On the Memorial of St Margaret Mary Alacoque, Friday 16 October, Charles Ropitini from the Pakipaki Māori Mission was ordained by Bishop John Adams into the Permanent Diaconate. In a historic first, the Ordination Mass took place at St Joseph’s Māori Girls College, Napier, with over 450 people in attendance. For many of those attending, this was their first experience of an Ordination Mass. The Mass was a blend of Te Reo Māori and English, with singing led by the girls from the College.
The ordination ceremony within the Mass commenced following the proclamation of the Gospel by Deacon Danny Karatea-Goddard. Maru Karatea-Goddard then came forward to join Deacon Danny and called Charles forward as the candidate with a karanga. Charles was then presented to Bishop John by Pā Jack Smith SM. This was followed by the homily.
Following the homily, Bishop John descended from the dais to sit in the presider’s chair for the Examination and Promise of the Candidate. A mat was then laid out for the prostration, during which the Litany of Saints was led by the cantor, Luella Ngauora from the Parish of Hastings. Charles then stood and came forward to kneel before Bishop John for the Laying on of Hands and Ordination Prayer.
The stole was brought forward and Charles was vested with it by his mother. He was vested with the dalmatic by his wife, Mrs Kathrin Ropitini. Bishop John then handed over the Book of Gospels, and the three deacons, Danny, Tevita and Paulo, came forward for the Fraternal Kiss of Peace, which took the form of a hongi, bringing together nose and forehead in the traditional way. Newly ordained Deacon Charles then ascended the stairs with Bishop John to prepare the altar for the presentation and consecration of the bread and wine.
Before the final blessing and dismissal, Deacon Charles gave his address, sharing memories of his childhood calling to the priesthood and his journey of Diaconate formation over the last eight years. The address ended with special thanks to Ngahina Transom, Principal of the College, and the Sisters of the Missions for agreeing to host the Ordination Mass. After Mass, a group of girls sang the guests into the dining room to share in a sumptuous hāngi meal.
The next morning, Bishop John, Deacon Charles and members of the Māori Apostolate were welcomed to Houngarea Marae by the people of Pakipaki. Kaumātua James Kenrick spoke on behalf of the home people, recounting stories of the return and welcome of the late Takuira Max Mariu, who was ordained a bishop while stationed at Pakipaki.
With the formalities of the pōwhiri completed, a Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception across the road from the marae. Bishop John chose to sit in choir to participate in the Māori Mass celebrated by Pā Hēmi Ropata SM, with Deacon Charles proclaiming the Gospel and preaching his first homily. Seminarian Rewi Pene served in the capacity of Lector and Acolyte on a rare occasion when Mass was celebrated by a Māori priest, deacon and seminarian together.
Deacon Charles’ primary mission is to grow the Hawke’s Bay Māori Apostolate, with an assignment to support the priests in the pastoral and spiritual care of Māori Eucharistic Communities at Te Wairoa, Ahuriri Napier, Heretaunga Hastings and Tāmaki Nui ā Rua Dannevirke.
