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NZ Catholic: April 10 - 23, 2022 1
The national Catholic newspaper April 10 - 23, 2022 • No. 634
Icons heading
Bishops welcome Pope apologises to
Covid restrictions Indigenous Peoples
easing 3 from Canada 10
Heavenly
Beings
Rare icons feature
in Akld exhibition
– pg 20
‘PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR’ - ARPA AWARDS 2020
2 NZ News NZ Catholic: April 10 - 23, 2022
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
New chief executive for
Endometriosis
struggle
p14
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand
by NZ CATHOLIC staff
Leadership coach Mena Antonio is the new
chief executive/kaiwhakahaere mātua of Caritas
Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ms Antonio has a deep understanding of the
NGO sector, including leadership in strategy,
risk management, legal and financial compliance
and people-management across highly regulated
p8 sectors.
Caritas board chair Keith Wedlock said that
the board is excited about Ms Antonio taking the
helm at Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, replacing
Julianne Hickey, who served for 10 years.
“Mena has a good balance of social enterprise
and social justice skillsets in governance and op-
erational roles,” he said. “The mix of professional
skills she brings to the role is complemented by
a practical commitment to community-building,
justice and peace. The board is confident they’ve
found someone able to lead the organisation in
challenging times, to lead Caritas on the next
phase of its journey, and to respond in the full-
Prayers for ness of Catholic social teaching.” Mena Antonio
Ms Antonio becomes the first Caritas chief ex-
Ukraine ecutive of Pasifika descent. She has been involved tion to her significant professional qualifications
with Caritas in other ways, including as a board and experience, Ms Antonio believes in the value
member. Her Samoan and Tokelauan heritage of community, and seeks to live out the principles
helped deepen connections with Oceania partners of Catholic social teaching. She founded a charity
p4 NZCEO working with Gallagher on recent Caritas assignments in Samoa and Fiji. in Masterton, bringing together leaders and teen
She said: “One memorable visit with Caritas Sa- parents through a mentoring programme aiming
moa was to Moamoa Theological College where my to build equitable and diverse communities. Her
p9 Shared humanity in a warzone grandfather, from the Tokelau atoll Nukunonu, ability to create leadership events engaging some
trained as a catechist. My late father, Nikolao of New Zealand’s celebrated and innovative speak-
Pali’i, was head catechist at Holy Family parish, ers has attracted significant funding support for
p11 Mercy key to understanding Pope Porirua for years. To me, this role continues the teen parents and their children.
calling my parents and their parents before them “Engaging the voices of women and children
p13 Pope visits Malta heeded, to be in the service of the people we are is critical to good decision-making to ensure all
called to serve.” people flourish. I want to enhance this work in
Ms Antonio has a law degree from Victoria Caritas,” she said.
University of Wellington, served five years in the In all endeavours, she leans on the Scripture
On the front cover: Icon of Mother of God and child. 17th cen- New Zealand Army, and has 20-plus years working Joshua 1:9 — “Have not I commanded you? Be
tury. See Icon exhibition story page 20. on and with boards and executive teams, includ- strong, vigorous and courageous. Be not afraid,
ing a time in the UK. She is well placed to bring neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is
her skills as a professional director, fundraiser, with you wherever you go.”
leadership coach and community engagement Ms Antonio is a member of the St Patrick’s
practitioner to lead Caritas. Wairarapa parish, where she and her husband
A statement from Caritas noted that, in addi- Richard have raised their two daughters.
Wellington Catholic
Pompallier Diocesan Centre, 30 New Street, Ponsonby,
Auckland. P.O. Box 147-000, Ponsonby, Auckland 1144.
Phone: (09) 360-3067 or (09) 378-4380.
Centre is quake-prone
Email: admin@nzcatholic.org.nz
Website: www.nzcatholic.org.nz
Publisher: Bishop of Auckland
Editor: Michael Otto Journalist: Rowena Orejana
Marketing and Administration: Claudia Cachay
Design & Advertising: Anne Rose
by NZ CATHOLIC staff makeshift offices,” he added. A notice on Wellington
Advertising enquiries contact:
“I thank the staff again for archdiocese’s facebook page
design@nzcatholic.org.nz Wellington archdiocese has the ways they have generously on March 24 stated that the
NZ Catholic is published fortnightly. Subscriptions: One been advised that The Catholic adapted to new ways of working. Catholic Centre was currently
year, $73; two years, $135. Overseas airmail extra. The Centre in Hill Street near Parlia- Everyone is doing all they can so closed after a detailed seismic
contents of NZ Catholic are copyright and permission to ment is a seismic risk. that the mission of the Church assessment indicated that the
reprint must be obtained in advance. ISSN 1174-0086 A newsletter from Cardinal continues with as few interrup- building would perform poorly
Member Australasian Religious Press Association and John Dew on March 10 stated tions as possible.” in the event of a major earth-
Australasian Catholic Press Association that the archdiocese was noti- NZ Catholic understands that quake.
fied in February that the Cath- the peer review arrived at the The temporary office spaces
olic Centre was rated at 20 per same conclusion as the original for archdiocese teams that are
cent of New Building Standard. report. normally based in the Catholic
St Dominic’s A compliance rate of less than
34 per cent classifies the build-
Among the organisations
that normally work in the Cath-
Centre were at several venues.
At St Peter and Paul’s Presby-
Catholic College ing as earthquake-prone under
the Building Act 2004.
olic Centre is the New Zealand
Catholic Bishops Conference
tery, Lower Hutt are the Church
Mission team (Young Church,
Founded by the Dominican Sisters
A peer review of the engi- executive and the New Zealand Family Ministries, Marriage
Catholic School For Girls Years 7-13
neer’s report was expected in Catholic Education Office. Ministries, Parish Coordinator,
mid-March. The centre was ini- A facebook post from NZCEO Samoan Chaplaincy, Launch
tially closed for two weeks. on March 7 stated that it has Out, Church Mission Director).
• Successful Yr 7 retreat days, led by staff. “The ability for staff to ac- been indicated that the building At Cardinal McKeefry School,
cess the Catholic Centre had is potentially unsafe. Wilton, are the Catholic Schools
Mia Hepburn and Reihana Knight in Yr 13,
• been inhibited anyway because “Given the situation, NZCEO Education Services (CSES) team
enviro leaders for 2022. of the protest action at Parlia- staff will work from home, and and the finance team.
ment,” Cardinal Dew said in the this is likely to continue for at At Viard House are Cardinal
• Auditions for High School Musical underway newsletter. least the next four weeks. We John Dew’s team and Office of
“As soon as we know if we are committed to continuing the General Manager.
