News Archive 2007

For the past 13 years, there has been a Catholic Worker house of hospitality in Christchurch named after Suzanne Aubert.

Recently the roof of the House was rebuilt thanks to a generous grant from the Sisters of Compassion. We kept saying, “We don’t want Suzanne Aubert to be leaking!” The leaks had got us to desperation point, so the grant was very much appreciated; a real life-saver for us.

Like Suzanne Aubert, we offer hospitality to the needy and the open hand of friendship to the marginalised in our society. Our focus has been mainly on those discharged either from the local psychiatric hospital or from prison; hence our choice of location – in Addington.

The house was opened in 1994 by Muriel Morrison, former Clerk of the Society of Friends in New Zealand, and Sister Pauline O’Regan RSM, who joined peace activist Moana Cole and Tony Suddaby, our first hosts, and 100 others at a grand opening that year. We have continued to grow since then and use our quarterly magazine The Common Good to spread the message of solidarity with the poor.

Catholic Worker spirituality is the basic stuff of the Gospels – feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, the imprisoned, practise hospitality, work with the marginalised. We believe that justice sits at the heart of God and charity is its fruit - both combine to form love.

We also practise voluntary poverty and actively support movements for structural change which will bring about better forms of social justice in our society. And as pacifists, we practise simple non-violence. Jesus taught us – “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”

We are also part of the giant anti-war movement stretching around the world and confronting the powers of empire in our time. Like Gandhi, Te Whiti o Rongomai and our founders Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin, we believe Jesus taught an ethic of non-violence. We try and practise that as best we can.

Suzanne Aubert House has been a real blessing. Its greatest advantage has been its five bedrooms, which means that we usually have a spare bed available when needed. Francis Simmonds and his daughter Melanie live at the house all the time. Others come and go depending on need. We celebrate a weekly liturgy – usually a Eucharist – and provide an evening meal afterwards.

The house also provides a focal point for our other activities which include involvement with the peace and justice movement in its varying forms.

We also have an outreach to the wider community, following up on families with whom we have established a relationship and acting as advocates when necessary for those involved with various government departments.

by Jim Consedine