Deacon returns home for ministry in Panguru

Having spent many years in ministry as a deacon in Hamilton Diocese, he was welcomed home at Motutī Marae over the weekend as he prepares to embark on this new chapter.

Deacon Pomare is eager to restore the Catholic values passed down by his tūpuna (ancestors) in Panguru.

“My work here is to support the catechists and priests, that’s my main job here,” he said in an interview on Te Ao Māori News.

Fully aware of the challenges ahead, he is determined to address the growing issue of dwindling church attendance. He points out that fewer whānau are attending church, and he hopes to reverse this trend.

“There is a decline in people attending churches of this district. Why? My thoughts go back to the establishment of kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa Māori, that’s where we’re losing our young ones too,” he said.

Although he was eager to return home, Deacon Pomare was deeply grateful to the people of Te Arawa. He had lived there for 29 years, supporting parishes in the Bay of Plenty.

“When I lived among them, they took care of me, they took care of my soul. Because most of the time I was alone among the Te Arawa people.

“But this is a new path for me and my wife,” he said.

Deacon Pomare will begin in his new parish of Panguru at the end of this month.

FULL STORY

From Te Arawa to Te Rarawa: Deacon Ben Pomare heads home to strengthen faith (By Whatitiri Te Wake/Te Ao Māori News)