WelCom December 2024/January 2025
The 2024 Advent Calendar and the December 2024/January 2025 edition of Welcom are available here.
Author: Rose Miller
Apostolic Nuncio presents letter of introduction
The new Apostolic Nuncio to New Zealand and the Pacific, Archbishop Gábor Pintér, formally presented his letter of introduction to Bishop Steve Lowe, the President of the New Zealand Bishops Conference, in the presence of New Zealand’s other bishops and four Eastern Rite bishops from Australia and New Zealand, at the 7pm Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Sunday 10 November.
Treaty Principles Bill ‘divisive’ – Church leaders
The Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti, a nationwide protest against the Treaty Principles Bill, culminated in Wellington on 19 November where more than 40,000 participants walked from Waitangi Park through the heart of the city to Parliament grounds.
As the leaders of the Hīkoi arrived at Parliament, the march stretched back through the CBD to Taranaki Street. It is thought to be New Zealand’s largest-ever protest.
A heartfelt Mass of commemoration: honouring Pahiatua’s Polish children and their families
The 80th anniversary celebration of the arrival of Pahiatua’s ‘Polish children’ in 1944, took place from 1 to 3 November 2024. Events were held in Pahiatua and Wellington including a deeply moving traditional Latin Mass at St Mary of the Angels Church to honour the enduring legacy of the Polish children and their families who were brought to New Zealand towards the end of World War II.
Julia Lynch: A Dedicated Life
Exhibition at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata June to September 2025
The Gallery is on a nationwide callout for portraits of students painted by the renowned artist Sr Lawrence (Julia B) Lynch (1896–1975) for inclusion in this upcoming exhibition.
Preparing for Pope Francis’ 2025 Jubilee
One of the things that struck me when I was in Rome for the Synod in October were all the places that were undergoing renovation or restoration or repair in preparation for the Holy Year 2025, which will be begin on 28 December 2024. It is a reminder that so many people will be heading there on pilgrimage next year to celebrate this Jubilee Year of Hope.
Divine Renovation Open House: a nation united for parish renewal
The Catholic Parish of New Plymouth hosted the Divine Renovation Open House, an inspiring event, last month, that gathered over 200 people from every diocese across the country. The attendees included priests, bishops, and lay leaders, all united in their commitment to parish renewal and evangelisation.
Drowning in debt and rising seas
Caritas has released a new report exposing how debt and climate impacts are compounding vulnerabilities in nations like Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga.
Entitled ‘Weathering the Storm’, the report examines the tensions between debt and climate challenges in the Pacific.
Abuse in Care apology
On Tuesday 12 November 2024, survivors of abuse in care received a formal apology from the Government at an event in Parliament that was livestreamed across New Zealand.
The national apology was given by the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, followed by a statement from the Leader of the Opposition, Rt Hon Chris Hipkins.
Archbishop of Canterbury resigns
The Church of England’s most senior bishop, Justin Welby, has resigned ‘in sorrow’, saying he had failed to ensure there was a proper investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps decades ago.