I write this update for you on the day of my second anniversary of my ordination as the third Bishop of Palmerston North. I was as surprised as anyone to have been ‘invited’ by Pope Francis to accept this position via the personal invitation of the Papal Nuncio at the time Archbishop Novatus. I remember early in my priestly life asking that my priesthood might be an adventure – Faith is, at its best, an adventure. With the Lord asking the best from us. It is deep within the Catholic DNA to give life a good shake, to trust the Lord in all things, to venture out on to seas yet uncharted. I have loved my time here in Palmerston North, and my episcopal motto of “Show us your light and your truth” has led me to meet many outstanding people in this diocese. Thank you.

Recently I was asked to attend a Bishop’s retreat in Inverness, Scotland. During that week of prayer, the retreat givers issued both spiritual challenges and consolations pertinent to the life of a bishop. How might a diocese, in this age of the Church, perform? How might a Bishop foster ongoing conversion in a time of great spiritual confusion?  Yes, the truths of Jesus Christ are unchangeable, but their transmission must cut through the commotion of these days – how are we to respond to this? I found the retreat a wonderful chance to contemplate and to hear other voices from around the globe.

Finally, by the time you have read this, the Hope and Renewal Summit will be behind us. What a thrill I believe it will be for the people of this diocese, that the Catholic people have come to our place in their hundreds to discuss what our parishes might look like into the future. Please be proud of the team here, and the leadership they have shown during these days.

+ John