St Mary’s College rugby sevens rising star
St Mary’s College Wellington produced the first contracted schoolgirl Black Fern, Dhys Faleafaga, and now the youngest ever schoolgirl Black Fern at 17, Justine McGregor.
Welcom Archive 2007-2026
WelCom is the monthly newspaper of the Archdiocese of Wellington. Print copies of the eight-page newsletter are free and available in parishes, and sent to parishes and schools in PDF form. The archive contains WelCom stories published from 2007 to 2026 (May).
State of the Nation – successes but growing socio-economic challenges too
Amidst the country’s deepening cost-of-living crisis, the Salvation Army’s State of the Nation 2024 report pinpoints the growing socio-economic challenges facing New Zealanders.
Community reflections – a year on from Cyclone Gabrielle
Throughout the Hawke’s Bay, Wairoa and Tai Rāwhiti districts, on 14 February 2024 thousands turned out for dawn hīkoi, services, karakia and community events to remember the devastation Cyclone Gabrielle caused one year ago – turning lives, livelihoods and homes upside down – and the ongoing impact it has had on people.
Caritas: the agency of peace
Pope Francis denounced the killing of civilians amid ongoing conflicts around the world, including in Gaza and Ukraine in an address in January to diplomats accredited to the Vatican. He said, ‘modern wars no longer take place only on clearly defined battlefields, nor do they involve soldiers alone.’
Synod on Synodality resumes in October
The next session of the sixteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops – the Synod on Synodality – will take place in October this year.
Church concerned about rise of far-right parties
The Catholic Church in Germany has expressed its concern over the rise of far-right, anti-Semitic, and anti-democratic groups that are gaining increased support among the German electorate ahead of the European Parliament elections in June, and other important regional and local polls to be held this year.
Humanity on ‘brink of the abyss’ – Pope
Pope Francis says today’s wars and conflicts have put humanity on the brink of the abyss and has called for a global ceasefire.
First Catholic leader for Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland, known for its entrenched Protestant majority, saw a monumental shift as Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill secured the necessary cross-community votes to become the region’s first Catholic leader.
Pope to visit Venice Biennale
Pope Francis will travel to Venice on 28 April to visit the local Church community and the 2024 Venice Art Biennale.
Church calls for return of ‘stolen’ panels
The Church in the Philippines has demanded the return of ‘stolen’ pulpit panels now on display at the National Museum in Manila.