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| Neil Dawson 'CHALICE', Cathedral Square, Christchurch |
We in Australia are incredibly shocked and saddened by the recent events in Christchurch, New Zealand.
That this deed of such horror and devastation towards fellow human beings, was perpetrated by one of our Australian citizens, one who comes from a town only a few hundred kilometres away, shakes me to the core.
We all pray for those fifty peaceful folk who were taken while at prayer last Friday, and for the survivors and families whose lives are changed forever.
These photos of Christchurch were taken when the Red Cardinals visited Christchurch in 2011, shortly before I began my blog. A month later Christchurch was devastated by an earthquake - and now that beautiful city suffers again.
Weeping willows along the Avon river which winds through the city...
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa sings the Maori love song Pokarekare Ana, with images of the beautiful country of our cousins across the Tasman Sea.
May they rest in Peace.
XXXXX
It is so sad, isn't it, Patricia. Yesterday we had our own shocking event here, but now it seems it was a personal rather than a politically motivated attack. Still, we can relate in some small part to the horror of Christchurch. Such a scale of horror as New Zealand cannot have seen before.
ReplyDeleteIt is all so sad, Val. We have not heard about the event over there - I will try to find it. The scale of Christchurch really shocked me, and it all happened in a matter of minutes. Dear Christchurch, such a lovely city to have suffered this event.
DeleteIt is a sad fact of life that living amongst us all there are and have always been individuals who can can cause meyhem and devastation with their warped thoughts and deeds.
ReplyDeleteThis outrage has really shocked the world, my heart goes out to the people who have suffered.
It is a sad fact, as you say. I have wondered if these individuals are encouraged these days by the availability of such much information via the internet about similar activities around the globe. Fifty people lost is a very large number in a small city like Christchurch. Their Prime Minister is doing a wonderful job facilitating what must be done, but she looks so drawn and sad.
DeleteThere are no words xxx
ReplyDeleteAmen. xxx
DeleteThere seems to be a madness in the world today. I was saddened to hear about Christchurch.
ReplyDeleteSo much madness - and the isolated country of New Zealand was a most unexpected place for such a horrific event. Their beautiful little city will be changed forever.
DeleteThere seems to be a madness in the world today. I was saddened to hear about Christchurch.
ReplyDeleteOh Patricia, it's just sad beyond belief. That these horrific incidents continue to occur in what should be a beautiful peaceful world, makes one question everything. My prayers go to all the families and friends of those killed and injured - and may those taken too soon be in a much better place.
ReplyDeleteDear Mary, it does make one question it all, and I ponder about my own safety as I go into our crowded city. I loved Christchurch, and feel now I want to go back at some time to support them in their difficult times.
DeleteI continue to be stunned by the hatred in our world...
ReplyDeleteI do not understand it. The horrific event in Christchurch has shocked us all.
We all need to act with kindness, compassion and respect and teach our children these valuable traits.
I am stunned too - it is never acceptable at any level, so much hatred and weirdness. You are so right, and we need to act with kindness and respect instead of finding fault everywhere. It also makes me question the social media, which I try to use for the power of good, but which has an awful dark side.
DeleteI'm a naive optimist and I keep thinking that it's going to change. I pray everyday for our world during my devotional time. And with all the political powers in the world that know what's been going on - well I just keep trying to be hopeful and faithful that it will change. That the laws, media, education, something....And then something as horrific as this - I just don't know how much more my heart can bear to hear. What will it take?? I have send most heartfelt prayers for all of the people and families impacted by this horrible tragedy.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you Trish. xoxo
Thank you Carrie,and thank you for your insight. You have Hope, one of the three precious Gifts - Faith, Hope, and Love. I don't think you are naive at all, and the world needs our prayers. Blessings xoxo
DeleteIt is difficult to even believe such a horrible thing has happened. Like you I remember Christchurch as a calm and pretty place. So much sadness now.
ReplyDeleteHi Caitlinsgrandma, it has indeed been difficult to believe: these awful events have happened far away, but now much closer to home. Lovely Christchurch was never a place you could imagine becoming a target. So sad to watch their Prime Minister as she consoles the families and leads her nation.
DeleteThis is a very nice post, Patricia. It is such a tragedy what happened in New Zealand. It must be deeply sentimental for you, as you visited this church in 2011. The weeping willow, the pink rose, and the birds on the video are what we need now in this world. I wish people would spend more time in nature - it is a place where all is good and right with the world.
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
I do hope we can return to Christchurch, a lovely city, even to pay our respects as well as enjoy their nice climate and pretty scenery. Nature is so soothing - I agree with you, people should get out there in the fresh air and sunshine, and less time inside on the internet!!
DeleteSuch a beautiful post thank you dear Patricia.
ReplyDeleteHaving spent time in Christchurch you will naturally have feelings of "how could this happen in such a lovely city".
I haven't been back since the earthquakes but we have plans for a South Island road trip in April next year to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We spent our honeymoon down south and it is a special place to visit in Autumn.
I was at a concert of Kiri's in the Auckland Domain years ago and her finaal song was Pokarekare Ana. It was a beautiful balmy summers evening, so special, I will never forget it.
Much love
Shane💕💕💕
Thank you dear Shane. How exciting having your 50th wedding anniversary coming up (and we are not so far behind you!) We went to a Kiri concert here in Brisbane, also quite a few years ago, and I loved it. Always enjoyed her work, and remember when she sang at the wedding of Charles and Diana. Much love, will catch up when we ever get back over the 'ditch' :) xxx
DeleteI heard her sing with the NZSO which was unforgettable too,!
DeleteShe was another prodigy of Dame Sister Mary Leo a Mercy nun who had an amazing gift in voice production. She also trained Dame Malvina Major and Nina Foley. Nina went to the same church and during the hymns suddenly her voice could be heard spiralling to the top notes.....like an Angel.... it makes me goosey just thinking of those moments!
I was shocked too and saddened that terriorism has spread to peaceful New Zealand. I am at a loss for words. Thoughts and prayers for the families.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely church and town. I hope to visit the country and wonderful, dear people someday.
So sad, it is, or was, a beautiful town, with lots of flowers and a pleasant climate. Everyone is still in shock.
DeleteWhat an atrocity, it was headline news here too even we are exactly at the other side of the globe. It's sad to see the pictures of Christchurch before the quake. We visited in 2014 and it was unrecognisable. I'm hoping it is looking much less devastated now. I didn't know how they planned to get people back in the city, but I am sure they have found a way.
ReplyDeleteHeadline news - just as it is here, as part of the Commonwealth I suppose. I saw that Prince Harry and Meghan visited the NZ High Commissioner, as the most recent Royal visitors to that country. The earthquake was terrible, and today I saw on TV a shot of the beautiful Cathedral, still not repaired. Perhaps it will never happen. We will have to visit and find out.
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ReplyDeleteHi Pat this was so sad to hear ,the world is becoming a worrisome place,so sad for all the families xx
ReplyDeleteSo true, the world is becoming worrisome indeed. So sad in that beautiful city. x
DeleteThank you for praying for my son, Patricia. I appreciate that very much. He is home now and healing and doing better. Such a scary thing, but so thankful he's Ok. I am blessed with blog friends like you who are always there when we need them the most. : )
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
Dear Sheri, So pleased your son is home now. I hope he continues to mend, and has no long-term effects. All the best, xx
DeleteIt should always a wise idea to keep it up-to-date and eye-catching.
ReplyDeletesatta king The resume alone will not decide your eligibility for the intended position.