Māori catechist ordained to permanent diaconate in Napier

By CathNews New Zealand

October 20th, 2026

Newly-ordained Deacon Charles Ropitini stands to Bishop John Adams’ left. (Immaculate Conception Pakipaki/Facebook)

Charles Ropitini has been ordained to the permanent diaconate by Palmerston North Bishop John Adams at a Mass at St Joseph’s Māori Girls’ College in Napier, with the bishop saying beforehand that the ordination is one of several signs of new life in his diocese.

The Ordination Mass on October 16 was attended by more than 450 people from throughout Palmerston North Diocese, from Holy Cross Seminary and as far away as Northland and Hokitika.

In an article last month, Bishop Adams said the ordination of Deacon Ropitini would be one of “several signs of new life emerging across our diocese”.

The bishop noted that Deacon Ropitini, a catechist from Pakipaki, had spent about four years in formation.

“Charles is a fluent speaker of te reo Māori, has served the community around St Joseph’s Māori Girls’ College and works as a cultural adviser for Hastings District Council.”

In a video inviting people to attend the ordination, Bishop Adams said he had met the deacon-to-be and his wife previously, noting that “a bishop ought to get permission from the permanent deacon’s wife before the ordination because obviously [in such cases] first vocation is a husband and father”.

Pā Hēmi Ropata SM celebrated a Thanksgiving Miha (Mass) at Pakipaki the day after Deacon Ropotini’s ordination, with Bishop Adams in choir.

“In a very humble way, Bishop John sat in choir to listen and pray the Miha Māori as he continues to strengthen his own knowledge and use of te reo Māori,” stated a Facebook post from Immaculate Conception, Pakipaki. After the Mass, there was a morning tea at Houngarea Marae.

Another occasion heralded by the bishop as a sign of new life will take place on November 21 when Peter Dung (Zung) Manh Phan is ordained to the transitional diaconate at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Palmerston North. This is a stage on his path to priesthood.

Speaking last month, Bishop Adams said, “these will be my first ordinations during my time as bishop”.

At the Australasian Catholic Press Association Conference in Christchurch in August, Charles Ropitini shared the story of Venerable Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert and, in particular, her work with Māori in Hawke’s Bay.

FULL STORY

Facebook (Immaculate Conception Pakipaki)

This morning Pā Hēmi Ropata SM… (Immaculate Conception Pakipaki Facebook)

Facebook (Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North)

Renewing our life of mission and service (Tūmanako/ Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North)

Invitation to Charles Ropitini ordination to diaconate (Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North/YouTube)

Facebook (Catholic Enquiry NZ)