• Netball season has begun. have to evacuate the centre to provide an effective level of All contact details remain
permanently we will advise ev- service for APIS and the Cath- the same with phone numbers
eryone, in the meantime work olic state-integrated education being diverted to the new office
www.stdoms.ac.nz continues from homes and sector.” spaces.
NZ Catholic: April 10 - 23, 2022 NZ News 3
Church land proposed as social
and community housing site
by MICHAEL OTTO
The Catholic Parish of Whanganui and Palm-
erston North diocese have been carrying out
consultation on a proposal to use 1.7ha of Church
land for a $40-$50 million social and community
housing project. An artist’s depiction of the
According to documents on the Catholic Parish proposed development
of Whanganui website, it is proposed to use the
site of Holy Family Church in Tawhero St, and an
underutilised school field of St Marcellin School,
for affordable social and community housing, the biggest and central church in the town, St The project would also provide a social good in
which would reportedly see an estimated 86 Mary’s, will need significant regular income helping to address homelessness and the housing
dwellings built. for major maintenance in the future, which has shortage.
The development would reportedly be made up presently been deferred,” the meeting was told. Parish priest Fr Vaughan Leslie told NZ Catholic
of 75 public housing units of two, three and four The city now has three Mass centres, which are that the development “is an amazing opportunity
bedrooms, and 11 market housing units. five to ten minutes apart, and congregations have for the parish and diocese, especially as it will
The project would see the parish and diocese become more mobile. enable us, not only to plan for the future, but
working with developers Soho Group, in a joint Another factor is that the parish has received also help benefit those in our community who
venture company which would enter a long-term considerable support from the Diocesan Needy are unable to access affordable and healthy rental
lease with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Parish Fund for many years. This fund will likely accommodation”.
Development (HUD). The parish’s contribution to not be available in the future due to diocesan “Reaction has been mixed,” Fr Leslie said, “but
the project would be the land, currently valued at deficits, the meeting was informed. largely supportive, however, change is never easy,
$1.7million, with the parish retaining this capital The development requires the removal of and we need to be sensitive to this while also
in the development, being inflation-adjusted over Holy Family church for the use of housing and being realistic about being sustainable.
time. The rest of the funding would come from roading access. All removable items from Holy Fr Leslie noted that, in late March, it was
the diocese and Soho Group. Family church would be used in other parts of planned that the parish finance committee would
The joint venture would receive market rent the Whanganui parish, and the parish would keep hold a listening session, along with diocesan
for the duration of the lease term, likely to be Holy Family presbytery for the use of the parish representatives, for people who have made sub-
25 years, but tenants would only be charged an priest, as it is the only presbytery owned by the missions regarding the proposal.
affordable rent. This would enable the parish to parish. If the proposal gets approval at parish finance
be able to pay its debt within about five years, In response to questions put at the February 17 committee, diocesan and episcopal/apostolic
and to be in a position to maintain assets without meeting, assurances were given about adequate administrator levels, work on the development
external help. The current income of the parish is green space still being available for students at could start in early 2023. Submissions were in-
insufficient to support three churches in Whan- St Marcellin School, given current numbers. As- vited from parishioners to the finance committee
ganui, a parish meeting on February 17 was told. surances were also given about the relocation of last month.
“To ensure that the parish has a viable future, a deceased person’s ashes buried at Holy Family The joint venture company would also need
church, at no expense to families involved. the approval of the Holy See.
Commission glad Bishops welcome Covid restrictions easing
restrictions eased
by NZ CATHOLIC staff the time,” said Bishop Lowe.
“We are well aware of the toll the emergency
The Catholic bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand measures have taken, with many people expe-
not removed
are relieved that the use of vaccine passes is riencing serious and at times unforeseen hard-
ending, and that the restricted numbers of people ships. With medical experts now telling us the
allowed at Mass will be eased in time for Easter. Omicron wave is peaking and starting to reduce
The Government announced on March 23 that in some places, it is good to see some of these
by NZ CATHOLIC staff the limit of 100 allowed with a vaccine pass at restrictions coming to an end.
gatherings, including faith-based gatherings such “However, this is not yet life as normal. We
The Wellington Ecology, Justice and Peace as Mass, would double to 200 from 11.59pm on know that the virus will continue to have an
Commission responded on March 15 to an March 25. impact on the way we celebrate in our churches
anonymous February 28 open letter, which Masks must still be worn indoors, but people for a while yet. We need to remain cautious, and
had called on the New Zealand Catholic bish- will no longer have to scan QR codes. Vaccine continue to wear masks and practise social dis-
ops to advocate for removal of mandates and passes would not be required from 11.59pm on tancing. And we will need to avoid certain ways
restrictions related to Covid-19. The commis- April 4. of celebrating rituals that might make it easier
sion stated that it absolutely believes that the Until the latter date, the number of people for infections to spread.”
first two weeks of March were an inappropri- allowed at a Mass without a vaccine-pass require- On April 4, the Prime Minister signalled that
ate time for calling for reducing protection for ment remained at 25. the next review of the traffic light setting would
the most vulnerable. “It is really welcome that these restrictions are take place on April 14, which is Holy Thursday.
At the end of March, the commission noted being eased in the middle of Lent and with Easter Bishop Lowe said that he wished “to express
that the current relaxation of Government-led just over three weeks away,” said the Bishop of the bishops’ deep gratitude to the front-line
mandates and restrictions is based on the Auckland, Bishop Stephen Lowe, Secretary of the workers and essential workers who have done so
latest public health advice, and so the com- NZ Catholic Bishops Conference. much to get our country through this pandemic
mission members are comfortable that the “While the bishops supported vaccine passes so far, as well as to the Catholic Church’s own
bishops continue to be guided by this public and similar restrictions when they were intro- ministers and faithful for the sacrifices they
health advice. “We are glad that restrictions duced last November, we said our support was have willingly taken on for the sake of the most
have been eased, rather than being removed based on the pandemic emergency as it was at vulnerable people in society”.
entirely,” the commissions stated.
However, the commission added that it
is concerned that passing the Omicron peak
in Auckland does not mean that pandemic is
over, particularly for those parts of the coun- A u c k l a n d Pa r i s h i o n e r s ST. PETER’ S COLLEGE
try just experiencing a rise in cases such as
EPSOM, AUCKLAND
A CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR BOYS
the South Island.
