There have been lots of things happening around our Diocese over the past month – have a read of some of them below!
Three Parishioners Receive the Papal Benemerenti Award
On Sunday, March 2, 2025, the parish of Immaculate Conception in Stratford gathered for a special Mass led by Bishop John, a momentous occasion that celebrated faith, service, and dedication within our community. It was during this Mass that three esteemed parishioners received a rare and prestigious honour—the Papal Benemerenti Award.
The Papal Benemerenti Award is a distinguished honour granted by the Pope to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to the Church. This prestigious recognition acknowledges long-term dedication and commitment to supporting the Church’s mission in various ways. It serves as a symbol of gratitude and appreciation for their contributions, making it a rare and meaningful distinction.
For the three recipients —Thomas Gibson, Michael Walsh, and Barbara Kuriger—this award is a tribute to their tireless service within their parish community. Their unwavering dedication is evident in their roles as readers at Mass, their contributions to church maintenance, and their leadership in various parish activities. Additionally, they have actively participated in outreach programs such as the afternoon tea for senior citizens, fostering connections within the broader community. Their efforts in educating others about the Catholic faith further embody the spirit of evangelization, ensuring that the Church’s message reaches new hearts and minds.
The last Benemerenti Award presented to a member of our parish was 35 years ago, making this a particularly special occasion for the community at Immaculate Conception in Stratford. The parish leadership team submitted the nominations to the Bishop in Palmerston North, who then endorsed the applications to the Pope’s ambassador in Wellington. Following a thorough review, the request was forwarded to the Vatican, where it received final approval.
This celebration is not only a moment of personal recognition for Thomas, Michael, and Barbara but also a testament to the ongoing work of Immaculate Conception parish within the community. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of all who contribute to the vitality of the Church.
Barbara Kuriger, upon receiving her award, was deeply moved, expressing her surprise as she sees her service as part of a collective effort. She is profoundly grateful to the Church community for giving her the opportunity to serve.
For Fr Nathaniel, current parish priest, this Papal award serves as a source of inspiration for present and future parish members, volunteers, and leaders, encouraging them to continue giving back to the Church and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Fr Nathaniel Brazil
Welcoming Fr Trung Nguyen to Ngāti Rangi
No sooner had Fr Trung Nguyen returned from visiting his family in Vietnam than he found himself immersed in the traditional culture of Ngāti Rangi, the mountain people of Ohakune and the surrounding area.
Before celebrating his first Mass in the chapel Ko Te Kingi o te Maungarongo as the new Administrator of the Ohakune and Raetihi parish, Fr Trung was formally welcomed to the area with a whakatau on Saturday 8 February. Merrilyn George, a pastoral worker, escorted him onto the marae at Maungarongo, where he was greeted by the tangata whenua. In response, Fr Trung shared aspects of his Vietnamese culture, his journey so far, and his enthusiasm for the mission he was undertaking.
Ngāti Rangi, whose people follow the Maramatanga, hold a Rā—a 24-hour day of prayer—each year on 27 February. This year, due to the ongoing rebuilding of Maungarongo Marae, the Rā was held at Tirorangi Marae, 16 kilometres southeast of Ohakune on Whangaehu Valley Road. Fr Trung was invited to celebrate Mass to conclude the Rā.
For the second time in two weeks, on Friday 28 February, Fr Trung was welcomed onto the marae: this time escorted by Fleur Whaanga. The Mass was a deeply special occasion, and Fr Trung responded to kaikōrero Whakataumatatanga Mareikura, encouraging those present to hold firmly to this cherished tradition of prayer.
Merrilyn George
Final Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Kimbolton
On Saturday 15 March at 2pm, the final Mass at St Patrick’s Church in Kimbolton was celebrated, marking the end of an era. Bishop John Adams presided over the final Mass, joined by Fr Trung Nguyen, Parish Priest of Feilding-Taihape-Ohakune.
