Tui Motu InterIslands magazine publishes 300th edition

Editor Sr Ann Gilroy RSJ wrote that the 300th issue is a cause for an early celebration in a year in which storms are brewing at home and abroad.

She wrote this in an editorial for the 300th edition, which was titled “Being Pilgrims of Hope/He Manene Tūmanako”.

In the editorial, the decision by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon not to go to Waitangi early in February was criticised.

“His decision is hard to reconcile with an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi’s place in New Zealand democracy and his responsibility as leader to develop good relationships with the Treaty partners,” the editorial stated.

The editorial expressed concern for “the ecological and social well-being of the world when governments espouse divisive, exclusionary approaches towards their own constituency and their dealings with other countries”.

“The prominent lineup of billionaires at President Trump’s inauguration witnessed to an uncritical faith in the power of money for fulfilling society’s hopes. Such faith develops narcissistic leaders who have no interest in working on the complexity of community living within our planet.”

Nonetheless, the 300th edition takes a leaf from the Jubilee Year and explores how to be pilgrims of hope.

“By declaring 2025 a Jubilee Year, Pope Francis is encouraging the world to be critically alert to how populist opinion and power, often founded in untruth, revenge, ignorance and superiority, can drain our hope and courage.”

Walking together with many people as in a pilgrimage “can increase unity in diversity, cooperation with our neighbours, acknowledgment of and making amends for our individual and institutional offences, and promote healing, peace and participation for the common good”.

“. . . . This whole year is our opportunity to walk in synodality, drawing on the experience of one another, weighing decisions with the challenges of the Gospel, so that we become more committed to participating in God’s dream for the world.

“This 300th issue offers support for our journey.”

FULL STORY

Being Pilgrims of Hope / He Manene Tūmanako – Tui… Tui Motu InterIslands