“We are also concerned that vulnerable
members of our parishes, communities, work-
ELLIOTT
places and neighbourhoods will be left to bear • 3 Medals at Maadi Cup
the responsibility for excluding themselves
from situations they regard as unsafe for their • Xavier Simpkins
health, rather than our continuing to make – U18 Single Sculls – Bronze
collective decisions based on the common
good of all. While some people may feel able
FUNERALS • U18 Quad – Silver
to return to Mass, we are aware of others [who]
feel unable to continue attending Mass. • U16 Eight – Bronze
“We also mourn the loss of loved and valu- 09 486 2631 . 027 486 2050 susan.nelson@xtra.co.nz
able members of our communities, with daily 157 Shakespeare Rd Milford North Shore 0620
deaths still at a heartbreaking level.” www.northshorefunerals.co.nz ST PETER’S COLLEGE BUILDS OUTSTANDING MEN
ST-PETERS.SCHOOL.NZ @SPCNOW
4 NZ News NZ Catholic: April 10 - 23, 2022
NZCEO in collaboration with Gallagher
by NZ CATHOLIC staff “We’re thrilled to be starting this us make a difference on a large scale
partnership with NZCEO, so we can — and supporting the next genera-
Leading security manufacturer, support schools across the country, tion is something we’re committed
Gallagher, has entered into a long- and protect the next generation of to as a team,” Mr Shore said.
term collaborative agreement with Kiwis. Our purpose is to protect what “Last year we supported the New
the New Zealand Catholic Education matters most. What could matter Zealand Security Association with
Office (NZCEO) as a major sponsor, more than providing a safe, secure, their mission of raising awareness
to help support and promote the as- and efficient learning environment for security as a career pathway,
pirations of future generations with- for the next generation of New and ultimately removing the secu-
in the Catholic and wider integrated Zealanders to become great adults? rity skills shortage in New Zealand,
schools’ sector that NZCEO serves. That’s why we’ve partnered with NZ- which has been put under further
“Gallagher is a renowned global CEO, because we know we can make strain amidst the Covid-19 pan-
innovator and one of New Zealand’s a difference. Everyone at Gallagher demic.”
largest manufacturers of security is committed to a better tomorrow.” The New Zealand Security Associ-
solutions,” said Brad Small, Gallagh- As part of the sponsorship, Gal- ation used a funding grant from the
er’s regional sales manager for New lagher will work with members of Ministry of Education to run securi-
Zealand and The Pacific Islands. NZCEO to understand the security ty career events at 10 lower decile
“We have protected schools and property needs of their schools, schools throughout the country.
across New Zealand for more than and provide guidance on the wider The visits were coordinated
20 years with solutions to keep staff, benefits of a security system beyond with school career advisors, and
students, and assets safe, and we’re just opening and closing doors. people from the industry attended
extremely proud to announce our Work will involve helping mem- Dr Kevin Shore and shared their career experience.
partnership with NZCEO.” bers create operational efficiencies, Members of Gallagher’s New Zea-
The state integrated sector rep- better utilise facilities, and stream- products that Gallagher Security has land sales team attended half of the
resents 93,500 students across 334 line the access of students, staff, developed to meet the needs of the events.
schools, and makes up 11.3 per cent and visitors. diversity of schools is impressive,” “We’re trusted to protect over
of the total student population of “NZCEO have enjoyed getting to Dr Shore said. 13,000 customers, in more than 130
Aotearoa New Zealand. know the staff at Gallagher Security, “Our state-integrated schools countries. Our solutions are used
“Gallagher has always been com- and the strong value system that have much to benefit from these worldwide, from utilities and civil
mitted to building enduring partner- guides their business endeavours is products, and NZCEO welcomes infrastructure through to govern-
ships with the communities we work something that has attracted us to Gallagher Security to our special ment and prisons, so imagine what
in around the globe. We’re proud of this partnership,” said NZCEO chief community,” he said. we can do for New Zealand schools,”
our partnerships with several sport- executive Dr Kevin Shore. Mr Small said that Gallagher has Mr Small said.
ing, arts, and community events, “The security and safety of stu- been looking for meaningful ways to “If all we do is improve how long
and a large percentage of our spon- dents, staff and volunteers, and the get involved with schools across the it takes schools to complete fire
sorship dollar supports the Waikato, effective use of facilities, is an area country for more than a year. drills, so that children can get back
where our company was born, and of growing emphasis for school lead- “While we can’t sponsor every into the classroom faster, it’ll be a
our global Head Office is located,” ership and governance in our New school individually, as much as we job well done. I’m sure we can do
Mr Small said. Zealand schools, and the innovative would love to, this partnership helps much better than that though!”
New Catholic website created as a ‘welcome mat’
by NZ CATHOLIC staff non-Catholics. Joe Serci said that the website offers easy-to-
“The digital age has seen us adapt some of access information, with short articles in plain
A new Catholic website has been created as a our approaches,” Fr Vaney said. “Our traditional English.
“welcome mat”, taking the depth and richness of booklets are still popular, but modern audiences “Catholic Discovery is a welcome mat to the
the Church’s teachings to everyone in Aotearoa are hungry for interactive content. We also know Church,” he said. “The aim is to provide inter-
New Zealand, especially non-Catholics. that people are looking for spiritual guidance. We esting insights on a variety of topics. People are
The website — www.catholicdiscovery.nz — have been careful with what we communicate in encouraged to contact the Catholic Enquiry Cen-
is the work of the Catholic Enquiry Centre, the website and the language we use. It’s not us tre should they want more details, and to have
which traditionally used booklets and postal just simply saying, this is who we are — we want an initial discussion on Catholicism.
correspondence to reach people interested in the to better highlight the peace, comfort and sense “Globally, the Catholic Church is increasing
Church. of truth that faith brings.” its focus on digital communication. We know
Catholic Enquiry The Catholic Discovery website offers in- we need to develop and share content that
Centre Pastoral Direc- formation, motivation and prayers for dif- shows the depth and richness we bring as a
tor, Fr Neil Vaney, SM, ferent audiences looking at choices in faith. community.”
said that the website It presents videos, podcasts, pages and links that Mr Serci invited people to visit the new web-
takes a new direction offer an introduction to Catholicism. site, adding that the CDC’s library of articles,
Treat Yourself in communicating with Catholic Enquiry Centre engagement manager videos and podcasts is being added to.
