WelCom April 2022
On 15 August 2021, the bishops of New Zealand renewed the dedication of this country to the patronage of Mary, Mother of God Assumed into Heaven. Bishop Jean Baptiste Pompallier made the original dedication at the first Mass in Aotearoa at Totara Point in the Hokianga, January 13, 1838.
To celebrate, the bishops commissioned a new artwork by Damien Walker – Ko Hāta Maria, te Matua Wahine o te Atua, Holy Mary, Mother of God.
The artwork was unveiled in Wellington on the Feast of the Assumption, August 15. A tour, titled Te Hīkoi Wairua mo Te Ara a Maria, commenced to take the artwork to parishes, schools, and places of significance around the dioceses – starting in Dunedin and Christchurch dioceses.
The tour then went to Auckland Diocese from December to February, which included a visit to Northland – the cradle of Catholicism in New Zealand. The tour was scheduled to visit Palmerston North Diocese in February and March and is due in Hamilton Diocese from April to June, and Wellington Archdiocese in July and August.
Schools and parishes have been engaging with the artwork, such as with school hakas and all-night adorations, in line with Covid-19 rules.
The artwork can be viewed while on tour, but it is advisable to check with the host parish for opening times and compliance with the Covid-19 Protection Framework.
The tour will end at St Mary of the Angels Church, Wellington, where the artwork will be permanently installed and celebrated with a Shrine dedication on the Feast of Assumption, 15 August 2022.
For more information visit: tearaamaria.nz
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