WelCom August 2024
Maya Bernardo
The sun was shining, and the air was filled with warm festivity. The winter chill was no match for the colourful celebration of Fr Donal Hornsey’s 60th year of ordination was held at Te Awakairangi Parish on 6 July.
Fr Don is a Columban missionary who first was posted to Rome then later to Latin America where he served for many years. Looking at the sea of faces, Fr Don said he felt emotional with an overwhelming gratitude to God, to his parents, the Columban congregation and the many people he encountered in his missions.
Fr Tom Rouse who was one of Don’s students, gave a tribute. Like a typical Columban, Don goes where no one dare to go – the slums of Brazil, to Chile amidst a political upheaval among others. To date, in his 80s, he pastorally supports the migrant communities of Myanmar, the Spanish-speakers, and Zimbabweans of the Hutt Valley.
Fr Don is a polyglot who speaks many languages – German, Portuguese and Spanish, among them – but his best language is that of love and compassion to those in need. He was ordained on 4 July 1964 in Morrinsville. His celebration was also marked by a multicultural Mass followed by a reception where people rendered songs and music to celebrate the life and ministry of this exceptional New Zealand missionary. The celebration was attended by family, friends, and the communities he serves.