Government needs to address crises
Visit Pascoes the Jewellers
for a huge range of
Sterling Silver crosses and
religious pendants.
by NZ CATHOLIC staff needs; as well as measures to ensure good Caritas said that increased climate
use of existing stock.” She also called for funding signalled by the Government to
In a submission earlier this year on the the “fundamental and cross-cutting right address the climate emergency needed
Government’s Budget Policy Statement, of safe, affordable shelter” to be more to be accountable to both taxpayers and
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand told Par- widely recognised in the Government’s communities most in need.
liament’s Finance and Expenditure Com- range of wellbeing objectives. “Assessment of impact needs to be
mittee to listen to local and most-affected based on criteria relevant to local com-
communities to tackle ongoing crises in munities,” said Martin de Jong, Caritas’
housing, climate change and underlying advocacy advisor on the environment.
inequality that worsen outcomes for the A similar approach is required for allo-
poor. cating funds, both at home and abroad,
Inequality had only increased under such as “clear transparency over projects,
the Covid crisis, said Caritas, and both and mechanisms to ensure participation
short-term and long-term measures were by local communities to identify needs
required to deal with this and the housing and plan solutions, and be involved in
crisis. implementation and monitoring for im-
More particular and localised ap- pacts”.
proaches were required following prin- In conclusion, Ms Viernes drew on
ciples of subsidiarity — decision-making Caritas’ own experience in tailoring new
at the most appropriate level — and monitoring and evaluation processes to
participation by the people most directly use local and indigenous indicators that
affected. better serve the communities they work
Addressing the long-standing housing with.
crisis in New Zealand, Caritas advocacy Quoting Pope Francis, Ms Viernes said,
advisor on social issues Joanna Viernes “Strategies for a solution demand an in-
said, “We need more initiatives, public tegrated approach to combating poverty,
www.pascoes.co.nz and private, to build more affordable restoring dignity to the excluded, and at
homes of different types to suit different Photo: Markus Spiske on Unsplash the same time protecting nature.”
NZ Catholic: April 10 - 23, 2022 Features 5
Staff and students enjoy lunch at the new site
People still seek answers to life’s deepest questions
by ROWENA OREJANA not something new, as people came Moses taught on marriage; he also on marriage. Theology is at its best
to Jesus with similar questions about knew people — the reason the law an intimate conversation with Jesus
Theology is the pursuit of an- life and faith. of Moses was such was because in the inner sanctum of our being .
swers to “the deepest questions “Jesus was respected for his of their hardened hearts. He un- . . .it must be based both on sound
of faith and life”, but also “at its ability to listen to people, to allow derstood people’s ‘real lives’, how academic investigation and a deep
best, an intimate conversation with their questions and to then respond theory doesn’t always line up with faith,” he said.
Jesus”. thoughtfully. In our Gospel today, practice,” Bishop Gielen said. “Our world is questioning, it
Auckland Auxiliary Bishop Mi- he does just that, he taught them ‘as The bishop recalled how his is searching for people who have
chael Gielen stressed these points was his custom’,” he said. Scripture professor in Dunedin, John been courageous enough to ask the
in his homily at the inaugural Mass In the Gospel passage where Jesus Brook, would stress the importance deepest questions, people who have
for 2022 for Te Kupenga — Catholic was asked about marriage and di- for theologians to “have their Bible found the fulfilment of their search.
Theological College on February 25. vorce, Jesus’ response showed how in one hand and the newspaper in Not just an answer, but an encounter
Bishop Gielen said that the world faith is tied up with real life. the other”. with a person, Jesus Christ, the ful-
today “is awash in uncertainty”, and “Our Gospel passage reminds us, “Theology is not just an academic filment of desire,” the bishop said.
people are seeking answers to life’s both students and teachers, of the pursuit; it is human one. God speaks CTC Dean Dr John Evangelista
questions. fundamentals of studying theology. to us both through his Word and the said that there are several signif-
“They are looking for truth, for In labouring for the truth through world around us,” he said. icant events lined up during the
authentic witnesses, for sound rea- our studies, we are challenged to Bishop Gielen also noted how, year that may be of interest to the
soning. They are looking for people explore what we believe, why we when the crowds left after Jesus’ public.
who have laboured in search of the believe, and how this is related to teaching, the disciples again ques- This includes the College Foun-
truth, for people who are willing to the world we live in. tioned Jesus in the “intimacy of a dation Day Mass on May 13, which
share the fruits of their labour,” he “In our Gospel scene today, Je- house”. will coincide with the opening and
said. sus is clear on the ‘what’ and ‘why’ “Speaking to them personally, Je- the blessing of the college’s new site,
The bishop reflected that this is of his belief as he addresses what sus was able to develop his teaching St Columba Centre, in Vermont St.
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International Ignatian
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An Ecological Conversion
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6 Opinion NZ Catholic: April 10 - 23, 2022
My walk with the divine office
I
returned to the Catholic church in 1991 as the Office, and he encouraged laity to pray some Praying the Prayer of the Church is not a
a cradle Catholic, who fell out of the cradle part of the Liturgy of the Hours “according to the static thing — there is still much I have to do,
and out of the Church as a teenager. I was 26 circumstances they find themselves”. The great always starting again: including formation on the
years old, and had the good fortune to fall in teaching is that the praying of the prayer of the psalms, to study them so over-familiarity does
with a group of dedicated and enthusiastic young Church is the joining of the whole Church as the not dull their meaning, to discipline myself not to
Catholics through the Rejoice prayer group and Body of Christ in offering prayer and intercession rush; to be more reflective, Bishop Patrick Dunn
the first three Hearts Aflame summer schools. to the Father — so that no-one prays the office said once, to take a line, a few words that speak
After a few years, I felt that I needed more order alone. to us from an Office and to hold it, to ponder it
and structure in my prayer life, rather than it I had the good fortune to be introduced to as prayer food given for our spirit each day.
being based on my subjective personal energy or the Benedictine Rule by the fathers and brothers The verse that struck me today was from Ps
preferences. So that wise director Fr Ernie Milne at Arcadia monastery in NSW. Seeing the link 118 — “You are my God I will give thanks to you,
(who helped guide a generation of young Cath- between the vertical praise of God — “Let noth- my God, I will give you praise”. I hold it, repeat
olics in Auckland) introduced me to the Prayer ing, therefore, be put before the Work of God it, lose it, reread it, I reflect — an echo of what
(RB43)”, to the horizontal interpersonal reality of is happening to me. After 26 years of praying
a 1500-year tradition of Benedictine hospitality. the Office haphazardly, with God’s help I am to
Michael Parker Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ
(RB53).
pray the Office for the rest of my life — this is
not a resolution, but an important realisation. A
Fr Milne taught me that it does not matter what realisation that it is not my work, but somehow
of the Church. Father Milne kindly gave me his is happening in your life, but to keep turning mysteriously I have prayed parts of the Office
own large print book with the four-week cycle of up to the office as moments during my day, so I for over a quarter of a century.
morning and evening prayer, and antiphons for could consciously return to God. I think the life Through seasons of pain, times of elation,
Sundays and the liturgical seasons. He taught lesson of “keep fronting up” is a good one and, through some long years of travail, fatigue, dry-
me about the parts of the Office and praying apart from around three years, this has been my ness, through all the pressures of life — it is as if
the psalms, and so began my journey praying pattern. I see how God protects me by these con- it was not something I did, but God accomplished.
