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November 6-11  |  Approx. $900 per person
SPACES LIMITED TO 10 YOUNG ADULTS

Young Adults:
Hikoi to the Hokianga

WITH FR ALISTER

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Why a hikoi (pilgrimage) to the Hokianga?

The Hokianga holds a special place in the story of the Catholic faith in Aotearoa New Zealand. It was here that Bishop Jean-Baptiste Pompallier celebrated the first Catholic Mass in 1838, beginning a new chapter in the life of the Church in this country.

This pilgrimage is an opportunity to visit these sacred and historic places, but also to step away from everyday life and make space for God. Through prayer, Mass, shared experiences, and time together, we will remember the faith of those who came before us and reflect on how God is calling us to live and share that same faith today.

“They need to know, to experience, to learn from this place.”
— Bishop Michael Gielen

Bishop Michael spoke these words at Totara Point, reflecting on the importance of bringing young people to the place where the Catholic faith first took root in Aotearoa New Zealand. This pilgrimage gives us the opportunity not simply to read about this history, but to encounter it, to stand in these sacred places, hear their stories, pray together, and discover how the faith entrusted to earlier generations is now entrusted to us.

Possible Itinerary

This isn’t set it stone, but will be confirmed once everything is booked.
Please note that spaces are limited to 10 people.

Friday 6 November

Fly to Auckland / Mass at the Auckland Diocesan Office / Visit the Diocesan Archives / Drive to Paihia

Saturday 7 November

Visit Waitangi Grounds

Sunday 8 November

Sunday Mass at Hato Petera, Panguru / Time of Reflection and Prayer at Motuti (where Bishop Pompalllier is buried) / Visit and pray at Totora Point (the site where the first official Catholic Mass in NZ was celebrated) / Visit Tane Mahuta

Monday 9 November

Visit the Marist Mission House & Printery / Mass, Adoration, Reflection at the The National Shrine of St Peter Chanel in New Zealand, Russell

Tuesday 10 November

TBD

Drive back to Auckland / Mass at the Cathedral / Fly back to Christchurch

Wednesday 11 November

To keep costs down, we will be staying at ‘Centabay Lodge’ - a backpackers lodge in Paihia. We will be staying in a dormitory style room.

We have limited it to 10 people as we will just be renting a van for transport (another way of saving costs)

Accommodation & Travel