Pa Piripi Cody, on the way to a retreat, stopped over and led the Mass.

About 40 attended from near and far.

A third were young, including one celebrating her birthday.

Just to make sure of their identity one boy, Paris Wright, sported an All Black top!

This was a rare chance to celebrate as Maori and Catholic.

Some had come from Cairns where one lady, Jessa Rogers, teaches at Cape York Girl Academy boarding school for Aboriginal girls.

Others, originally from Otaki, came to remember their mother, Pat Fahey, who died earlier this year.

One large group of family representatives were the Metuamate Whanau.

The Mass in Maori was celebrated with the blessing of Archbishop Colleridge.

It was held in Maximilian Kolbe parish at Marsden, south Brisbane.

The parish priest there is Fr Sunil Paul, SVD, who used to be in Wainuiomata.

He endeavours to run regular cultural liturgies in the parish.

After Himene and Waiata supper was enjoyed and discussion about organising another time.

Source

Supplied

Kaua Te Rangi Tuhura, known to most people as Reverend Kuzie, moved with his family from the small East Coast settlement of Hiruharama in 2011 to Bunbury just south of Perth.

Since shifting there he has become a highly respected Maori elder and was ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church of Australia.

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