Morning Prayer (Lauds) and Evening Prayer (Ves- stant returns to the Prayer of the Church. When I look back on this I am ashamed that I
pers). Even with these enriching teachings, I struggle have treated this work so poorly, often rushing,
The more the praying of the Office has con- to match what is in my heart with the praying of perfunctory reading with limited reflection on
tinued, the more it has “opened out” to wider the offices. Often it is a struggle to verbalise the the meaning of passages, quickly turning to
and wider vistas. In Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book office, and my prayer can be in competition with other interests after an Office, instead of trying
“Living Together”, he writes that “those who are other interests and desires. to sustain a prayer conversation.
praying the psalms are joining in with the prayer I still pray morning and evening prayer daily, But this prayer on my own, which has, at times,
of Jesus Christ their intercessor”. and try to fit in some short offices (mid-morning, been less what I wanted in my heart, is joined
Then there was the transcendent writing of midday, mid-afternoon) on the weekend. The with others as part of the Body of Christ offering
Fr Louis Bouyer, who wrote that, in praying the time required is not burdensome, but it can be a praise to the Father. I hope, as a lay person, to
psalms, we are praying the “words of God to burden to keep going when my natural sensibil- pray the Prayer of the Church for the rest of my
God”. Then Saint Paul VI, who stated that Morn- ities to prayer have withered, and all that is left life, knowing that I do not do this alone.
ing and Evening Prayer were the two “hinges” of is the belief that I am not praying alone. Michael Parker is a Catholic from West Auckland.
Ronald Rolheiser
When did we lose basic respect for each other?
W
hen did we lose it? When did we lose that with a very strong challenge, but it can never be
deeply-ingrained, forever-sanctioned disrespectful. Disrespect is an infallible sign that
sense that, however much we might dis- one is not right, that one does not have the moral
agree with each other or even dislike each other, high ground and that, in this instance, one is not
we still need to accord each other basic courtesy, speaking for God, truth, and goodness. To bracket
respect, and politeness? the most elementary rules of love is to be a false
We’ve lost that, at least for the most part. From prophet, caught up in self-interest and self-serving
the highest levels of government to the crassest truth.
platforms on social media, we are witnessing the It is not easy to keep one’s balance in a bitter
death of respect, courtesy, and basic honesty. No- time. The temptation to slide down the ideological
body, it seems, is accountable any more for even roof on one side or the other and please “one’s
the most basic manners or for honesty. Things we base” seems humanly irresistible. However, irre-
used to punish our kids for doing (name-calling, spective of which side we slide down, right or left,
ethnic slurs, taunting, lying, and blatant disrespect there always comes with this a prescribed rhetoric,
of another) are now becoming acceptable in the a prescribed discourtesy, a prescribed disrespect,
mainstream. Even more worrisome is the fact that and not infrequently a prescribed dishonesty.
we feel justified morally in doing it. To be seen Along with that slide also comes the self-same
as courteous, respectful, and polite is no longer righteousness of those who opposed Jesus, and
judged as a virtue but as a weakness. Civility has believed that they were justified in being disre-
died. spectful and doing violence in God’s name.
What’s behind this? How did we move from Bitter times, a milieu of hatred and lies, and
Emily Post to what happens today on social media? finding ourselves on opposing sides from each
Who gave us permission, societal and sacred, to other, tempts us towards what comes naturally:
do this? name-calling, disrespect, lack of graciousness,
Blaise Pascal once famously wrote that “men and dishonesty whenever a truth or a lie serves us.
never do evil so completely and cheerfully as Paradoxically, the challenge is in the opposite di-
when they do it from a religious conviction”. Many rection. Given the breakdown in civility today, the
people quoted that passage, after the September Photo: Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash call from truth and from God is to be more careful,
terrorist attacks of 9/11, as they recognised this in more scrupulous, and more uncompromising than
radical Islamism where mass murder was justified a vow of love, not of hatred. Like Jesus, a prophet ever in the respect, courtesy, and graciousness we
and deemed as necessary in God’s name. weeps in love over any “Jerusalem” which meets accord to others.
No doubt, it’s easier to see this in someone his or her prophecy with hatred. A prophet never We hope to be spending eternity with each oth-
else because, as Jesus says, it’s easier to see the brackets the non-negotiable mandate always to er, dining at a single table. We do not prepare our-
speck in your brother’s eye than the beam in your be respectful and honest, no matter the cause. No selves, nor those we disagree with, to take a place
own. That same false belief that gave Islamic ter- cause, societal or sacred, grants one an exemption at that table by facing off with each other with
rorists moral permission to bracket all the rules from the rules of elementary human courtesy. hatred, dishonesty, disrespect, and coercion, as if
of decency is taking root everywhere today. Why? Many people argue against this, pointing out that table could be taken by power and violence.
Religious passion for what one believes is right, that Jesus himself could be very harsh with those In the end, not everyone at that table will have
and the belief that one may get ugly in the cause who opposed him. Harsh he was. Disrespectful and liked each other this side of eternity, but everyone
of truth, is prevalent everywhere today, and is giv- discourteous he was not. Moreover, underneath his will be most gracious, respectful, and honest on
ing us moral permission to become disrespectful, challenge to those who opposed him, there was the other side.
dishonest, and discourteous in the name of truth, always the empathic yearning love of a parent for Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theologian, teacher,
goodness, and God. This justifies itself as being an alienated child, not the ugliness you see today and award-winning author, is president of the Oblate
prophetic, as armouring us as warriors for truth. in our government circles, in social media, and in School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He can
Nothing could be further from the truth. Ha- the stare-you-down hatred we often see between be contacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.
tred and disrespect are always the antithesis of various ideological factions today. com Follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/ronrolhe-
prophecy. A prophet, says Daniel Berrigan, makes The truth can be harsh and can confront us iser/
NZ Catholic: April 10 - 23, 2022 Opinion 7
Teach us to The Habit
number
our days
W
e are hearing a lot about death at the
moment. The horrific scenes in warzones
arrive hourly in our newsfeeds. The
Covid-19 updates from the Ministry of Health
include a tally of daily deaths “with” the virus.
We are used to hearing the grim news of road tolls
after holiday breaks.
Joseph Stalin is said to have commented that
“the death of one man is a tragedy, the death of
millions is a statistic”. Notwithstanding the cyn-
icism behind this attributed remark, it is none-
theless true that, by and large, statistics don’t
provoke an emotional response, but personal
stories of loss of life do.
