There have been lots of exciting things happening around our Diocese over the past month – have a read of some of them below!
Young Parishioner’s Immediate Thinking Is Recognised
St Mary’s Parish in Whanganui proudly celebrates with 19-year-old Heike Reitsma, who was presented with the New Zealand Bravery Award by the Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro, on 29 April 2025 at Government House.
In July 2022, Heike and his friend were riding their motorbikes over farmland near Whanganui, as they had done many times before. Unbeknown to them, the swift-flowing creek had weakened the embankment, causing Heike’s friend to be thrown down and pinned under his bike.
“The current was growing stronger, making it increasingly difficult for the trapped boy to keep his head above the rising water. Heike tried to pull the bike off his friend, then attempted—unsuccessfully—to remove his boots to free his legs,” read the citation.
With time running out, Heike repeatedly ran up the hilltop, trying to alert emergency services despite patchy phone coverage, then rushed back down to ensure his friend’s head remained above water and to make further attempts to free him.
Paradoxically, the now chest-deep water eventually loosened the motorbike—but swept the boy further downstream.
“I knew further down the stream was a two-metre hole,” said Heike.
Despite becoming hypothermic and weak, the boy managed to grab hold of an overhanging branch and call out to Heike, who pulled him from the water and gave him his own dry clothing in place of the soaked ones. On the verge of losing consciousness himself, Heike then sprinted a kilometre to the main road to guide police to the scene.
His friend was evacuated by helicopter to Palmerston North Hospital, where he made a full recovery.
A first responder nominated Heike for the Bravery Award, saying his actions undoubtedly saved a life. The delay between the incident and the presentation was likely due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles, as the nomination required both Royal and Prime Ministerial approval and signatures.
Heike still enjoys riding his motorbike—though his riding companion has since sold his.
Next year, Heike plans to study electrical engineering at university.
Sue Seconi
Te Parihi Katorika ki Whanganui
Pastoral Visit and Feast Day Celebration Unite Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in Palmerston North
On the 1st of May 2025, His Excellency Bishop Antony Mar Silvanios of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church made a special pastoral visit to the Cathedral in Palmerston North. He was graciously received by The Most Reverend Bishop John Adams. This meaningful encounter between the two bishops was marked by a spirit of unity, shared prayer, and mutual encouragement in their dedication to Christ and to His Church. The presence of these esteemed shepherds served as a powerful reminder of the strength, guidance, and spiritual leadership extended to the Syro-Malankara faithful in the Diocese of Palmerston North.
Just two days later, on the 3rd of May 2025, the Syro-Malankara Catholic faithful gathered in deep joy and devotion at the Cathedral to celebrate the solemn Feast of St. George. This spiritually enriching celebration was graced by the presence of Bishop Antony Mar Silvanios, Apostolic Visitor to Oceania for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, and their Chaplain, Fr. Daniel Kulangara, who offered the Holy Qurbono in the Syro-Malankara rite.
The celebration was a profound moment of grace, bringing together members of the Syro-Malankara community from both Palmerston North and Wanganui. The feast of St. George the Martyr served as a powerful reminder of the triumph of faith and the witness of holiness.
A special requiem prayer was also held for the reposed soul of the late Most Reverend Bishop Owen John Dolan, in gratitude for his life and service to the Church.
The Syro-Malankara community extended their sincere thanks to Bishop John Adams for his pastoral guidance and generosity in offering the Cathedral for their sacred celebrations.
Jinish Mamman
Three Golden Jubilees Celebrated in Taranaki
In May 1975, three young Taranaki men—all former pupils of Francis Douglas Memorial College—were ordained in their Taranaki home churches. Monsignor Brian Walsh was ordained in Stratford, Fr Brian Vale (of the St Columban Missionary Society) at St Joseph’s in New Plymouth, and Fr Tom Lawn at St Martin’s in Pungarehu.
Fifty years later, on 11 May 2025, the three priests came together once more at St Joseph’s Church in New Plymouth to celebrate their Golden Jubilees. It was a glorious autumn day, marked by a joyful Mass shared with family, friends, and parishioners. Each priest offered their own homily, reflecting on the insights and experiences of their priestly journey over the past five decades.
Following the Mass, the celebration continued in the church hall with afternoon tea and warm fellowship. A particularly cherished element of the gathering was the fruit punch and donuts—Fr Tom’s signature contributions to parish events since his return from Ecuador in 1987. The fruit punch, made using a secret recipe, was a nostalgic and much-enjoyed touch.
For those who have walked with these three priests over the years—through sacramental programmes, baptisms, marriages, times of sickness and death, and through enduring friendships—it was a poignant and joyful afternoon, honouring a lifetime of service and shared faith.
Photo (left – right): Mons Brian Walsh, Fr Tom Lawn, Fr Brian Vale
Ireen Crossan
Catholic Parish of New Plymouth
Monsignor Brian’s 50th Jubilee Celebrated at the Cathedral
On Sunday 18 May, nearly 500 people gathered at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Palmerston North to celebrate Monsignor Brian Walsh’s 50th anniversary of priestly ordination. Many travelled from across the country to honour the milestone.
Nick Wilson, Pastoral Services Director for the Diocese, opened the celebration by describing Monsignor Brian as a humble servant leader, referencing the whakataukī, “Kāore te kumara e kōrero mō tōna ake reka” – the kumara does not speak of its own sweetness.
In his homily, Monsignor Brian reflected on his five decades of ministry with “gratitude and thankfulness”—to God, for his vocation, the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and surviving a major health scare in 2019. His chosen readings spoke to God’s enduring love and the importance of continuing to listen for Christ’s call.
A highlight of the Mass was the presentation of a papal award by Bishop John Adams, recognising Monsignor Brian’s years of faithful service. He also acknowledged fellow Jubilarians: Fr Tom Lawn, Fr David Tonks, Fr Bernie O’Donnell (50 years), Fr Craig Butler (30 years), and Fr Nathaniel Brazil (10 years).
“I have always seen the diocesan priesthood as a call to be a person from the people, with the people, and for the people,” he said.
The celebration concluded with afternoon tea and speeches at the Diocesan Centre.
More information and photos at https://pndiocese.org.nz/news-and-events/monsignor-brian-walshs-50-years-of-priesthood/
New App for Understanding Things Māori
‘Let’s Ako’ – a great new resource for understanding things Māori has been developed. It is designed to help people to know about things that are important in the Māori World.
The app has been developed by the Bank of New Zealand as key part of their sustainability strategy to integrate tikanga Māori/Māori culture and Te Reo Māori/Māori language into everyday practices, policies, products, and services. This app aims to contribute to building an inclusive Aotearoa, for the long term.
As a treaty honouring Church, we are committed to inclusion, (reinforced in our recent diocesan synodal discernment) and walking our faith journey with the first peoples of this land.
The app is easy to use and offers information on the areas of:
- Different tribal areas
- Different greetings
- How to pronounce Māori kupu/words correctly
- Learn waiata/songs
- Protocol at marae
- Create your pepeha/self-introduction and so much more!
Check out ‘Let’s Ako’ – free to download from Google Play or the App Store. Mauri ora!