WelCom November 2018:
Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana, c. 1939. Photo: Alexander Turnbull Library, EP-NZ Obits-Ra to Rd-01
The Rātana movement is a church and pan-iwi political movement founded by the prophet Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana in the early 20th-century.
About 25,000 people of all faiths are expected at Rātana near Whanganui on 7 November this year to celebrate the day 100 years ago when Tahupotiki Wiremu Rātana saw the vision that began the Rātana movement. Visitors will be welcomed starting with Rātana faithful, iwi, other churches, and political parties at 3pm. There will be entertainment in the evening.
On 8 November there will be a church service and plaque unveiling, followed by a hākari (feast) and entertainment. On 9, 10 and 11 of November there will be rangatahi programmes, more entertainment and an archive exhibition.
Deacon Danny Karatea-Goddard says, ‘The prophetic teachings of Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana after a profound vision on 8 November 1918 continue to inspire generations of Mōrehu (followers of Ratana). He was instructed by the Wairua Tapu (Holy Spirit) to liberate Māoridom. Ratana had an extraordinary gift of healing; praying in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit with help from the Holy and Faithful Angels, which saw thousands restored from physical, mental and spiritual ailments. It will be a great celebration not only for the followers of Ratana but Māoridom as we acknowledge this a healer, a prophet, an agent of change.’
Deacon Danny will be attending the celebrations on behalf of Cardinal John Dew of Wellington and Bishop Charles Drennan of Palmerston North.