Auckland Eucharistic Convention

26/01/2026

The Michael's Arrow Project is an online group of grandparents and other individuals concerned about where the godless secular culture is leading the younger generation, who are bombarded with anti christian ideology day after day. We have weekly emails out to members such as the following article by Peter Bain which we invite you to read. The only cost to join the Michael's Arrow Project is the promise to say a little prayer to St Michael the Archangel for each other often, in this way we hope to build a powerful online praying community under the guidance and protection of the great heavenly warrior; ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL.

To join the Michael's Arrow Project simply go to the website https://michaelsarrow.com and sign up.

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The following article by Australian Peter Bain published in Australia's Daily Declaration is worth reading. We can't carry on with our head in the sand thinking everything is alright in the world, when the reality tells a different story. Peter Bain is a local government councillor in Manningham and the Business Manager at Plenty Valley Christian College.

The Enduring Influence of Demonic Spirits Behind Modern Movements

From the s*xual revolution to Indigenous spirituality, today’s ‘enlightened’ movements may carry the same seductive spirits that once plagued Israel. Discover how modern culture is echoing ancient deception in surprising ways.

Angel of light, I see you glow in the night
But you only bring darkness to my soul
Angel of light, You’re telling me wrong is right
I won’t let your evil take control
They follow in your footsteps not knowing that you fell
Bumper to bumper on the freeway to hell
You lead them into wrong and you make it look so right
You lead them into darkness and make them think you lead
them into light
But I know where you’re going, too bad you’re not alone
If it wasn’t for the real light I might have never known
You got the clergy working overtime to widen the narrow way
You’ve got politicians everywhere listening to what you say
You’ve got false apostles teaching lies perverting the only
way
You’ve got principalities and powers waiting to obey
You’ve got philosophies and vain deceits lying to deceive
You’ve got hate, and greed, ungodly lusts in the deadly web
you weave
Somehow you’ve got so many thinking you’re not even there
One look is all it takes to get them blinded by your glare

The power of these incisive lyrics from Petra’s 1981 hit “Angel of Light” is sadly rare in modern Christian music.

As in ancient Israel, the forces of darkness in today’s world and Church do not always present themselves as grotesque or overtly evil. Instead, they often masquerade as enlightened causes or movements, Trojan horses filled with ancient spirits disguised in progressive language.

As ancient idols such as Baal, Ashtoreth, Molech, and Tammuz seduced Israel with promises of prosperity, fertility, safety, and religious pluralism, their spiritual successors continue to manifest through modern-day movements that initially appear compassionate, inclusive, or socially necessary. Yet, they may carry within them subtle yet powerful forces that erode biblical truth.

1. Ashtoreth and the Sexual Revolution: The Spirit Behind the LGBT Movement

The goddess Ashtoreth (also Astarte or Ishtar) was associated with fertility, gender fluidity, and temple prostitution. Her ancient cults blurred s*xual boundaries and exalted sensual experience over covenantal truth. When unmasked, it is this ancient spirit operating behind today’s radical redefinitions of s*x and identity.

In the LGBT movement, particularly in its more militant or ideological branches, we see echoes of Ashtoreth’s ancient spirit:

Gender confusion and inversion of natural order (Romans 1:26–27).
Celebration of pride as a virtue, a direct affront to biblical humility (James 4:6).
Dismantling of traditional marriage, which is God’s prophetic image of Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31–32).

While followers of Christ must always affirm the dignity of every human being and the call to love all people, there is a distinction between love and affirmation of sin. When churches bless same-s*x unions or install leaders living in open rebellion to biblical s*xual ethics, they are unwittingly submitting to the spirit of Ashtoreth, a seductive force calling evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20).

2. Molech and Modern Sacrifices: The Cost of Convenience

Molech, the Ammonite god, required child sacrifice. His modern manifestation is the normalisation of abortion, often justified by economic or social pressures. Often framed as a matter of “rights” or “healthcare” since Roe v Wade in 1972, a conservative estimate of global abortions in 3.5 billion, a staggering 40% of the earth’s current population.

Even in some churches, the silence on this issue or the redefinition of life and moral agency reflects a chilling accommodation with Molech’s ancient demands. The shedding of innocent blood, whether in Canaan or in a modern clinic, still cries out to God (Genesis 4:10).

3. Baal and the Idolatry of Progress

Baal represented power, prosperity, and weather, the forces that governed agriculture and wealth. In modern form, Baal’s spirit whispers through consumerism, the prosperity gospel, and the idolisation of human achievement.

