Anglican nuns make stole for Pope

Press, 1 September 1986, Page 9

Anglican nuns make stole for Pope

A group of Christchurch Anglican nuns at the Community of The Sacred Name are making an embroidered silk stole for Pope John Paul 11, who win visit New Zealand in November. The stole was being made as a “tangible expression of Christian solidarity and unity, and in recognition of the journey in hope” both denominations shared, said the assistant to the Bishop of Christchurch, the Very Rev. Alan McKenzie.

The narrow piece of material worn round the priest’s shoulders symbolised the yoke of Christ and obedience.

Anglican clergy and laity throughout New Zealand who wanted something to express their solidarity for the visit had been the catalyst for the stole’s being made, said Archdeacon McKenzie.

The sisters of the Community of the Sacred Name ted been asked to make the stole because of

their recognised ability in needlework and embroidery, he said. The stole’s design would have a Maori motif entwined around a cross symbolising the meeting of the Churches around Christ Pope John Paul would be presented with the stole when he visited Christchurch, possibly during the ecumenical service at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, said Archdeacon McKen-

zie. ■ The community of sisters making the. stole were reluctant for publicity and wanted to keep as

low-key as possible in keeping with their busy but peaceful lifestyle, he said. The community of women led a dedicated life of prayer for the local community and for the

churches in the world, and assisted in the parish. Embroidery was one of their special gifts.