Archbishop of Wellington
WelCom June/July 2023
Tēnā koutou. Greetings to you all.
It is my privilege to be writing this first piece for WelCom as the 8th ordinary of the Archdiocese of Wellington.
One hundred and seventy-three years ago, Marist priest Philippe Viard was appointed the first bishop of the newly created diocese of Wellington. In the following years, six other priests have carried that same title, which became Archbishop when the diocese became an archdiocese in 1887. I am very aware of those who have gone before me, and I am deeply grateful for all their work of leadership and the example of service that they have given, especially most recently by my predecessor Cardinal John.
I sometimes hear Catholic people say ‘the Church’ should do something about this, that or the other, as if it is a body outside of themselves. But we are all the Church. It exists because we are all its members and we take responsibility for its life and outreach, its good parts and its sinful parts. Our part of this Church is the Archdiocese of Wellington and we are called to work together for the spread of the Gospel and to help one another be prepared for eternal life. What a great privilege for us all.
This WelCom edition has an interview with me that Michael Fitzsimons conducted a couple of weeks ago (p 10). In it you will find some of the things I am thinking at this time and some reflections of what I hope we might do in the Archdiocese. They reflect my hopes for our whole Church. I am very aware of my own need to do the same myself, to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit working in me, to be a man who prays every day, takes time to do spiritual reading, ensures that all is done for those in need. I am aware of my own shortcomings and this is why I am very grateful for the prayers that are offered for me by so many. I need them!
Each one of us has a history which shapes our experience. I am very grateful to God for mine. My mother and father showed me what faith looked like, I grew up in a supportive community in Hastings, my family has continued to support me, and my life as a member of the Society of Mary was where I was able to follow Jesus’ call to spread the Gospel. But God’s plan for me was different to what I imagined and so I have been the Bishop of Christchurch and now Wellington. I do trust that God has it under control, and that his plan will come to fruition, but only if I keep open to what he asks of me.
I am really looking forward to this journey of faith with all of you in the Archdiocese. I value deeply your commitment and witness to faith. I know that we have much to do to help others who may have given away a regular practice of their faith to find their home again with us, as well as those who have yet to hear the Good News. This is our calling together, may God’s grace and strength be with us all.
In Christ,
+Paul
Motto and Coat of Arms
The Marian symbol on the blue sky represents Mary and reflects the call of Mary to Archbishop Paul Martin to be a member of the Society of Mary, which uses the Marian monogram in this form. The gold base depicts the lamb holding the crook and represents the Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep and seeks out the lost. On a scroll below the shield is Archbishop Paul’s motto: Rejoice in the Lord always. (Philippians 4:4), which echoes the response of Mary in the Magnificat when she exclaimed, ‘my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour’.