This week we are heading into Easter, the main festival in the Christian calendar. Good Friday is on 19th April, with Easter Sunday following. Services in the Riccarton area include:
A large number of planned vigils and events around Canterbury and New Zealand are being held over the next few days in commemoration of the massacres on 15 March. The main events in Christchurch are:
The March for Love (https://www.facebook.com/events/615538675578234/) will be held in North Hagley Park on Saturday 23 March at 10am. All public transport, including the Diamond Harbour ferry, will be free between 7am and 2pm.
The Christchurch City Council also advises the following:
Environment Canterbury has announced it will provide free public transport for anyone wishing to attend the two community-led gatherings mentioned above, arranged for this weekend. Bus service will run to their usual timetables and we’re advising people to allow extra time for their journey.
A condolence book has been set up on the ground floor of the central library, Tūranga, where people can leave messages of support and sympathy. Tūranga is open from 8am until 8pm on weekdays, and from 10am until 5pm at weekends.
The Great Hall at the Arts Centre of Christchurch in Worcester Boulevard is open as a place of reflection and gathering. All are welcome.
Prayers to mark last Friday's tragic mosque massacres were said in four languages (Korean, Chinese, Maori and English) at the Connect Day at Harrington Park this afternoon. The short ceremony was part of the annual Connect Day, which brings together the incoming student intake at University and residents from the local community. There was also an opportunity to people attending to write short tributes and messages of support for the Muslim community.