|
|
|
|
|
Nau mai, haere mai! Welcome to Jerusalem/Hiruharama!Jerusalem nestles in a valley beside the flowing waters of the Whanganui River. The houses in the small settlement are clustered around the Patiarero Marae. Suzanne Aubert came here at the invitation of the Maori people in 1883. Here the Sisters of Compassion came into being, and were formally recognised by the Catholic Church in 1892. There has been a continuous presence of sisters in the local community ever since. The Sisters are privileged to have the status of tangata whenua (native to the area). 
View of Jerusalem from the Whanganui river
Suzanne Aubert tells the Sisters 'Never forget...a Maori village was the cradle of our Institue.' Directory p77 The Community 
Srs Margaret Mary, Anna Maria & Sue
At present there are three sisters in this community. Sisters Anna Maria Shortall, Sue Cosgrove and Margaret Mary Murphy, are kaitiaki (guardians) of the church, the old convent, and the grounds. Over recent years, the historic church and old convent have been beautifully restored. Many pilgrims and visitors from around the world who visit and/or stay here each year, appreciate the special tranquillity and peace they find at Jerusalem.
Come aside and rest awhile The Old Convent is available for groups and retreats.
Pilgrims and travellers are also welcome to stay. 20 single beds in open dormitories upstairs 1 wheelchair accessible, double room with ensuite There is a large room, and smaller rooms suitable for group work There is a TV set available for DVDs (no outside aerial) Bring your own food - catering is not provided Full cooking facilities available The nearest stores and petrol stations are in Wanganui or Raetihi Bring your own linen or sleeping bag if possible Shoes are not worn inside (slippers or socks are helpful) There is very limited cell phone reception
Photo of a dormitory bed
The cost is $25 per person, per night. This can be negotiated if necessary. Make bookings by contacting the sisters In writing to: Sisters of Compassion
Email: sr.sue@compassion.org.nz Phone: 06 3428190 How to get here... Click here to see a map From the south- by motor vehicle or bike When approaching Wanganui Follow signs ‘Whanganui National Park’ along the right side of the river, avoiding Wanganui City centre 14kms from the city, turn left at the ‘Whanganui National Park’ Pipiriki sign Follow this road for approximately one and a half hours The last 15kms is a gravel road Ranana (London) is the settlement before Jerusalem Approaching Jerusalem you will see the church on the hill, and the sign ‘Jerusalem / Hiruharama’ The convent and church are accessed by the 3rd driveway (the first two are to the Marae) on the right over the bridge The number 5050 is on our letter box
From the north by motor vehicle or bike Drive to Raetihi Follow the road to Pipiriki, about one hours drive – gravel road much of the way From Pipiriki to Jerusalem is about 14km The old convent and church are just visible approaching this way Look out for the sign ‘Jerusalem / Hiruharama’ The number 5050 is on the first letter box, on your left, near our driveway
The Sisters offer hospitality to those who come to visit and stay and are actively involved with the local communities of the river. They have a particular commitment to the Ngati Hau people at Jerusalem and Ngati Ruaka people of Ranana . They are very much part of the local happenings and support the one remaining school on the river, Whanganui Awa School at Ranana, teaching CRE (Christian Religious Education), music and assisting in other ways.
In earlier days, Jerusalem / Hiruharama, was one of the largest settlements on the Whanganui River. It was known as a meeting place for korero (discussion). The land on which the St Joseph’s Church and the Old Convent sits, belongs to local Maori families. The historic buildings belong to the Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North. Both buildings are classified with the NZ Historic Places Trust. Some believe that St Joseph’s Church, with the interesting mix of Maori and European influence, is the most photographed church in Aotearoa / New Zealand. This church is the second church on this site, the first having been destroyed by fire in 1888. Suzanne Aubert and an accompanying sister travelled to many parts of New Zealand, including, very successfully, the West Coast of the South Island, collecting money to rebuild the church. Suzanne believed that as a Pakeha (white skinned person) had burnt the church down, Pakeha should rebuild it. The church was dedicated in 1893. James K Baxter |
|
|
|||