Nearly twenty members of the Dominican Family in Auckland gathered on the afternoon of Sunday 5^th May to honour and reflect on St Catherine of Siena.

Margaret Fitzpatrick, a local parishioner at St Dominic’s parish in Blockhouse Bay began our time with a short video on Catherine of Siena. A contemporary icon of Catherine shouldering the “boat of Peter” highlighted the weight of the 14^th century church which Catherine assumed as she confronted various irresponsible and lax popes. The gathered group was invited to explore links between the video and possible issues of our day.

Four short quotations from Catherine’s Dialogue were then distributed for personal reflection and discussion. The themes of the bridge, the fish in the sea, the vineyard, and the soul “as a tree made for love” encouraged fruitful engagement. Afternoon tea ended a lively celebration.