Our Lady of the Woods

Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Sat 30 Aug 2014 22:27
Our Lady of the Woods, Whataroa
 
 
 
 
 
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Still in search of the elusive heron colony stragglers, we left the main road to follow the signs to the Wetlands. Along the road we saw a church, so very similar to Haast, Fox and Franz Josef, this one was called Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Church.
 
 
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Next door was a lovely home we assumed for the Parish Priest. Would the door of the church be open ???
 
 
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Outside, this Our Lady was dedicated to Timothy who died accidentally at Mount Cook in 1982.
 
 
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In the porch was a large piece of wood, beautifully finished with all the Parish Priest names neatly painted on in gold. Gorgeous polished wooden doors with pretty windows. And Bear’s new friend. This time I got a picture of His Holiness with a window reflected next to him. Still looks mischievous with that twinkle.
 
 
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So lovely inside.
 
 
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Traditional as we have come to expect in these small alpine churches.
 
 
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Bear was very taken with the organ, especially the converted hoover business at the back. As we had finished admiring the church, we were joined by the current Parish Priest. We talked about his flock, if everyone turns up for todays five o’clock mass, there would be fifteen to eighteen people. We were then shocked to find out that this one man looks after five parish churches, his furthest is Haast, some good hour or more away and the same in the other direction. We told him how sad we were to fine Our Lady of the Alps, Franz Josef locked and he was very cross. He said if we went back he could tell us where the key was “lazy lot” was his comment. Father Michael invited us for a cup of tea or some lunch but we declined as this is what is taking us so long to go round the world.
 
 
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Father Michael apologised for the garden equipment having to live in the porch, but the garage was badly damaged in a storm. We bade him ‘farewell’ and went in search of the heron. He doubts we will find one but wished us luck.
 
 
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The view of Our Lady has got to be one of the best ever.
 
 
 
 
ALL IN ALL SO SIMILAR BUT SO LOVELY
                     WHAT A WONDERFUL ORGAN