Bishop holds Mass at marae
The sacred song Whanganui, Whanganui was naturally appropriate as the opening hymn for the confirmations of 11 Nga Paerangi wha¯ nau on their Kaiwhaiki Marae on Sunday, June 3.
The song was written by the late Morvin Simon MNZM who was not only a nationally acclaimed Ma¯ ori composer, but Kaiwhaiki’s choirmaster and kapa haka leader.
Confirmation Mass was celebrated by Bishop Charles Drennan from Palmerston North and Fr Marcus Francis, the Parish Priest of the Catholic Parish of Whanganui — Te Parihi Katorika ki Whanganui.
After the powhiri the candidates met with Bishop Drennan for a mihi, enabling the candidates and bishop to get to know each other before confirmation.
Singing Ave Maria, family and friends followed the candidates into the whare Kiritahi where Mass was held. Tawaroa Ponga carried the St Peter Chanel banner, Te Ao Maro Baron-McRitchie was cross bearer, Moetahi BaronMcRitchie the Lectionary and Te Rangi Tautahi Ponga was the candle bearer.
“All reminiscent of the Hui Aranga Easter Hui rosary processions, where St Peter Chanel’s Club from Kaiwhaiki has participated for over 70 years,” said Sr Makareta Tawaroa rsj.
At the conclusion of Mass, Confirmation certificates were presented and photos taken before going to the whare kai for a leisurely lunch. Sr Makareta Tawaroa rsj, Merekanara and Hoani Ponga made up the team of katekita (catechists) supported by kuia who attended all the hui, including the Sacrament of Reconciliation.