Movements or ideologies that prioritise material success or economic redistribution over spiritual regeneration may be, at their root, driven by the spirit of Baal.

The spirit of Baal demands loyalty through compromise. In churches, this may manifest as self-help sermons, stripped of Scripture, that preach success without sanctification.

4. Tammuz and the Spirituality of Victimhood: Reinterpreting Indigenous Reconciliation

Tammuz was mourned with ritual weeping (Ezekiel 8:14), a symbol of spiritual lament that was ultimately fruitless because it substituted ritual emotion for real repentance and return to Yahweh. Today, some elements of Indigenous spirituality and reconciliation movements may unintentionally serve as spiritual Trojan horses.

While Christians rightly affirm the call to justice, healing, and reconciliation for Indigenous peoples, especially in nations like Canada, Australia, and the United States, concerns arise when:

Churches incorporate non-Christian spiritual practices (e.g., acknowledgement of country rituals) into Christian worship.
Reconciliation becomes a new gospel of collective guilt rather than personal salvation in Christ.
Victimhood is elevated above victory in Christ.

True reconciliation comes only through the cross (2 Corinthians 5:18–19), not through the sacralisation of tribal spirits or cultural deities. Mixing Christian worship with Indigenous rituals is actually giving way to ancient spirits like Dagon or Chemosh under the guise of cultural respect.

The Church’s Complicity: The Jezebel Spirit Within

Jesus rebuked the church in Thyatira for tolerating the woman “Jezebel”, who called herself a prophetess and led God’s servants into s*xual immorality and idolatry (Revelation 2:20). Today, the Jezebel spirit thrives not only in secular culture but within the Church:

Progressive theologians redefine sin and salvation.
False prophetic voices bless unbiblical relationships and syncretism.
Ungodly leaders fear public backlash more than divine judgment.

This demonic entity thrives where truth is compromised in the name of ‘inclusion’, ‘tolerance’, or political expedience. Her end is always the same: apostasy, judgment, and death (Revelation 2:21–23).

Discernment in the Age of the Angel of Light

Satan still masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), offering causes that seem just, paths that appear compassionate and identities that feel authentic. But ultimately, these false causes lead away from God’s truth. The spirits of Baal, Ashtoreth, Molech, Jezebel and others are not dead; they are repackaged.

Believers must test every spirit (1 John 4:1), hold fast to sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3–4), and remember that cultural relevance must never come at the cost of biblical faithfulness.

In this spiritual war, silence is not neutrality, it is surrender. The Church must rise in discernment, love, and uncompromising truth, exposing the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11) and standing firm for the light of Christ.

03/08/2025

Rarely in life do you meet someone who leaves an indelible impression on you. Father Chris Riley was one of those individuals for me.

Father Chris of Australia died on 1st August at the age of 70. What an incredible man he was.

In 2008, I picked him up from Auckland Airport when he arrived to speak at the Auckland Eucharistic Convention. From the moment we met, I could sense his intensity. At one point he said to me, ‘I’m not like your usual Catholic priest, John. My methods are not always understood by those in Church authority. However, I must do what I must.’ His single-mindedness left a lasting impression on me.

My colleague at those conventions, Bill Moore, and my wife, Beth Porteous, were equally moved by the dedication of this humble priest and his hands-on approach to helping young people in desperate need.

Here is the Australian News Item about the death of Father Chris:

https://youtu.be/6RG1QJPOeyI?si=K4DfcQN2CA31-dMZ

Alex Woolnough of the Australian Catholic Weekly paid the following tribute to Father Chris:

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Founder of non-profit youth services organisation Youth Off The Streets (YOTS) and Salesian priest Fr Chris Riley AM has passed away aged 70.

His death was announced via the organisation’s Instagram page on 1 August, with YOTS chairperson Anne Fitzgerald paying tribute to his relentless desire to help New South Wales and Queensland children overcome their living situations.

“[Fr Riley] was a tireless advocate for homeless and disadvantaged youth, and he inspired and changed thousands of young lives,” she said.

“Fr Riley will be remembered for his compassion, tenacity and unwavering belief that every young person deserves the chance to reach their full potential.”

Fr Riley established YOTS in 1991, beginning with a single food van delivering meals to young homeless people on the streets of Kings Cross.

