Marist Brothers thanked, farewelled from Far North

On December 7, local parishioners, friends and former students gathered to honour the brothers and express gratitude for decades of ministry, accompaniment and friendship. Auckland Bishop Steve Lowe presided at the Mass.

Gratitude was expressed by the brothers to Bishop Lowe, clergy and the local parishioners. The brothers were always generously and enthusiastically supported in Kaikohe.

Gratitude was also extended to those who participated in the brothers’ venture in Kaikohe in the last 10 years. This includes Brs Martin Pattison and Samisoni Talia, and others who were involved there.

As well as in Kaikohe, there had been Marist Brothers communities in Panguru, Kaitaia, Kawakawa and Moerewa. Over the last 49 years, approximately 50 brothers served in the region.

The Panguru venture was the important initial step that was taken in 1976. Here, a workable pattern was established, where brothers accepted various teaching and other roles at the nearby Panguru Area School.

The brothers who went to this region took a “sensible approach”. They were innovative and showed a keen willingness to adapt. Brothers not only served as teachers, sports coaches and in governance or senior management at local colleges; they also walked with, and worked alongside, many local people and organisations. Brothers formed great friendships and strong connections with church groups, youth workers, social workers, the police, courts and non-profit ventures.

Not infrequently, facilitated by historic links with Hato Petera College, brothers engaged with, and actively supported, existing local groups. They were ready to take up whatever apostolic opportunities happened to emerge.

FULL STORY

Farewelling a Legacy: Kaikohe Gives Thanks as Marist Brothers Conclude Nearly 50 Years in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland), Aotearoa New Zealand (By Br Peter Horide, FMS, Provincial Delegate to Aotearoa New Zealand/Marist Star)