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JerusalemEarly days: Jerusalem, Hiruharama, was once the largest kainga (village) on the Whanganui River in the middle of a populous district. It was known as a meeting place for korero (discussion). The Catholic Mission was first established in the area in 1854. Jerusalem is where Suzanne Aubert founded the congregation of the Sisters of Compassion in 1892. In the 1970’s the New Zealand poet James K. Baxter lived here, and many of his followers joined him, also forming a community. Baxter (Hemi) is buried at Jerusalem. Click here to go to the poem "Farewell to Jerusalem". A short distance down the river is Moutoa Island, site of the historic battle of 1864. Today Jerusalem is a small settlement in a beautiful and peaceful setting. It’s special features and qualities attract pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. St Joseph's Church and Convent belong to the Diocese of Palmerston North. This is the second church building on the site, the first was destroyed by fire in 1888. St Joseph’s Jerusalem is known as New Zealand’s most photographed church. Both buildings are classified with the NZ Historic Places Trust. The Church and the Old Convent are currently being restored and thanks to the goodwill and generosity of spirit of all the tradespeople, there is freshness and new life at Jerusalem! Mass is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of every month On other Sundays the Sisters offer a Liturgy of the Word with Eucharist 
Hato Hohepa Management Committee
Back row: Ron Hough, Sister Sue, Sister 'Alisi, Diedre Taurerewa. Front row: Kiel Balsley, Sister Anna Maria, Ruth Balsley, Karen Hough, Christina Tapa. The Old Convent is available for groups and retreats–– to make bookings please contact the Sisters. Travellers are also welcome. There are 20 beds, with all facilities available. Catering is not provided. The nearest stores for food and/or petrol are at Raetihi or Wanganui. Please bring all your own food etc, and linen or sleeping bags. Costs suggested at $20 per person, per night. This can be negotiated if necessary. The Convent and Mission property is managed and maintained by the Hato Hohepa (Saint Joseph) Management Committee. The land is owned by Jerusalem families and the Sisters enjoy a special relationship with the Tangata Whenua. The Community
Sr Anna Maria, Sr Sue and Sr Alisi
While the Sisters maintain a presence at Jerusalem they have the status of tangata whenua (local or native to the area). There are three Sisters of Compassion in residence, occupying a house built in 1990 when the old Presbytery was demolished. The Sisters, Sue Cosgrove, 'Alisi Tu'ipulotu and Anna Maria Shortall are kaitiaiki (guardians) of the church, old convent, and grounds. They welcome visitors, and often have guests in their own home. They keep the Convent and Church ready for guests, join in with the local people (Ngati Hau and Ngati Ruaka Communities) with whatever is happening and visit Ranana school once a week. Sister ‘Alisi is very involved with the local kohanga reo. Seasonal fruit is made into jams, jellies, chutney and relish and sold locally as well as at the River Traders market in Whanganui. Our VisionAlong with Ngati Hau and Ngati Ruaka the Sisters will continue providing opportunities for: Retreat Rest Stillness Reflection Questioning Prayer Communing with God and nature In our unquiet world Jerusalem is an oasis and a place of pilgrimage. We continue to follow the footsteps of Suzanne Aubert and know that the courage, love and generosity of those who have gone before, lives on. Sisters of Compassion |
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