Take the recent examples of the Enchanter
maritime tragedy off Cape Reinga, and the inquest
into the killing of Hannah Clarke and her three
young children. The public saw the faces of those
lost, and heard the stories of shock and grief from
their loved ones. These accounts provoke a reac-
tion that is more visceral than cerebral.
In Holy Week, Christians hear yet again the
story of the passion and death of Jesus Christ. It
is a story that has been heard many times before.
By and large, people are not shocked by it. Has
Women
hearing this story become like reading a statistic Underneath, the sol-
about death? Are we not shocked at humanity’s
answer to God’s offer of transformative love that
Letters diers who had worked
on it, placed a sign which
was Jesus the Christ? reads “I have no hands.
Ukraine
Maybe one reason that this story no longer New Zealand” (NZ Catholic, I am writing to you Won’t you please lend me
March 27). about an anonymous let- yours?”
shocks is that humanity generally tries to avoid We are Jesus’ partners
This relates to the law ter titled “Women” in NZ
thinking about death. That is not surprising. Our enabling the creation of Catholic (Feb. 13). in reaching out to our
existence is good, and it is natural to fear death. Remember Georgia, brothers and sisters.
“safe areas” banning pro- I am also a passionate
However, there is a long tradition in the Church Chechnya, Syria, Crimea, Stephen Clark,
test near abortion facil- Catholic woman, though
— which predates Christianity — of “Momento eastern Ukraine (14,000 Manila,
ities. Fear about human probably twice the age of
Mori”, or the remembrance of death. As Psalm lost lives), the (Rus- Philippines.
rights and the Bill of Rights the writer. I live in Dune-
sian-backed) torture met-
90:12 states, “So teach us to number our days/ was also felt during the din and, like the writer,
ed out to Belarusians in n Abridged — Editor.
that we may get a mandates, which caused would like to interact
their quest for democracy
many people, including a with Catholic women who
Editorial heart of wisdom”.
An article in
last year, and the poison-
ing and jailing of Navalny.
number of Catholics, to
feel under duress. Unfor-
enjoy and need serious
discussion on our Church, God’s love
The Irish Catholic Ukraine surrendered
tunately, it also caused di- and how it is faring in this
noted that French author and journalist Nicolas its nuclear arsenal to Rus-
vision in many other Chris- troubled world. I read Fr Ronald Rol-
Diat related how he interviewed monks about sia in a treaty (signed by
tian families, and also in If you think she may be heiser writing on “Trying
their attitudes towards death and the end of Russia, UK and US) in
the wider community. A interested, please pass on not to make God look
life. 1994 with the assurance
number of suspended doc- my name and address. bad” (NZ Catholic, March
that it would be safe from
“The overwhelming impression they gave was attack.
tors, nurses and midwives Kath Kenrick, 27) with interest. I believe
that of humility in the face of death, acknowledg- were affected as well, in- Dunedin. God is love. We are all
Despite not joining
ing that they are encountering a foe that cannot cluding NZ Catholic cor- sinners as we need Jesus.
Hands
NATO, Ukraine is at-
be fought, only submitted to, trusting in God’s respondent M. Andersen, The relationship we need
tacked anyway. Where is
mercy,” the article stated. who is a registered nurse. is with God through his
the UN 2005 responsi-
It appears that rumblings son Jesus.
Daughter of St Paul Sister Theresa Aletheia bility to protect and take
of protest were obvious Our Father in heaven, Faith seeks knowledge
— a former atheist who left a job in Silicon Val- collective action should
months beforehand, but the creator of the uni- to cancel all the misin-
ley to join the order — wrote “Remember Your peaceful means be inad-
many New Zealand poli- verse, is still busy, and is formation and disinfor-
Death: Memento Mori Journal” as a guide for the equate?
ticians were unwilling to present in even the small- mation about God. God is
spiritual practice of meditating on death. The West has failed
hear the voices of those est details of life. not wrathful, but is loving
Ukraine, well-intended
She was asked by US Catholic publication Our sanctions are inadequate
pleading to be heard. I heard a story from the to his sons and daughters
Sunday Visitor what she thought of the notion Most New Zealanders end of the Second World seeking him with a con-
to stop Putin, and one
that meditating on death is “morbid”. want to close this chapter War when allied soldiers trite heart.
cannot negotiate with
Her response was, “If it’s morbid to meditate on this pandemic saga, stationed in a bombed-out We maintain a mono-
him. Putin must be given
and to heal the wounds of village were asked to help theistic faith, and we
on death then it’s morbid to face reality, to re- an ultimatum now to stop
division, segregation and out. The villagers asked strive to love God and
alise the truth of our sinfulness, and to accept his genocide in Ukraine,
discrimination that it cre- them to re-build a statue serve others. We pray to
the salvation that Jesus Christ has provided for and NATO must intervene
ated. However, I feel that that had taken pride of God and we also seek par-
us. If that’s morbid, I am happy to be considered slowly, strategically, but
lessons must be learned place in the main square don from God. Jesus rec-
morbid, rather than to live life on the surface just significantly, by firstly
so that they are never re- but had been blown-up. onciles our sinful selves
ensuring a no-fly zone.
because it can seem more comfortable”. We cannot stand idle.
peated. Peace can never They set about collect- with God.
Fr Aquinas Guilbeau, OP, professor of moral be achieved by force: it ing the pieces of the bro- During this Lenten pe-
Where is our humanity?
theology for the Pontifical Faculty of the Im- can only be achieved by ken statue and painstak- riod, we dwell on the
Tomorrow it could be us.
maculate Conception at the Dominican House of listening, understanding ingly putting it back to- Paschal Mystery where
Steve Lincoln,
Studies, said in a CNA article that meditating on and trying to improve the gether again. They found the passion of Christ, his
Botany Downs,
future. most of it, just a couple crucifixion, death and
death isn’t something “macabre or depressing, Auckland.
As Catholics we should of pieces that could not Resurrection, sets us free
but it’s something hopeful and joyful, that this never take the gift of our be found, and they placed to receive Eternal life. The
veil of tears is not the end of our existence, it’s
not the goal”. Mandates faith for granted, because
in the face of adversity the
the completed work back
in the main square, and
death of Jesus conquers
sins. Those who would
“If we live in the love of Jesus Christ and we consolation of Jesus’ One covered it up so there follow Christ can get bap-
live in the light of the Holy Spirit, there’s constant Agreed, it is concerning True Church is all that we could be a grand unveil- tized. The Church’s teach-
preparation and help and grace and strength for that” there is a growing have left. Deo gratias! ing for the townsfolk. ings give hope in Jesus
that moment when we pass from this life to the twilight of authoritarian- E. Smith, When it was unveiled for eternal life in God’s
next,” he said. ism which has begun to Waitakere City. people were a bit shocked kingdom.
cast its long shadow over as their statue of Jesus Jackie Chong,
Therefore, he added, for the saint, death isn’t n Abridged — Editor. had the hands missing.
the people of Aotearoa, Thorndon, Wellington.
something to be feared, but welcomed and em-
braced like a sibling, as expressed by St Francis
of Assisi, in The Canticle of the Sun, where he Except for our own edi- NZ Catholic welcomes readers’ letters, although receipt of a letter does not guar-
praised the Lord through “Sister Death”. torials, opinions expressed antee publication. No correspondence will be entered into concerning publication.
