Cyclone sees Mass obligation temporarily lifted in Hamilton

A notice on the Hamilton Diocese website stated that people were asked to use their own judgement in discerning what was safe regarding travelling to and attending Mass.

“Some of our Masses have already been cancelled due to significant warnings in those areas. Bishop Richard has encouraged everyone to prioritise their safety and help others to do so where needed,” the notice stated.

Among the places in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty where all weekend Masses were cancelled was Tauranga. It was noted that a Civil Defence red warning had been issued for the region.

Several regions declared states of emergency: Northland, Waikato, including the Coromandel Peninsula, Tauranga, three district councils in the Bay of Plenty, including Western Bay of Plenty, Whakatāne District and Opotiki, and Hawke’s Bay, but not Wairoa, Radio New Zealand reported.

In an April 10 Facebook post, Auckland Bishop Steve Lowe called for prayers for local authorities and emergency responders. “Please make sensible choices in what you to do this weekend, and that includes attendance at Sunday Masses,” Bishop Lowe said.

Noting that Pope Leo XIV had called for prayers for world peace, Bishop Lowe said: “In this weekend where we might well be housebound, in our own upper room, let us listen to the words of the risen Christ, ‘Peace be with you’.

“Let us listen to the cries of the earth and let us listen to those who cry out to us from the worn torn places of our world.”

FULL STORY

Catholic Diocese of Hamilton

Tairawhiti Catholic

Parish of St Thomas Aquinas. (Tauranga Moana Parish)

Like many of you I have watched the TV News… (Bishop Steve Lowe/Facebook)

Live weather: Cyclone Vaianu brings damaging winds, heavy rain to North Island (Radio New Zealand)