Parihaka commemoration at St Mary of the Angels

“Homage to Te Raukura: The Power of Peaceful Resistance” will take place on Thursday, November 5 at St Mary of the Angels in central Wellington.

The event comes 145 years after the invasion of Parihaka (Te Rā o te Pāhua) on November 5, 1881, during which soldiers were met with bread, songs and prayers instead of violence.

Beginning at 6.30pm, the St Mary of the Angels concert will be hosted by Richard Shaw, author of The Forgotten Coast, and will feature taonga pūoro, haka, Irish folk music presented by Jonathan Berkhan and friends, piano music by Dan Poynton, Irish songs performed by Pepe Becker and Baroque Voices, a performance by St Bernard’s College students, choral music by the Choir of St Mary of the Angels, a poetry reading by Gregory O’Brien, among other performances.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and admission is free.

In 2013, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand responded to a growing desire by Catholic parishes and schools to honour the memory of Parihaka. In consultation with the Parihaka community, Caritas produced a 12-page booklet to help groups and individuals to pray and reflect on its story and non-violent resistance to injustice, in the light of Catholic Social Teaching.

A Caritas delegation presented the booklet “Remembering Parihaka” to the Parihaka community after consulting them over its preparation.

The Archdiocese of Wellington Ecology, Justice and Peace Commission works for justice and peace inspired and informed by Catholic Social Teaching.

FULL STORY

Homage to Te Raukura: an evening of performance and reflection on Parihaka day at St Mary of the Angels (Archdiocese of Wellington/Facebook)

Parihaka | Discover and Act Now (Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand)