Writings from across our diocese and around the world.
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On April 27 2023, a fire was lit in the day chapel of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Palmerston North. Despite being quickly extinguished, it caused significant damage to some of the furniture in the day chapel: namely the presider’s chair, the altar, a small...
Eleven young people from the Palmerston North Diocese experienced the trip of a lifetime when they attended World Youth Day in August this year. Their pilgrimage took them to sacred sites around France and Portugal before attending the week-long Days in the Diocese...
World Youth Day (WYD) is a worldwide encounter with the Pope celebrated about every three years in a different country. This year WYD will be held in Lisbon, Portugal. Around 120 young people from Aotearoa have been travelling through Europe to attend WYD, with 11 of...
Sunday 23 July is the Third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. The theme this year is "His mercy is from age to age," from the Gospel of Luke (1:50). The Diocesan Comms Team sat down with Bishop Owen Dolan, the oldest priest in the country, to talk about his...
As we celebrate Pentecost, it may seem like the grand feasts and celebrations of the Church are now behind us. We've journeyed through Lent, Easter, and various special days in quick succession. Now, with only a few solemnities ahead, we find ourselves in Ordinary...
In the Catholic Church, being a mother is not just about having children: it's a calling from God to raise and nurture them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As Pope Francis said, "Mothers are the strongest antidote to the spread of self-centered...
Each year, Good Shepherd Sunday marks the beginning of National Vocations Awareness Week. To mark this, the two most recently ordained priests for the Diocese of Palmerston North share some reflections on their own vocation. You can also find a range of stories...
Last month, Cyclone Gabrielle caused significant damage to certain regions across the North Island. Homes have been damaged or destroyed, livelihoods have been severely impacted and sadly, some have even lost loved ones. In the Diocese of Palmerston North, the Hawkes...
I tend to think about Mary a lot during this time of year, especially since becoming a mother myself. I was pregnant once during the Advent season, and preparing for the arrival of my own baby at the same time made it feel more real. Decorating the Christmas tree,...
This reflection comes from a homily Bishop Peter gave in Taradale on the First Sunday in Advent in 2018.The beautiful season of Advent invites us to make our own the prophecies and prayers and poetry of the people of old in their longing for the promised Saviour. We...
Out of all the liturgical seasons in the Church's calendar, I enjoy Advent the most. Not only does it herald the approach of my favourite time of year (hello summer!), I also love the build-up to Christmas and the time spent preparing, planning and reflecting. In the...
What's coming up for our young people? Last month brought an end to the Covid-19 restrictions that had been an integral part of our lives for the past 2 years. The government stated it was time to "move forward with certainty" and "turn the page" on this unprecetended...