Everybody needs a friend and the Cathedral Cat is no exception. Join Viva as he looks for a friend from among the animals in the art-work of our cathedral. The solution to his loneliness is paradoxically obvious and surprising – and one that is as true for us as for him.

Written and illustrated by Christine Nelson, this little book is ideal for reading aloud to children, as an opportunity to discuss faith – or to develop familiarity with some of the things that can be seen in the Cathedral – or simply to enjoy a story with a happy outcome.

Proceeds from the sale of the book ($10 a copy) will go towards the C150 Organ and Cathedral Restoration appeal. For sale in the Cathedral Shop from 21/2/16

‘Wanted: One Friend’ was launched following the 10.30am service on Sunday 21st February, 2016.

Cathedral Shop Convenor Pauline Brooks OAM launched the book:

They say that  ‘In the beginning God created man but seeing him so feeble, he gave him the cat!’ They say that ‘Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as Gods – cats have never forgotten this.’  They also say ‘There are many intelligent species in the universe. They are all owned by cats!”

Here in St Peter s we are fortunate to have in Viva a cat with a long memory of God like status and his ‘pet’ and owner Christine, a talented and gifted member of our species!

In the last three years we have come to know Christine as Mrs Dean, warm Welcomer and presence at Cathedral services and events, Viva’s Mother, EFM leader, gifted creator of cards and poems for the shop- but there is and always has been much more!

Before St Peter’s and through her years in South Africa, Hong Kong and New Zealand , while bringing up her family and supporting Frank in his calling, Christine has been Youth Group Leader, Choir Leader, Guest speaker, Youth Ministry Educator for the Diocese, Pre Primary and Primary Teacher for English as a second language in Hong Kong, as well as creative writing, drama, ethics and English teacher for Secondary students in Wellington. Add to this her talents in the theatre, her beautiful singing voice and her ability to intuit, translate and capture her insights in her writing and you have one lucky cat ( and Cathedral) !

Nine years ago Christine was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. That diagnosis and all it entailed did mean, as Christine herself says, that some doors closed but that instead windows were opened. Through one of these windows squeezed Viva the Cathedral cat! With him he brought company, friendship and a relationship not only with Christine but with the Cathedral community and beyond that has enabled his owner to speak her and his insights and tell his, and our stories, stories that touch the truth and need in us all.

One such story we now have before us ‘Wanted: one friend’ written and illustrated by Christine, co- authored of course by Viva!

In Launching this wise and wonderful little book, we look forward to it being read in the Cathedral and beyond in schools and families, to it being a light of understanding , to it bringing many nearer to having a ‘friend in Jesus’.

We thank Christine for her unstinting love and compassion, for sharing her gifts and talents and for this wonderful gift , the proceeds from the sale of which will go towards The Cathedral 150 and the Organ Restoration Project.

 

Pauline Brooks OAM
St Peter’s Cathedral Shop Convenor
21st February 2016