The charity expanded into Queensland in 2013, with YOTS now providing around 1600 homeless youth with housing and around 1200 First Nations Australians with support each year.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Fr Riley had “a heart as big as the country he served.” “He gave hope to young people doing it tough, and never gave up on anyone,” he said. “He was a good friend and his legacy will live on in the lives he changed.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed “profound sadness” at the loss of the “visionary” Fr Riley. “Fr Riley turned a single food van in Kings Cross into a lifesaving network of crisis accommodation, counselling and other wrap around support services,” he said. “Fr Riley believed there is no child born bad, only circumstances to overcome, and he spent over three decades proving that with compassion and opportunity, young lives can be transformed.”

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman also released a statement, saying NSW had lost “a quiet giant,” and someone who provided, “tens and thousands of young people… a sanctuary and a second chance.”

“Fr Chris Riley didn’t just serve the young and vulnerable, he gave them back their future. Where others saw brokenness, he saw potential. Where others walked away, he leaned in,” he said.

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In 2008 Father Chris gave two talks at our Convention, I include links to the videos of those talks below, to view t your leisure.

TALK ONE: HOPE THROUGH CHURCH AGENCIES:

https://youtu.be/JKz3_XaXlv0?si=X0I0SA_ijB_sOJVE

TALK TWO: FROM HOPELESSNESS TO HOPE

https://youtu.be/0s8Qg_TRUdA?si=KMtU4_On5_cu5F7w

Father Chris was a Guardian Angel for many otherwise lost youth, may he rest in peace

Father Chris Riley AM, who spoke at our Eucharistic Convention in 2008, has just been named NSW Australian of the Year 2012Twenty years ago, Father Chris Ril...

01/08/2025

ARCHANGEL MICHAEL IS SO POWERFUL

He is alive and well at the Old Ascension!

Last Sunday, at the invitation of my brother Mark Church, Beth, I and some of our family visited the new property at his parish of Warkworth, just north of Auckland. The parish has recently relocated from the town centre having purchased the Ascension Wine Estate which was on the market for sale. As it turns out, it is a perfect property for the new Catholic Parish Church.

It was a beautiful Sunday Mass presided by the parish priest Father Brian Lange, with the added surprise of the attendance of many seminarians, one of whom gave a testimony of what attracted him to start studies for the priesthood. It was a lovely testimony appreciated by the attentive audience.

Then the big surprise. When the Mass was over the celebrants came down and stood at the foot of the altar and led the congregation in the St Michael Prayer which was wonderful to experience. The celebrants then processed out to conclude the Mass.

After Mass Mark introduced me to Trish Coupe who is one of the members of the Michael's Arrow Project. Trish explained how the St Michael Prayer was introduced to the parish: "I had mentioned to Fr Brian a few times how as a child I remember every Sunday we recited it after Mass and I said with the state of the world we should be saying it every Sunday after Mass. But it wasn't until our new Pope was elected and I pointed out the significance of the "Pope Leo" name and that Leo XIII had instituted this prayer that we got ourselves into gear and started reciting it after Mass and long May it continue!"

Well done Trish, your persistence has paid off and you now have a wonderful protector of the Faith, St Michael the Archangel watching over your parish and its people. May other parishes follow suit, our country badly needs the protection of St Michael the Archangel.

Let us continue to pray for each other, our families and acquaintance so we continue to build an online praying community under the protection of Archangel Michael. People can sign up via our website:

https://michaelsarrow.com

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Father Patrick Briscoe OP of the United States explains what makes St Michael so Powerful:

Catholics of a certain age will remember reciting a set of prayers after Mass called the Leonine Prayers. Introduced by Pope Pius IX in 1859, the prayers were offered in the Papal States for the protection of the Holy See’s temporal independence. The prayers included, among other things, three Hail Marys and the Hail Holy Queen.

A few decades later, facing an extreme anti-clericalism in Italy, Leo XIII added the Prayer to St. Michael to the Leonine Prayers and asked that they be recited by Catholics throughout the world. Following the Lateran Treaty in 1929, Pius XI ordered that they be said for the conversion of Russia. The practice was suppressed in 1965 as part of the reform of the liturgy following the Second Vatican Council.

-Back in popularity
In some places the custom of praying the St. Michael Prayer after Mass has seen a resurgence. The St. Michael Prayer holds a special place in the hearts of many Catholics, not just for its historical significance but for the profound spiritual shield it provides. It is a reminder that, as we continue on our pilgrimage on this side of eternity, we are not alone. The Archangel Michael stands ready to assist us in our battles against the forces of hell that seek to undermine our faith and virtue.

