What is a Sanctuary
A Sanctuary (or Shrine) is a sign of the active presence of God in time and in history.
It is a place of respite in which the people of God on our journey to the heavenly City - a place which can renew our strength for the pilgrim journey.
- (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, Vatican City 2001, Ch 8, 262)
Our Sanctuary
The Sanctuary of Fourvière is a living Marian Shrine in Leithfield, New Zealand owned and run by the Community of the Beatitudes as an apostolate - a work of evangelisation. The Sanctuary invites us to become sons and daughters of a new evangelisation in our families and communities.
The Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Light (Mater Lucis) with its replica golden statue connects pilgrims to the first Catholic missionaries who came to Oceania and Aotearoa from Fourvière in Lyon, France. There, a golden statue of Mary stands on top of the Basilica at the top of the hill which overlooks the whole of the city.
Fourvière holds a huge significance for both New Zealand and France. Fourvière is central to the story of how the seed of Faith was first sewn in the soils of both nations and watered by the blood of their respective first martyrs.
The journey of the Gospel to Oceania and Aotearoa
Jesus gave a great commission to his disciples... "Be my witnesses to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8) and "make disciples of all nations" (Matt 28: 16-20)
The martyrs of Lyon
The disciples of St John
Fourvière
The hill that prays
Bishop Pompallier
First Bishop of Oceania
St Peter Chanel
First martyr of Oceania
Venerable Suzanne Aubert
Little Sister of the Curé of Ars
The Community of the Beatitudes
A new reality for the mission of the Church
Special Feast Days
Each year, there are four special feast days that are linked to the Sanctuary of Fourvière and hosted at the Sanctuary.
The Life of the Sanctuary
The rhythm of prayer of the Community of the Beatitudes gives life to the Sanctuary. Daily Mass, office of the Church, the Rosary and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament are open for the participation of pilgrims to the Sanctuary. In addition, there are special times for formation, anointing of the sick, special pilgrimages and popular devotions.
Confession
Saturdays 11am - 11:50
or by appointment
Anointing of the Sick
Once a month (Times to be advised)
Pilgrimage
Beatitudes led Pilgrimages to Holy sites around New Zealand
The Community of Beatitudes opened The shrine of Mary Mother of the Light on the occasion of their 25th jubilee in New Zealand 2019
