Sr Joan Manson (Sister Mary Pius) died on 2 July 2026 in Upper Hutt, where she had retired to Villa Joseph. She was 97 years old. Sr Joan was one of the two founding teachers at St James’ School in Albert Street, Palmerston North, when it opened in 1958. She was a...
Kapuera Hostel Honours the Legacy of Hato Pāora’s Founders
On 19 July, the refurbished boarding hostel of Hato Pāora College was opened. Whānau, staff, and both former and current students gathered at dawn for this auspicious occasion, welcoming the new day and the kaupapa. The hostel is named Kapuera, in honour of Fr Isaac...
Thinking Theologically About Disability
This diocese is a leader in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme. In response to the synodal discernment of the diocesan community, responsibility for this initiative was incorporated into the diocesan role of Leader and Advisor for Inclusiveness, currently held...
Watch Fr Paul Turner’s Workshop: Deepening Our Celebration of the Mass
In the last week of July, Fr Paul Turner hosted a workshop on Deepening Our Celebration of the Mass. Fr Paul is a liturgist, Vatican consultant, and priest of the Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph, Missouri, who is internationally recognised for his expertise in...
Te Parihi Katorika ki Whanganui Marks Syro-Malabar Bishop’s Visit and Parish Secretary’s Farewell
Syro-Malabar Bishop Visits Palmerston North Diocese It was a real joy for the Syro-Malabar communities in the Palmerston North Diocese to welcome Bishop John Panamthottathil IC from Australia and chaplain Fr Vijoy Jacob IC. Pope Francis appointed Bishop John in...
Matariki Working Bees Mark a Milestone for Kopua-riki
The Matariki Weekend working bees at Kopua-riki brought together a generous community of volunteers for two days of planting, maintenance and care for the habitat restoration project. Volunteers contributed 213 hours and helped plant 1,700 trees.Kopua-riki sits beside...
Fully Alive: Hundreds of Young Catholics Gather for a Day of Faith and Encounter
On Saturday 1 August, over 150 young people from across the Diocese of Palmerston North gathered at St Peter’s College for the Fully Alive Youth Festival, a day of faith, friendship, worship, and encounter with Christ. The festival brought together participants aged...
Reflections of a Pilgrim | Lourdes to Lisieux
Please note: The reflections and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the author and are shared in the spirit of personal faith and contemplation. They do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Diocese of Palmerston North.I recently travelled to...
“Holiness Is for Today”: Students Reflect on the Visit of St Carlo Acutis’ Relic
In June, a relic of St Carlo Acutis visited the Diocese of Palmerston North, offering students, staff and school communities a unique opportunity for prayer, reflection and encounter. The relic travelled to several schools, including Hato Pāora College, St Peter’s...
St Carlo Acutis Relic Mission Highlights
A relic of St Carlo Acutis visited our diocesan from June 10 - 13 2026. It was a deeply moving and spiritual time, and many people around the diocese were able to venerate the relic in person. Watch the highlight video of this very special experience below!
The St Carlo Acutis Relic Mission | A Time of Grace for the Diocese of Palmerston North
The St Carlo Acutis Mission was far more than the visit of a relic or an opportunity to learn about the Church's newest saint. It became a moment of grace for our Diocese, inviting thousands of students, teachers, families and parishioners into a renewed encounter...
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly: “I will never forget you.”
The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is an annual celebration of the Church’s love and pastoral care for older people. It is usually observed on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. In 2026, the...