The prayer itself is a simple yet profound expression of reliance on God’s protection:

“St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God, cast into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”

In 1994, Pope St. John Paul II said, “Although this prayer is no longer recited at the end of Mass, I ask everyone not to forget it and to recite it to obtain help in the battle against the forces of darkness and against the spirit of this world.” Valuable to Pope John Paul II, we might ask, what makes the St. Michael Prayer so powerful?

First, the prayer invokes St. Michael, the “Prince of the heavenly hosts,” who commands the legions of angels. Pope Francis has explained the archangel’s work, saying, “Michael fights to re-establish divine justice. He defends the people of God from their enemies, especially the enemy par excellence, the devil.” The prayer is a call for divine reinforcement in our spiritual battles, providing us with the armor we need to withstand temptation and evil.

Second, by praying the St. Michael Prayer, we acknowledge the reality of spiritual warfare. It reminds us that the devil and evil spirits are active in the world, seeking to lead us away from God. Our plea for St. Michael’s defense is a declaration of our commitment to resist these forces.

Third, we submit ourselves humbly to God’s protection and St. Michael’s intercession in this prayer. This act of surrender reflects our dependence on divine grace. It is a prayer of trust, declaring our hope in God’s plan for our lives.

Finally, the St. Michael Prayer is a unifying force for Catholics. It transcends cultural boundaries, uniting believers in a shared understanding of the spiritual battles we face. Accordingly, it fosters a sense of community among Catholics worldwide.
While the world around us grapples with spiritual challenges and the relentless forces of darkness, the St. Michael Prayer shines. It is a timeless beacon of hope and strength for Catholics everywhere. Pope St. John Paul II’s plea for its continued recitation echoes in our ears. As we navigate the complexities of this world, let us not forget the power of the St. Michael Prayer - a call to arms, a declaration of faith and a reminder of the protective strength that the Archangel Michael offers.

27/05/2025

Grandparents seeking the protection of St Michael the Archangel for their grandchildren. Join up to pray for your young ones, even if you're not grandparents yet!

15/05/2025

13/09/2024

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS2msvH8Q/

Check out Michael’s Arrow’s post.

16/05/2024

THE EUCHARISTIC CONVENTIONS
PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ASKING ABOUT THEIR FUTURE

The conventions certainly are missed, I hear that from many people. It was lovely to get together every year and listen to great speakers talk about their faith journey. It lifts the soul, doesn't it? At least the videos of many are still online, and still getting a lot of views.

Deacon Mark Rivalland and I have had many discussions about what could be done to rejuvenate these events, and we both agree it would be wonderful to make it all happen again. Realistically though, that is simply not possible for a number of reasons.

Deacon Mark is a very busy man now-a-days, with most of his spare time being taken up with his work as Catholic Chaplain at North Shore Hospital, the training of Deacons for the Auckland Diocese and much more. When he met with Bishop Steve some time back to discuss "where to from here" in regards this convention, Bishop Steve suggested that a smaller event may be the way to go. That idea among others is in the think tank for future consideration.

The convention website still has a good following, so I have offered to monitor it in the short term, adding content as time allows. There are still a lot of visitors coming to the website so it makes sense to us to keep it going as an evangelical online tool, if nothing else. So that's what we'll do. Down the line, who knows, perhaps we could bring people together for a one day programme or similar. It would be lovely to catch up with each other again.

SOMETHING NEW: Bernard Moran, long time NZ Catholic journalist and I are working on an online outreach called The Michael's Arrow Project. It is coming along well. Our objective is to target the young ones who have lost their way and are in danger of losing their souls. Michael the Archangel will help them, but they first need to know about him. This project is also for parents and grandparents who see their young family members, or their friends young ones going off the rails. Most say, "what can we do about it". We say, "we must do something about it", we need to put something out there to catch the eyes of the young ones that will hopefully lead them back to the right path.

In the news every day now there is violence, hatred, murder, robberies, ram raids etc. It was not like this when the early conventions were happening, but look how far we've fallen from truth.

As it is turning out, this is a very important work. Many will remember the prayer to St Michael being said after Mass in most parishes in our country. Sadly, in our day and age, devotion to Archangel Michael has been put on the back burner, perhaps it's time to bring him back into the consciousness of Catholic culture.

