Celebration

A unique artwork of Madonna and child has visited Blenheim and Kaiko¯ura on its tour of the country. The painting is named Ko Ha¯ta Maria, te Matua Wahine o te Atua (Holy Mary, Mother of God). The work was commissioned by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops to celebrate the re-dedication of Aotearoa New Zealand to Mary in a special mass at St Mary of the Angels in Wellington last year. A special mass was held at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Blenheim on Saturday.

Photos BRYA INGRAM/STUFF

Pouwhakarite Ma¯ori apostolate co-ordinator Korty Wilson, of the Palmerston North diocese, brought the work to Marlborough on the ferry on Friday on her hikoi to share the painting with parishes across the country.