WelCom December 2021
Throughout 2021, the Royal Commission continued its investigation into State- and faith-based care in New Zealand between 1950–1999. Following evidence given at the Redress Hearing from survivors in late 2020 and witness statements from Cardinal John Dew and others earlier this year, a final report summarising the Royal Commission’s findings is expected to be released soon. This will likely include recommendations on future redress for abuse that occurred in both State- and faith-based institutions.
Te Rōpū Tautoko, which coordinates the response of the Catholic Church to the Royal Commission is issuing a community resource to the dioceses for distribution this month. This will provide an overview of the progress of the Royal Commission and aims to assist communities to connect with and discuss the work taking place. It will include information on the public hearing into Abuse in the care of the Hospitaller Order of St John of God Brothers (Marylands School) due to take place in February 2022. The hearing into Māori is scheduled for March 2022. Hearings relating to disability, foster care and schools will be held at a later date.
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.