evangelion’ or gospel. Paul took up this very text and applied it to his own apostolic work of preaching the gospel in Romans 10:15, and it probably influenced Jesus’ own proclamation of his message of the kingdom or reign of God.

The use of the passage in the liturgy for Christmas suggests another application. It can be referred to the angelic proclamation at the nativity. This is indeed a proclamation of good tidings, a proclamation of salvation, an announcement of the beginning of the dawn of God’s reign. It is in the annunciation that the church sees the return of Yahweh to Zion to comfort his people and to Jerusalem. The angel at the nativity, Paul in his apostleship, and the church today all make the same proclamation: ‘Your God reigns’ – through the sending of Jesus into the world.

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AMM Adelaide: Devotion in Action – Serving communities through Our Lady’s Grace

By Alejandrino Ballado, published in AMM Bulletin Christmas 2023

The AMM Adelaide passionately fosters and spreads devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, lauded as the Exemplary Model of Discipleship. Our mission is to evangelize through a spectrum of Family and Community-Oriented Services, embodying our commitment to spiritual growth and communal service. These services encompass:

  • Household Family Gatherings: Hosting the image of Our Lady in various households, where devotees convene for Rosary and Novena Prayers held every 1-2 weeks.
  • Monthly Eucharistic Celebrations: Conducted in diverse Filipino Communities across Adelaide, South Australia, fostering spiritual unity and communion.
  • Participation in the Annual Adelaide May Marian Procession: A vibrant display of our devotion to honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary.
  • Visitation of the Sick and Elderly Members: Our Core Group Members extend care and support by visiting the infirm and elderly within the Association and the wider Filipino community.
  • Annual Feast Day Celebration of Our Lady: An eagerly awaited event, typically held in proximity to November 27, the Feast of Our Lady. This day serves as a significant occasion for the Association and Devotees to express gratitude for answered prayers. It also plays a crucial role in gathering funds from sponsors and donors to support charitable organizations affiliated with
    the Association. These charitable endeavors include:
    • The Hutt Street Meal Centre, Adelaide
    • Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Adelaide
    • Marilak Foundation, Philippines
    • The Daughters of Charity-Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Philippines

The most recent Feast Day Celebration was a marked improvement over the previous year, which was affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Over 200 devoted individuals participated in this year’s celebration, held on Saturday, November 25, amidst pleasant weather. The event commenced with a spirited Marian Procession around the Mater Christi Church compound, followed by Rosary Recitations and Novena Prayers led by various Marian Group Leaders within the Church. The celebration reached its pinnacle with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration led by Rev. Fr. Franco Lacanaria, Filipino Chaplain of Adelaide, and Rev. Fr. Tomas Ruiz as co-celebrant.

AMM Annual Retreat Day 2023

By Bianca Kallukaran, published in AMM Bulletin Winter 2023

On the 16th of July 2023 Sunday, the Association of the Miraculous Medal (Sydney) held the Annual Day Retreat at the Daughters’ of Charity grounds in Marsfield. The Annual Day Retreat is a time for both members and non-members to reflect and share on a theme (that is usually Marian-centred), which in 2023, was centred on:

Come as you are that’s how I want you
(Alive with the Spirit in the mercy of God).

Fr Kevin Canty, CM and Fr Greg Walsh, CM were the speakers for the day on the theme. Fr Kevin spoke about doing God’s will and surrendering and trusting a loyal and tender God (as he focused on the two hearts one of sorrow and one of love on the Miraculous Medal).

This was then succeeded by a praise and worship session and time for silent reflection. Fr Greg focused on the image on the Miraculous Medal of Our Lady crushing the head of the serpent and how her one humble “Yes” made her the channel of salvation for the world. Both the talks crossed over in stressing the importance of being faithful, even when God’s grace doesn’t seem to be enough or the path ahead is unclear.

In between the talks, there was also time for fellowship over a light meal. Many retreatants were able to have a long-awaited catchup with fellow parishioners in the Marsfield community and even from the Ashfield community (at St. Vincent’s parish). It is in gathering like these we find unity and strength, for it is “when two or three are gathered, there am I [Jesus] in their midst.” (Matthew 18:20). The day ended with a Rosary prayer (led by Sr Rosa Tran, DC). And most importantly, the Holy Mass was celebrated to close the retreat.

The AMM Sydney community would like to thank especially Fr Kevin Canty, CM, Fr Greg Walsh, CM, the Daughters of Charity in Marsfield, and all those in the Marsfield and Ashfield communities who helped make this retreat possible. Of course, the retreat would not have come to fruition without the intercession of Our Blessed Mother and the merciful heart of Jesus. We look forward to seeing you all at the First Saturday Novena Masses as well as the next Day Retreat. Some photos taken during the retreat can be seen below.

God Bless!