Monsignor Charles Harold Pascal, a much loved and respected priest of the Archdiocese of Wellington, died on 3 January 2024, aged 90, peacefully at Vincentian Home, Berhampore, Wellington. Charles had been recently diagnosed with terminal cancer but died more quickly was expected.
Pope Francis released a new apostolic letter as a motu proprio on 1 November 2023, entitled: Ad Theologiam Promovendam – To Promote Theology, The 1500-word letter, divided into 10 articles, has been described as: ‘presenting an ambitious vision for the renewal of theological pursuit within the life of the Church, cognisant of the shifting cultural landscapes and the Church’s mission in the contemporary world.’ Emeritus Bishop Peter Cullinane of the Palmerston North Diocese comments on Pope Francis’ new letter.
The final segment of this series in which Fr James Lyons has explored titles of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, as found in the 16th century Litany of Loreto.
Recently, I attended a party for a woman celebrating her 100th birthday. Sr Juliana’s 80 years of music ministry as a disciple of Jesus has been sustained by her prayer life. Today she is most often found in the chapel deep in contemplation.
During the month of February 2024 Pope Francis’ intention is: for the terminally ill.
We pray that those with a terminal illness, and their families, receive the necessary physical and spiritual care and accompaniment.
Special Commissioning Masses for Catholic school teachers and staff are held annually to celebrate and begin the new teaching year together. Eucharist and whanaungātanga (connections, relationships) are celebrated and all who serve within each Catholic school and college community are commissioned and blessed in their ministries.
A Kiwi contingent is invited to take part in this year’s international Genfest in Brazil and neighbouring countries from 12–24 July. Organised by the Focolare Movement’s youth arm, Y4UW International, it offers an experience of universal fraternity for thousands of young people from around the world.
Every year is unique and has its issues and challenges and 2023 was no exception. Adverse weather, which repeatedly impacted on Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, and the East Coast of the North Island, including Gisborne and the Hawke’s Bay, was particularly challenging.
Three students have been awarded the Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert Tertiary Scholarship to assist them in completing their studies in 2024.
The Sisters thank the Home of Compassion Trust Board who make this possible, and congratulate the following students on their successful applications.
As part of the Catholic Parish of the Wairarapa, St Patrick’s School Masterton and St Mary’s School Carterton combined to celebrate First Communion for 30 children on the Feast of Christ the King, Sunday, 26 November last year. The children are pictured with parish priest Fr Bruce England on the altar at St Patrick’s Church, Masterton. (Fr Bruce been appointed parish priest for Levin in 2024.)