On Saturday 28 February, the Catholic Parish of Hastings (CPH) gathered to celebrate Fr Marcus’ 25th Jubilee of Priestly Ordination, marking twenty-five years of dedicated service to God and the Church.
Around 250 people attended, including family and friends who travelled from out of town to share in this significant milestone. Their presence reflected the strong support surrounding Fr Marcus and the parish community.
The Jubilee Mass was uplifting and culturally diverse. St Peter Chanel Multicultural community led the procession of the Gospel and provided the jubilee cake. The Samoan choir presented the offertory, and the combined parish choir contributed music that enriched the liturgy and the celebration.
A special feature of the day was the presence of priests who have served alongside Fr Marcus over the years, a visible sign of shared ministry and fraternity. Fr Marcus was visibly moved as he acknowledged the support of those gathered.
Following the Mass, the celebrations continued with an Art Deco–themed gathering. The “best dressed” presentation added a fun element to the morning, and live entertainment provided music fitting for the occasion.
The Jubilee was a successful and memorable day for CPH, bringing people together in faith and fellowship as they gave thanks for 25 years of priestly service.
Written by Katey Jewell
Photos by Luella Ngauora
Family, friends, parishioners and clergy assembled around the altar of Sacred Heart Church in Hastings to rejoice and celebrate with Fr Marcus Francis on his 25th anniversary of priestly ordination.
At the start of the Eucharist, he welcomed everyone, saying, ‘All of us are gathered together, a treasured covenantal people of God,’ adding, ‘I feel very spoilt being this man of the moment.’
The liturgy was thoughtfully prepared. The Pasifika community processed with the Book of the Gospels and the offertory gifts in dance, song and traditional dress, bringing a vibrancy that was as deeply profound as it was respectful.
Equally poignant was Fr Marcus naming his parents – Yvonne (who sadly died just before his ordination) and Michael – as well as Bishop Owen Dolan, who ordained him, during the remembrance of the dead in the Eucharistic Prayer; his voice carried clear emotion.
After Mass, the celebration continued outdoors. Before cutting the three‑tiered cake, Monsignor Brian Walsh spoke of the beautiful and uplifting Mass and prayed that Fr Marcus would continue to be blessed in his ministry.
Fr Simon Story, Parish Priest of New Plymouth – and a childhood friend – gave thanks for Fr Marcus’s intellect, wisdom, preaching and pastoral gifts.
Bishop John Adams told the large crowd how deeply he values Fr Marcus’s priesthood and their work together in the Diocese.
After his ordination at St Mary’s Church in Taradale in 2001, the young priest served in parish ministry, apart from three years of study in Rome to earn a doctorate in Canon Law.
He was appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Palmerston North on 24 June 2025.
Words and photos by Sue Seconi