As Trappist Fr Timothy Scott said in the same in NZ Catholic do not neces- Letters should be no longer than 220 words and should be topical, to the point, and
CNA article, “the theme of memento mori, re- sarily reflect the opinion of include the writer’s address and phone number. Ad hominem attacks are not welcome.
membrance of death, needs to be set within the the newspaper or of its own- Emailed letters should be sent as part of the text message — not as an attachment — to
larger theme of the memory or mindfulness of er, the Bishop of Auckland, editor@nzcatholic.org.nz and include the writer’s physical address. Pseudonyms are not
unless otherwise indicated. accepted, except by special arrangement.
God”.
8 Features NZ Catholic: April 10 - 23, 2022
Kiwis gather to pray for peace in Ukraine
by ROWENA OREJANA first time that the New Zealand
bishops have asked this country’s
Auckland Bishop Stephen Lowe, Catholics to go to their churches to
who led a small group of worshippers pray in unity with other Catholics,
in prayer at the St Patrick’s Cathedral citing the time of the 9/11 attack, as
on March 25, stressed the need for well as the more recent Christchurch
“peace to take flesh” during this time mosque attack, as some of the events
as the possibility of another world that Catholics were called to pray
war looms. together.
New Zealand Catholics were “But this is . . . the Ukraine,” he
urged by their bishops to join Pope said, “nobody really believed we
Francis in prayer as the Holy Father would see another war like this in
consecrated Ukraine and Russia to Western Europe again. This is the
the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the tragedy. And nobody wants to see
same day (March 25). this descend into another world war.
“This year, the New Zealand bish- The Holy Father is right to be really
ops have asked us to go, not just to concerned about this.”
pray, but to come to their churches, Bishop Lowe led devotees of the
to make a hikoi, a journey to their Divine Mercy in a 3 o’clock prayer
churches, thinking as they do . . . of the rosary before the Blessed Sac-
of the people that are making their rament, and then proceeded to the
Bishop Stephen Lowe, accompanied by Bishop Michael Gielen, gives his blessing at the journey to safety. Our churches icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary to
icon of Our Lady at St Patrick’s Cathedral should always be a place of safety pray the Act of Consecration to the
and sanctuary. This is what this is Immaculate Heart of Mary.
about,” Bishop Lowe told NZ Catholic Bishop Lowe said that they pur-
after the prayer. posefully did not advertise a time for
He said that the pilgrimage to the rosary, to avoid having to impose
their (parishioners’) churches is a 100-person limit under current
really “the journey to the heart of Covid-19 restrictions.
Christ and also to the Immaculate
Heart of Mary”. n Covid
“It was by her Fiat that we cele- Archbishop Paul Martin, SM,
brate today the feast of the Annun- was unable to attend the prayer for
ciation . . . that the Prince of Peace Ukraine on March 25, after those at
was conceived and took flesh among the cathedral presbytery in Christ-
us. And we need once again for peace church had to isolate when one of the
to take flesh within our humanity,” priests tested positive for Covid-19.
Bishop Lowe added. The presbytery household had to
Cardinal John Dew leads prayer at St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral in Karori, Wellington Bishop Lowe said this is not the isolate for a week from March 24.
Pope consecrates Ukraine, Russia to Mary
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As Rus- away, since the event was a prayer
sia’s invasion continued to devastate service.
Ukraine, Pope Francis laid the fates Among those present at the lit-
of both countries at the feet of Mary urgy were Andrii Yurash, Ukraine’s
in the hopes that peace would finally ambassador to the Holy See. The
reign. consecration, he tweeted on March
“Mother of God and our mother, to 25, is “another attempt (by the Pope)
your Immaculate Heart we solemnly to defend Ukraine from the devil’s
entrust and consecrate ourselves, the war”, referring to Russia’s attacks on
Church and all humanity, especially the country.
Russia and Ukraine,” the Pope said The Vatican announced on March
on March 25, pronouncing the Act of 18 that Pope Francis also asked bish-
Consecration after leading a Lenten ops around the world to join him in
penance service in St Peter’s Basilica. consecrating Ukraine and Russia to
Praying before a statue of Mary the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
that was loaned by the Shrine of Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the
Our Lady of Fatima at San Vittoriano papal almoner, led a similar act of
on the outskirts of Rome, the Pope consecration at the Shrine of Our
pleaded with Mary to “accept this act Lady of Fatima in Portugal.
that we carry out with confidence and Bishops from around the world
love. Grant that war may end, and had announced special services to
peace spread throughout the world”. coincide with the timing of the con-
Sitting in front of the statue, which secration in Rome, even in the early
was placed before the steps of the hours of the morning. Pope Francis consecrates the world and, in particular, Ukraine and Russia, to the Im-
main altar on a red platform and Archbishop Georg Gänswein, maculate Heart of Mary (CNS Photo)
adorned with white roses, the Pope private secretary of retired Pope
proclaimed the act of consecration. Benedict XVI, had told reporters that Basilica rang out after Pope Francis world, turn to their mother, reposing
During the prayer, the Pope paused the former Pope would join in the concluded the Act of Consecration. all their fears and pain in her heart
at several moments to gaze at the consecration from his residence. In his homily during the Lenten and abandoning themselves to her”.
statue of Mary before continuing to In a video released before the litur- penance service, the Pope acknowl- “It means placing in that pure
recite the prayer. gy, Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk edged that the war in Ukraine, which and undefiled heart, where God is
“To you we consecrate the future of Kyiv-Halych, major archbishop of “has overtaken so many people and mirrored, the inestimable goods
of the whole human family, the needs the Ukrainian Catholic Church, said caused suffering to all, has made of fraternity and peace, all that we
and expectations of every people, the he would join in the consecration each of us fearful and anxious”. have and are, so that she, the mother
anxieties and hopes of the world,” “because today we need very much While calls to “not be afraid” may whom the Lord has given us, may
he prayed. the victory of good”. soothe one’s helplessness in the face protect us and watch over us,” the
After the consecration, the Pope, The consecration, Archbishop of war, violence and uncertainty, the Pope said.
accompanied by a young boy and girl, Shevchuk said, “means that it is never Pope said that “human reassurance is In his prayer, Pope Francis spe-
placed a bouquet of white roses at the possible to make a deal, to cooperate not enough”. cifically asked Mary to be with those
feet of the statue. He then remained with this evil that emerges from Rus- “We need the closeness of God and suffering directly because of the war.
for a few moments, with eyes closed sia today”. the certainty of his forgiveness and, “May your maternal touch soothe
and head bowed in silent prayer, be- “And that is why we must pray once renewed by it, Christians can those who suffer and flee from the
fore stepping away. for its conversion, for the eradica- also turn to Mary and present their rain of bombs,” he prayed to Mary.
