Potential PN cathedral work would not require consent

Advice has been received to this effect, and this is a significant development, Bishop Adams said, “since that process may have required costly strengthening work”.

“This gives us the freedom to begin thinking carefully and creatively about the cathedral’s future,” he said.

“At present, the cathedral’s capacity is less than optimal. On many Sundays, we cannot comfortably accommodate everyone, and for major diocesan occasions – Holy Thursday, Good Friday, First Holy Communions, Confirmations, major funerals and ordinations – the building is no longer adequate for our needs.

“Any reordering of the cathedral will need to be undertaken with care. We want to preserve its beauty and honour the theological vision already present in the building, while also listening to the wisdom, experience and deep affection of the local community.

“In due course, any proposed plans will be shared with our people for feedback.”

After a relic of St Carlo Acutis was in the diocese and elsewhere in Aotearoa New Zealand, Bishop Adams noted that Palmerston North “may also be the only diocese in New Zealand to have applied to the Bishop of Assisi and been granted a first-class relic [of St Carlo Acutis] of our own – strands of St Carlo’s hair”.

“So St Carlo has left, but in a way he remains with us. We now need to obtain a reliquary and establish a place of honour for the relic in the cathedral. I am also keen that St Carlo will keep visiting, particularly the young people of this diocese.”

Bishop Adams also shared updates on vocations, parish renewal and consideration of liturgical posture in his column in the diocese’s newsletter.

FULL STORY

Hopeful Signs for the Road Ahead (Tūmanako/Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North)