We will also talk to any interested groups about the project, especially young people's groups. In a Catholic setting, though, the parish priest would need to agree to us talking about the project in his parish.

Nice catching up again

John Porteous
Custodian of the Michael's Arrow Project
Email: [email protected]

PS: Below is an article about the project written by my colleague, Bernard Moran. Have a read and see what you think

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The Michael's Arrow Project

Adolescents, teenagers and young adults live out their lives in social media these days. Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Tik Tok are each in their own ways fascinating and addictive.

In a recent interview with the Catholic Herald (UK), Catholic convert George Farmer, the founder of Parler, described modern social media:“If you put someone in a room with a drug, eventually they are going to take the drug. We are expecting people who are poorly formed from a virtue perspective to be highly virtuous online. Social media is not the problem. Social media is a catalyst which then causes systemic problems. The fundamental problem is that people who are using this type of communication do not have Christ as their centre. If I look at the social media of some people in our community back home in the US, it is centred around Christ. These people are well-formed and have a scriptural understanding. And you contrast that with other people who clearly do not have Christ at the centre of their lives; well, it is often obscene. They know that the Internet wants this, so they put it up because they have no inner spiritual life. If you sign up to Big Tech, you sign up to being connected, and ifyou have Christ at the centre of everything you do, you can use it as a force for good. But if you sign up and you have nothing inside of you, then you inherently take in what is out there, which is often evil, so you become a consumer and you cultivate your own internal life and become formed by what is out there.”

That last sentence captures the spiritual dangers for the unwary, especially when so-called “influencers” are so attractive and well, influential. Have you heard of “Jazz”? He or she, is a major influencer advocating that you can find true happiness through “transitioning” to a new gender. Jazz is a social media version of the Pied Piper, reaching out to those adolescents who are experiencing loneliness and dissatisfaction with their own body and gender. I’ll give you an example of what can happen. One of my daughters had a visit from a distraught neighbour whose 18-year-old son arrived home on holiday from Victoria University. Whilst there, he had come to believe that he needed to transition to become a female. His friends (mainly girls) encouraged him. He went to see a university counsellor who approved and arranged for him to embark on medical treatment. His mother was horrified at the physical changes to her beloved son and because of his age, her powerlessness.

In New Zealand, schools can sign up for the Inside Out s*xuality and diversity education programme run by Rainbow Youth and funded by the Ministry for Social Development. Ostensibly it’s about bullying, but the real agenda is promoting transitioning to students who could be vulnerable to gender dysphoria. I was reading about the plight of parents in the USA who have lost their teenage sons or daughters to su***de, influenced by dark forces on social media. It’s tempting to throw up one’s hands and cry: “It’s all too hard Lord! What can I do? I can’t protect my children, or grandchildren from this stuff!” Yes, the modern world can seem like Gotham city and we need a Batman to fightthe evildoers.

This is where St Michael the Archangel comes in and the battlefield on which he seeks to wield his mighty sword, is social media. St Michael knows all about Satan and his legions of demons, how they operate, their snares and their wiles. God chose St Michael to command the good angels and drive the rebellious evil ones from Heaven. Jesus stunned his apostles with this revelation of his Godhead: “I saw Satan fall like lightening from the sky.” Satan and the demons fear St Michael and his terrible sword. The times are such that St Michael is ready and willing to help vulnerable youth in a new way. We believe that the website “michaelsarrow.com” can serve as his lighthouse tothose in peril. When they learn about St Michael, if they so choose, they can seek his help and be rescued to reach a safe harbour.

There is more good news. Thanks to the amazing technological advances now available through Artificial Intelligence (AI) we can act as St Michael’s agents, making him known on a global scale. The Michael’s Arrow project has the potential to be an outreach to the whole of our common humanity, as is written in Genesis 1:26: “Let us make human beings in our own image, after our likeness.”

It is reported that Our Blessed Mother Mary recently warned the seers at Medjugorje: “Satan is growing in strength…” It is likely that she is referring to the contemporary evidence of godliness and sinful rebellion among young people as they embrace the occult, drugs, po*******hy and abortion on an unprecedented scale.You may remember the popular Pan paperback novels of the British author Denis Wheately in the 1950s. They featured occult themes, although he strictly warned his readers to avoid any involvement out of curiosity. His most famous novel was The Devil Rides Out, with its lurid cover of Satan and his demons on horseback riding out of Hell. Well, Satan has ridden into New Zealand, Australia, Britain, Europe, America and the rest of the western worldand we are witnesses to the result.

