March 2025
Fr Simione Volavola MSC, Fr Beniata Bakatete MSC, Fr Jacob Kuman CP, Fr Peter Gardiner, CP, Fr Noel Corcino, Fr Dyson Tharakan and seminarian Gerson Badayos participated in an intensive cultural orientation seminar-workshop called “Landing the Waka” from 19-21 March at the Magnificat Retreat Centre in Featherston.
The group bonded together over topics such as the history of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Archdiocese of Wellington (ADW), Te Ao Māori, the pastoral landscape of the ADW, integrity in ministry, clergy self-care, complaints and privacy, and more. Guest speakers were Fr Dennis Nacorda, Fr Mathew White, Angela Chapman and Elizabeth Berry.
The seminar-workshop was designed and delivered by ADW Vicar-General Msgr Gerard Burns, and staff from the ADW’s Church Mission, Lucienne Hensel and Maya Bernardo. The group’s time in Magnificat will be followed up by monthly meetings to cover other topics that will help them navigate the challenges of their ministries.
Kia kaha team!
