WelCom February 2020
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand (CANZ) has been working with partners in Samoa in response to the measles epidemic that broke out in the country last September. By January this year there were more than 5,600 confirmed cases of measles and over 80 deaths – mainly young children – out of a Samoan population of 200,874. Over two per cent of the population have been infected.
A state of emergency was declared on November 15 and a mass vaccination campaign was activated. Temporary clinics were set up across the country to provide vaccinations and treat people with symptoms of measles. Some 45,000 people have since received the measles vaccine.
Working with several NGOs on the ground to address the most urgent health concerns, Caritas Samoa collected essential supplies and mobilised volunteers to put together packages of supplies for patients and families.
Caritas Samoa has also been responding to the pastoral needs of communities. George Fa’alogo, CANZ’s Humanitarian Coordinator, said, ‘We were at a loss to describe the impact of this outbreak, especially for those families who have lost more than one child. We will continue to provide Caritas Samoa with support so they can continue their outreach work in these communities.’
You can support Caritas’ relief efforts for emergencies such as this by donating to Caritas’ Pacific Relief Fund: caritas.org.nz/donate
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 8 December
‘As has been the custom for many years an archdiocesan Mass will be celebrated on our diocesan feast day, 7pm, Thursday 8 December, at St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral, Karori. The archdiocese will again be entrusted to the care of Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception at this Mass. Parishes are asked to renew that Consecration on the following Sunday, 11 December, at All parish Masses.’ – Cardinal John Dew
Dates and events – what’s on
December 2022
If you would like your event listed on this page, please send an outline to welcom@wn.catholic.org.nz including name of event, date, time, location and contact.
Pope Francis registers for the next World Youth Day in Lisbon
At the conclusion of the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis registered for the next World Youth Day to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, in August 2023. Assisted and accompanied by Portuguese university students studying in Rome, the Pope tapped his way to becoming the first officially registered pilgrim for World Youth Day.