The annual Mass at Totara Point in the Hokianga to commemorate the first Mass celebrated on New Zealand soil by Bishop Jean-Baptiste Pompallier has been cancelled for 2022 because of Covid-19 restrictions.
The annual Mass usually takes place on the second Sunday in January.
But a notice on the Pompallier Hokianga Trust website stated that the celebration scheduled for January 9, 2022, has been cancelled, “due to Covid-19”.
“Wherever we are on this special day, may we remember with thanksgiving the sacrifices made by Bishop Pompallier and the early Marists, as they journeyed far from their homeland to proclaim the Good News. Kia Kaha Tatou,” the website stated.
While the rest of the country is set to be at the orange “traffic light” setting from 11.59pm on December 30, Northland will remain at the more restrictive red setting. That will be reviewed by the cabinet on January 17.
The Pompallier Hokianga Trust website also stated that the practice of raising the coffin containing Bishop Pompallier’s remains from beneath the altar at St Mary’s church in Motuti – which normally happens four times each year – has been suspended until the green traffic light setting is reached.
St Mary’s church is closed until the green setting is reached. When this does happen, groups can once again arrange to be met and guided at the church.
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