Peruvian dance group at 60th birthday celebration for Pā Gerard Burns, parish priest of Te Ngākau Tapu Church, Porirua: (l-r) Celinda Smith, Marita Ortiz, Caleb Fenwick, Cristhel Juarez, Luiggi Riccio, Pā Gerard, Yair Asencios. Photo: Supplied
WelCom April 2018:
Rā Huritau – Birthday Celebration – ¡Feliz Cumpleaños!
On Sunday 18 March, parishioners of Te Ngākau Tapu hāhi in Porirua and the wider church community celebrated the 60th birthday of parish priest, Pā Gerard Burns.
The hakaari (celebratory meal) was held in neighbouring Tū-Hono hall after the 10am Miha (Mass in Māori). In honour of manuhiri (visitors), Pā Gerard also celebrated parts of the Miha in Spanish.
Manuhiri were called into Tū-Hono hall with karanga and waiata ringa (action song) by the hau kāinga (home people). Dancers from the local Peruvian community provided entertainment.
After kai, Pā Gerard thanked and blessed everyone present.