News Archive 2004

On Saturday, 27th November 2004, Sisters from the Dee Street, Island Bay and Tiber Street Communities travelled to Otaki to celebrate the commissioning of Sister Mina Fetu’u to Maori Pastoral Ministry.

The ceremony took place during St Mary’s Parish vigil Mass. Pa Hemi Hekiera sm celebrated the Mass with Fathers Barry O’Connor sm, Phil Cody sm and Monsignor Janush, the Secretary to the Apostolic Nuncio, concelebrating. For the Monsignor this was the first experience of being with a group of Catholic Maori.

Mass began with the blowing of the conch shell, and the karanga of the women, reminding us of the importance of what was about to take place. Most of the Mass was in the Maori language; the hymns, readings and prayers from Pukapuka Miha Maori.

During the homily, Pa Hemi explained what was about to take place. The katekita introduced Mina and again the pūtātara (conch shell) was sounded and the karanga called her forth for the ceremony. Pa Hemi invited Mina’s supporters to bring her forward. Mina, with her group proceded to the Altar steps where Pa Hemi prayed over her and blessed her. The priests and the katekita also laid hands on Mina and all sent her out from Waka Aroha to ministry. This was followed by greetings from the Waka Aroha, supporters and the Sisters of Compassion.

“The commissioning is very important for me. I had been asked earlier but I felt I wasn’t ready for it. This time, because Father Phil Cody is leaving us and I will be the only Chaplain for Maori people in the Wellington area, I knew I needed the support and blessing of the Waka Aroha. Wearing the korowai (cloak) for the first time gave me a sense of being surrounded with the Wairua and aroha of the people. I felt overwhelmed by the support of the Sisters of Compassion and the Maori people.”

At the conclusion of the ceremonies, the hakari was served in the whare kai, the manuhiri being called in to a sumptuous meal. Sister Rae spoke on behalf of the Sisters, thanking the people of the Waka Aroha for their care, love and support of Mina and the Sisters of Compassion in general. All the Sisters present stood alongside her to sing the waiata, “With our Mother Suzanne”. This special day drew to a close.