After the Mass, attendees gathered at Hanson’s Café for afternoon tea—a time to share memories, reconnect with old friends, and give thanks for all that had been. Though the doors of St Patrick’s have now closed, the faith it fostered continues to live on in the hearts and lives of all who were part of its story. As we look to the future of our Church in Aotearoa with hope, we hold fast to the words of Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
March Pastoral Day Gathers Diocesan Leaders for Renewal and Mission
On Thursday, 27th March 2025, leaders from across the Diocese gathered in Palmerston North for a transformative Pastoral Day. Representing 15 parishes, 24 clergy, and over 40 lay leaders and diocesan staff, the event marked a significant step in the diocesan journey of renewal and missionary discipleship.
From the outset, there was a tangible energy and excitement in the room. There was a buzz as parish leaders reconnected, eager to share their hopes, speak honestly about their local realities, and listen to what the Holy Spirit might be saying—through one another and in prayer.
The morning featured an opening from Bishop John, who cast a hopeful vision for the Palmerston North Diocese. He posed a bold and stirring question to the room: “What if the New Evangelisation started in our diocese?” It was a moment that set the tone for the day—challenging and inviting everyone to dream bigger about what God might be doing in their parishes. Diocesan staff Nick Wilson, David Loving-Molloy, and Emily Sit introduced their roles and shared how their work connects with the broader diocesan mission. Fr Marcus followed with a powerful testimony on priestly leadership, sharing the fruit he has already seen in the Catholic Parish of Hastings since establishing a Senior Leadership Team rooted in collaboration, mission, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
The core content of the day came through Cheryl Surrey, the New Zealand Regional Lead for Divine Renovation, who led participants through Launch Point – a group experience designed to help parish teams explore the journey to becoming a renewed, mission-focused parish.
Through several interactive sessions, Cheryl invited leaders to:
- Name their parish reality with honesty and hope
- Unlock their parish’s potential, imagining what renewal could look like
- Discern their readiness for change, using the Three Keys of Divine Renovation:
- The Power of the Holy Spirit
- The Primacy of Evangelization
- The Best of Leadership
Small group discussions, personal prayer, and team reflection allowed each parish to engage deeply with the content. Leaders were both challenged and encouraged to take courageous next steps in their renewal journey.
The day concluded with time to look ahead—to future pastoral days and the upcoming Hope and Renewal Summit (2nd – 4th October 2025). As the group dispersed, there was a renewed sense of shared purpose, grounded in faith and open to the Spirit.
This Pastoral Day was more than an event. It was a moment of grace—an ignition point for communities ready to lead with courage, rooted in hope, and called to mission.
Find out more:
- Sign up for updates for the upcoming Hope and Renewal Summit 2th – 4th October 2025 (Registrations open soon!) http://eepurl.com/jaSBjU
- How can Divine Renovation support your parish? Email Cheryl Surrey – cheryl.surrey@divinerenovation.org
- What are the diocesan initiatives for parish renewal and missionary discipleship? Email Emily Sit – esit@pndiocese.org.nz
Father Harry Costello called to his Heavenly Home
The news of Father Harry Costello’s death was sad, but not unexpected. His Requiem Eucharist was led by Bishop John Adams and celebrated at St Mary’s Church, Whanganui, on 20 March 2025.
In his welcome, Bishop John paid tribute to the parish, saying:
“When I visited Fr Harry two days before his death, he spoke constantly of the affection and care he received from the St Mary’s faith community.”
Fr Harry was 92 and had been living in rest home care for the last 11 years.
Born and raised in County Roscommon, Ireland, he entered All Hallows Seminary in Dublin at age 18. A natural academic, he graduated at the top of his class and was ordained in June 1958. Accepting an invitation from the late Cardinal McKeefry to serve in New Zealand, he took up parish appointments in the Wellington Archdiocese. He remained in the Diocese of Palmerston North in 1980 when it was established.
In the early 1990s, Fr Harry was transferred to Whanganui, where he served as hospital chaplain for 20 years.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to serve in a team of workers, engaged in a common task to bring wholeness of body, mind and spirit to the patients,” he said at his 60th ordination anniversary.
The late Betty Bourke (CBE, QSM, JP and Papal Dame of St Gregory the Great), who was chairperson of the Whanganui Hospital Board and rarely gave accolades, said that he was the most effective chaplain she had ever known.
The church bell tolled as his body was carried out by two parishioners and four brother priests – a fitting tribute to honour his 66 years of priesthood.
Sue Seconi