Back to Belgium for historic chalice
A chalice used on the frontlines of battle in World War I is making the journey to Europe once more.
Sacred Heart Parish in Petone farewelled the century-old chalice at a mass last Sunday, sending it on its way to a war exhibition in a Belgian town.
Throughout World War I the chalice was carried by Father James Joseph McMenamin.
Priest Marlon Maylon oversaw the chalice on its way out of the church and blessed both the box it was carried in and the people taking charge of it.
‘‘As parish priest I started to learn about this person and his history.’’
McMenamin’s story was still fresh for many parishioners and many people saw him as a hero. He was a parish priest at Petone when war broke out in Europe in 1914.
He volunteered his services and went to the frontlines of combat, administering to the men. Known as Father Mac to his soldiers, he was killed near Messines, Belgium on June 8, 1917 as he was laying a Catholic soldier to rest.
While reciting the final commendation a shell exploded near him, killing him.
He had been carrying a chalice gifted to him by his parish in Petone.The chalice was returned to the Sacred Heart parish after his death and has been used in masses since. It is given special prominence on Anzac Day services. McMenamin went ashore at Gallipoli on the first day of the landings. In honour of the 100-year anniversary of his death, the chalice will feature in the Mesen Historical Museum in Belgium as part of a ‘‘100 New Zealanders at Messiness’’ exhibition. Fr Maylon gave the chalice to the care of New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) members. ‘‘We will miss this chalice,’’ he said. ’’People are really proud of it and we are so excited about the celebration.’’ The NZDF will fly it to Belgium. Protecting it on the trip is a case constructed of native timber, built by students from nearby St Bernard’s College. The students were present at last Sunday’s mass and performed a haka outside the church to send the NZDF and its cargo off. In Belgium, the chalice will be used in a special service on June 8, the 100 year anniversary of McMenamin’s death. The date was marked in New Zealand as well, with two requiem masses. One at the basilica in Hill St and the second at McMenamin’s home parish Sacred Heart Petone.