On the Solemnity of the Assumption (August 15), the New Zealand Catholic community is going to renew Bishop Pompallier’s dedication of this country to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven.
This comes following many requests the New Zealand bishops received during the lockdown last year, asking for Mary’s protection of Aotearoa New Zealand in such troubling international times.
This Mass on August 15 will launch the Catholic Church’s year-long Te Ara a Maria: Mary’s Way celebration — and, as part of this, a new website, www.tearaamaria.nz, went live on July 28, with full details of
the related events and their historic background.
All the New Zealand Catholic bishops will attend the Assumption Day Mass at St Mary of the Angels in
Wellington, where the distinctively Aotearoa-style artwork featuring Mary and the child Jesus will be
unveiled, and St Mary of the Angels church will be established as the national shrine of Mary Assumed
into Heaven.
The following day, the artwork will commence a 12-month hīkoi around the country, visiting each of
the nation’s dioceses. NZ Catholic understands the hikoi is to start in Invercargill on either August 17 or 18.
The website, and associated branding material, was created by Joe Serci, engagement manager of the
Catholic Enquiry Centre. The website includes the background to Te Ara a Maria, including how the country
was dedicated to Mary Assumed into Heaven in 1838 by Bishop Pompallier; an account of the life of Mary,
details of the Assumption Day on August 15 at St Mary of the Angels; information about the artwork created
for Te Ara a Maria and the schedule of the associated hīkoi; and videos, prayers, hymns and other material
to download.
“There are lots of ways you can celebrate,” Mr Serci said. “Many Catholics will honour the occasion within
their parish. You do not need to be Catholic to be involved. We invite everyone to join us.”
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