According to the Vatican, an esti- tion of that evil, ‘so that it,’ as the needs and the needs of the world,” “May your motherly embrace comfort
mated 3500 people filled St Peter’s Mother of God of Fatima said, ‘might he said. those forced to leave their homes and
Basilica, while 2000 people watched not destroy other states, might not Pope Francis said the Act of Con- their native land. May your sorrowful
on video screens from St Peter’s cause yet another world war.’ We, as secration was “no magic formula, but heart move us to compassion, and
Square. Police asked pilgrims who Christians, have a duty to pray for a spiritual act” of trust by “children inspire us to open our doors and to
entered St Peter’s Basilica carrying or our enemies,” he said. who, amid the tribulation of this cruel care for our brothers and sisters who
wearing Ukrainian flags to put them In Rome, the bells of St Peter’s and senseless war that threatens our are injured and cast aside.”
NZ Catholic: April 10 - 23, 2022 Features 9
Bonds of shared humanity shown in warzone
by ANNE BULLEY city. He worries for friends in other
parts of the beleaguered country.
The bonds of shared humanity “During this time, I have kept in
have been on display among the car- touch with my friends from Kyiv and
nage of the war in Ukraine. Severodonetsk, the city where I was
Mike Seawright, the founder of Re- born and grew up. They have sent
liefAid, a New Zealand humanitarian me photographs of the aftermath of
(non-religious) aid organisation that bomb and rocket explosions in the
specialises in delivering emergency yards of the houses where I walked
aid to people affected by conflict, as a child, and the destruction of the
is in Ukraine overseeing ReliefAid’s houses of my friends, where I spent
humanitarian response. Helped by a lot of time. There are photos of
networks from their work in Syria, burnt apartments that are located
he has quickly been able to get op- just 20 metres from the home of
erational. my grandmother, who is still there,”
“We arrived two weeks ago not said Rodion. “She is forced to hide in
knowing what was going to happen, basements and shelters.”
and knew nobody on the ground,” “Behind my house the church has
he said. been damaged. It is the largest church
“Now we have the networks in in the city, in which people sought
place, we are starting to deliver med- shelter. It was under attack and now,
ical supplies, food and water, and even in this form, it serves as a shel-
shelter materials for people living in ter for people and volunteers.”
bomb damaged buildings.”
With cities levelled, infrastructure n Churches
is damaged, and there is no electric- Across Ukraine, churches are
ity, gas or running water. Supply being used as collective centres for
chains are broken, leaving hospitals people who have lost their homes,
in need of medical supplies and peo- and meeting places for volunteers
ple short of food. to co-ordinate aid deliveries to those
As temperatures still hover around most in need. Mr Seawright said that
freezing, people in damaged build- their welcome bells provided him
ings need materials to patch up their with a moment of quiet reflection.
windows and doors, along with other “On Sunday morning in Lviv, I was
necessities like thermal blankets, wa- walking towards the train station,
ter containers and solar lamps. where there is a constant stream of
One of the first people to join people arriving from across Ukraine,
the ReliefAid team in Ukraine, was exhausted, traumatised and desper-
Rodion. ate to get their families to safety.
“On February 24, I woke up around Overnight air raid sirens gave little
5am to the sound of explosions in sleep. In stark contrast, suddenly
Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Turning church bells pealed out across the The street where Rodion’s grandmother lives
on the phone and TV, I immediately city and time paused as I stood and
learned that the war had begun and listened. It was a moment of reflec-
Russia had attacked Ukraine. tion and reminder to all that, within
“The first day was like a blur, Ukraine and across the world, people
all the people randomly tried to do are united in praying for peace.”
something, but no one really under- In Lviv, where Mr Seawright,
stood what exactly should be done. Rodion and ReliefAid’s partners are
By the end of the day, I decided I
needed to take my family to a safe
working tirelessly to deliver aid, they
are bolstered by the resilience and COLUMBAN MISSION
place, and we decided that it would fortitude they see around them.
be Lviv.” “It is difficult to describe how
Rodion and his family are in Lviv, you feel when your world is being
but not out of harm’s way. There are destroyed, but the only thing I know
regular air raid alerts, and bombs
have fallen on the outskirts of the
for sure is that Ukrainians are very
brave and united and, when the whole
COMMUNICATIONS &
world supports us, we will overcome
any difficulties” said Rodion.
FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR
While ReliefAid is on the ground in Lower Hutt, Wellington, 12 Month Fixed Term
Ukraine, Mr Seawright said that there
are ways to help here in New Zealand.
“Talk to your MP and advocate This is a part-time role with flexible working arrangements.
for a diplomatic resolution to the • Help deliver the fundraising and communications plan
conflict. Donate what you can to aid • Directly impact the missionary work of the Columbans
organisations like ReliefAid operat-
About Us:
ing within Ukraine. Ukrainians are
working hard to help themselves but We are part of the world-wide Missionary Society of St Columban.
they can’t do it without international We raise funds in Aotearoa NZ for the support of our members – lay and
support.” priests – who work in several countries around the world. We are best
More information can be found on known through our magazine The Far East, our Columban art calendar
their website: https://www.reliefaid. and our www.columban.org.nz
org.nz/
For enquiries email: communica- The Role and Team:
tions@reliefaid.org.nz You will be pivotal in implementing our Fundraising and Communication
strategies. Reporting to the Office Manager, you will be responsible for the
Mike Seawright in Ukraine
delivery of communications and fundraising activities to increase fundraising
Rodion’s income and promote the work of the Columbans.
damaged
Specifically, you will:
church
• Coordinate our digital media and marketing including website and
social media platforms, and our traditional forms of communications
• Plan and implement fundraising campaigns
• Contribute to fundraising ideas and development
Applications close on Friday, 6 May at 5pm.
Office Manager
Columban Mission
PO Box 30017
Lower Hutt 5040
Email: info@columban.org.nz
Tel: (04) 5677216
cms634
We will respond to your application after that time.
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