WelCom July 2017: The NZ Catholic Bishops congratulated Fr Bernard Espiritu SVD on his reappointment
National Director of MissioNZ by the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, Rome.
Fr Bernard Espiritu has been the New Zealand National Director for the Pontifical Mission Societies since 2012. He was born in the Philippines, and following ordination with the Society of the Divine Word he was appointed on missionary assignment in south Brazil for seven years. He worked in Australia for 16 years and for the last six in North America.
Bishop Charles Drennan noted Fr Bernard has built up good relationships with parishes and schools, is an engaging preacher, and came from a Religious Order dedicated to the mahi or work of mission.
Bishop Drennan said the Bishops are grateful Fr Bernard agreed to have his appointment renewed.