WelCom May 2021
19 January 1949–20 April 2021
It has been with sadness we learned of the passing of Rīhari (Richard) Tiki te Aroha Puanaki of Wairoa, who died on Tuesday, 20 April 2021.
Known and loved by many people across Aotearoa and the world, Rīhari gave so much to his whānau, communities and Kaupapa and touched many lives. He was a generous teacher and composer, with a great love of Mary.
Cardinal John said on his Facebook page, Rīhari, of Ngāti Kahungunu, wrote many waiata, hymns and liturgical settings, including the well-known and widely sung Ka waiata ki a Maria – I sing to Mary. ‘He was so generous in sharing his many gifts with the Catholic community. We celebrate his life and mourn with all his whānau gathering at Wairoa for his tangi. We will remember him every time we sing his songs.’
Richard was taken to Tawhiti-a-Maru marae to lie in St Theresa’s Church. His Requiem Mass was held at St Peter’s Church, Wairoa on Friday 23 April. He is buried in the Wairoa cemetery together with his sister, Aia.
E te iwi whakapono, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou.
WelCom will present a feature tribute to Richard in our June/July edition.
Ka Waiata sung by St Joseph’s Māori Girls’ College can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/C9xgarMPzSg
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.