An independent assessment of Catholic safeguarding protocols and procedures in New Zealand has identified significant progress in many areas. The New Zealand Bishops Conference, in a report issued by Te Rōpū Tautoko, says it also highlights areas where more work is needed. Te Rōpū Tautoko coordinated the Church’s engagement with the Royal Commission of Inquiry Read more
Celebrating their treasures, arts and children, members of South Canterbury’s Tongan community have started language week celebrations. The theme of Tongan Language Week, which runs from August 18 to 24, is “E tu’uloa ‘a e lea faka-Tongá ‘o ka lea’aki ‘i ‘api, siasí (lotú), mo e nofo-‘a-kāingá”, meaning the Tongan language will be sustainable when Read more
The unspent $7 million from ratepayers destined for the Christ Church Cathedral rebuild has been earmarked for other heritage projects, but the public may yet get a say. Less than a week ago, the team behind the Cathedral restoration told the Christchurch City Council to hold on to the remainder of its $10m commitment to Read more
Denis was a man with a large heart, a great capacity for friendship, and a deep love and commitment to his faith and the Marist charism. It has been a pleasure and privilege to have known and been inspired by him. I began working with Denis in 2002 when he became Provincial of the Society Read more
Fr Denis O’Hagan SM died on Wednesday, 14 August. His passing came after a short illness. CathNews rarely publishes obituaries; however, Denis, CathNews’ first editor, was ‘known’ to readers for nine years. Mission at home As a Marist and priest, Denis O’Hagan primarily considered himself as an ‘at home’ missionary. Although he spent some time Read more
A couple whose family went from four to seven says God has played a big role in their family’s expansion. Asked by the Northern Advocate if they knew the gender of their triplets, the couple said they did not want to know. The identical triplets’ gender remained a surprise until they were born. “We just Read more
Kiwi charity Kiwi KARE has shipped 16 ambulances to Ukraine to deliver aid and evacuate the injured. The charity’s response to Ukraine’s call for more ambulances follows reports of continued attacks since the Ukraine-Russia war began in 2022. The decommissioned Hato Hone St John ambulances are now in Kyiv. They will be serviced before being Read more
One option facing Christchurch city is an ‘Anglican-free’ future that no longer clings to its Anglican past. Christ Church Cathedral was a symbol of Christchurch. “What will the new symbol be?” asks Professor Michael Grimshaw, a Canterbury University sociologist. Grimshaw says that since the 2011 earthquakes destroyed much of the central city, its heart has Read more
St Marcellin School honoured teacher aide of 25 years, Selina Wilks, with a special liturgy service with students singing and presenting gifts of appreciation, on Thursday, August 8. Principal Belinda Backwell spoke about Selina’s achievements. “The inspiration from people like Whaea Selina is indeed what makes us what we are today,” she said. “The dedication, Read more
Damian Patrick Young was known as a talented, passionate teacher with compassion for his students, who he went above and beyond for. At the same time, he dedicated his life outside school to continuing to help young people, working with foster care organisations and as a regional manager for the Camp Quality charity – aimed Read more