From a Catholic Mass at 8am with birdsong beside a clear running river, to an Anglican Communion in the midst of a bustling city, to a circle of prayer with waves lapping on the shore, pilgrims of the Hutt Valley blessed and were blessed by Te Awa Kairangi – ‘river of great value’ – in a prayer walk along the Hutt River trail on 11 September.
The Diocese of Palmerston North held its annual Mass to celebrate the Jubilees of priestly ordination, at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit on 11 October. Cardinal John Dew was presider of the Mass, supported by bishops and several priests from across the diocese as well as hundreds of parishioners, friends and whānau.
The Synod on Synodality will be extended to 2024, with the assembly meetings to be held in Rome over two sessions in October 2023 and October 2024.
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Council for Young People (CYP) met in Palmerston North last month for their biannual meeting. The council serves the national bishops’ conference and advises in matters about young Church across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ahead of World Youth Day 2023, a Vatican official has praised the creativity of youth and said they ought to be protagonists not only in the event, but also in the organisational process.
Strong college player in women’s rugby, St Mary’s College Wellington, has had success this year with the local derbies, reports Mark Hurley, the college’s Head of Social Sciences.
With the Women’s Rugby World Cup being showcased in New Zealand during 2022, it is appropriate to reflect on the growth of Women’s Rugby within Wellington Club Rugby.
Sam (Hami) Doyle died on 1 October 2022 aged 52. Far too young! But he packed a lot into his life.
The World Day of the Poor is commemorated annually on the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar, which this year falls on 13 November. In this year’s message themed, ‘For your sakes Christ became poor (2 Cor. 8:9)’, Pope Francis recalled the words of St Paul to the Christians of Corinth, to encourage their efforts to show solidarity with their brothers and sisters in need. The Pope noted the World Day this year comes ‘as a healthy challenge, helping us to reflect on our style of life and on the many forms of poverty all around us.’
When Tony McBride was announced as the new principal for Whanganui’s Cullinane College at Sunday Eucharist in St Mary’s Church last month, the congregation applauded with their congratulations.