• Parishes marked the anniversary in different ways, including offering prayers for those affected by the earthquake, stopping for a minute's silence at 12.51pm, tolling church bells, and lighting candles for victims of the earthquake.
• A Prayer composed by Fr Trevor Murray was sent to all parishes to be used in any Ash Wednesday earthquake memorial service and at Mass this the coming Sunday.
• In Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland a joint Anglican/Catholicearthquake memorial service took place.
• At the Civic earthquake Memorial Service in North Hagley Park, Catholic Bishop of Christchurch, Bishop Barry Jones, introduced two minutes silence at 12.51pm and followed this with this with a prayer for victims and all those affected by the earthquake.

Bishop Jones said he had a lot of admiration for "the resilience and determination of Cantabrians" since last year's earthquake and that it was important not to forget the ongoing suffering many are experiencing.

"There are people who are suffering mentally, afraid of another earthquake and how they might cope. Others are suffering physically and struggling to adapt to life with injuries. Some people are waiting for answers about the future of their houses or have been evacuated from rest homes and are away from their friends, families and networks. We need to pray for these people and open our hearts to God", he said.

Sources

• New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference
• The Diocese of Auckland
• Image: Japan Today

Reader: O God,
Your Son Jesus Christ
is our sure and certain hope.
In him we place our trust.

Assembly: In him we place our trust.

Reader: In this time of Lent
We pray for the people of Christchurch:
For those whose lives were lost;
may they know his peace.

Assembly: In him we place our trust.

Reader: For those whose spirits are shaken;
may they know his hope.

Assembly: In him we place our trust.

Reader:For those whose dreams are shattered;
may they know his healing love.

Assembly: In him we place our trust.

Reader: O God,
Your Son Jesus Christ
is our sure and certain hope.
In him we place our trust.

Assembly: In him we place our trust.

Reader: For those who lead;
may they know his wisdom.

Assembly: In him we place our trust.

Reader: For those who help;
may they know his gratitude.

Assembly: In him we place our trust.

Reader: For those who start anew;
may they know his strength.

Assembly: In him we place our trust.

Reader: O God,
Your Son Jesus Christ
is our sure and certain hope.
In him we place our trust.

Assembly: In him we place our trust.

Prayer for the People of Christchurch composed by Fr Trevor Murray