God has given us St Michael for spiritual warfare in such a time as this, under the banner of Michael’s Arrow. We invite you to look at the website, see foryourself the new wonders of artistry made possible through AI and (if you feel so inclined) join “michaelsarrow.com”.

Bernard Moran
Custodian of the Michael's Arrow Project
Email: [email protected]

michaelsarrow.com

25/04/2024

Father Chris Brady died on 17 April 2024. He spoke at out 2007 Eucharistic Convention about the Immaculate and Sacred Hearts. Rest in Peace, Father Chris, you have fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the Faith. We invite you to watch this recording of the talk he gave in 2007

At our 2007 Eucharistic Convention local priest Father Chris Brady who looks after Devonport Parish on the North Shore of Auckland City spoke about devotion ...

12/04/2024

https://youtu.be/UzCPu_lEhe8?si=aSPMerS8GsDSG_Ly

For my keynote talk at the 2020 L.A. Religious Education Congress, I spoke about the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Vatican II says that the Euchar...

12/04/2024

https://youtu.be/xHkBaUBzXlY?si=5iQJFgX-v0jDlOuP

Pastor Benny Hinn gave testimony about the Holy Communion and healing power in the Blood of Jesus Christ (Eucharist) in Catholic church

09/04/2024

THIS MONTH, APRIL 2024, IT IS 30 YEARS SINCE OUR FIRST AUCKLAND CONVENTION

In that time we have promoted the Sacrament of the Real Presence in the Eucharist

We have promoted this Eucharistic Presence both online and in person,
bringing guest speakers to New Zealand from around the world to share their insights with those gathered to hear them on an annual basis.
Since COVID it has been difficult to continue with the annual events, and so, for the meantime, we will continue to promote this beautiful sacrament through our online facilities.
To start with we will upload appropriate videos or other Eucharistic Promotional material that we believe will be helpful to some of our website visitors.

Please enjoy this first video presented by DANIEL – THE JEWISH CATHOLIC

I've shared my story on other channels but I wanted to share it here as well. Apologies for the voice... i'm a bit sick in this video. Also, trying out a new...

18/12/2023

NOTICE FROM DEACON MARK RIVALLAND, DECEMBER 18, 2023

Wishing you all a happy and holy Christmas, and a fruitful new year.

Dear supporters of the Eucharistic Convention

It is timely for me to update you as to the future of this convention.

After meeting with Bishop Steve some months back it was concluded that a smaller type of event would probably be more effective going forward rather than the large and rather costly events that have graced the convention over what is now twenty nine years, excluding the Covid years where it couldn't be held.
For my part, I am now heavily involved in the training of Deacons for the Auckland Diocese, in addition to my role as the Catholic Chaplain at North Shore Hospital. I also need to spend time with my family, which is so necessary in this day and age. Given my current workload, I will not be able to dedicate the time required to any other apostolate. This will mean, of course, I will not be involved in any revamp of a Eucharistic Convention style event.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support over the years that I have been director of the Eucharistic Convention, especially during the covid years when positive planning was impossible. It has truly been a privilege to spearhead this wonderful event.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, though. Over the last few months I have been meeting with your previous convention director, John Porteous, and Bernard Moran, who with his wife Annetta have been heavily involved in "VOICE FOR LIFE" for many years. Some of you may remember the publication NZ TABLET which was discontinued in 1996, Bernard was a journalist for that publication. As concerned grandparents, given the pressure placed on young people in our secular world today, John and Bernard want to bring St Michael the Archangel back into Catholic consciousness. In years past the prayer to St Michael was said after each Mass, perhaps it's time to re-establish this practice? One of St Michael's titles is Guardian of the Blessed Eucharist, and so re-establishing devotion to this magnificent Archangel would seem to be an appropriate activity as a follow-on from these Eucharistic Conventions.

To that end, I have invited John and Bernard to update you on their plans, and if you like what they have on offer you might like to support their new venture as you have supported the convention over many years. Next year it will be thirty years since the first Auckland Eucharistic Convention, which seems to be an appropriate anniversary to launch a similar apostolate configured for the current age.

John and Bernard will send out a notice of their St Michael's Project early in the new year.

With every Blessing
Deacon Mark Rivalland
18 December, 2023

PS: Tomorrow will be the 13th anniversary of the sudden death of our initial spiritual advisor to the Eucharistic Conventions, Monsignor Paul Cronin. Please remember him in your prayers.