The long weekend is timely as the community continues to battle sickness.

In last week’s newsletter I offered some information about St Bede. The mass celebrant, Fr Tim Duckworth, also shared some thoughts about the saint as well, which I tried to summarize at assembly, and here I share what the boys were told.

One was from his homily and about how this place should provide a foundation for the rest of your lives, and by that he meant taking advantage of the opportunities that are on offer. It mirrored a message I gave some of the year levels in the singing practices leading up to Feast Day. Whether you are here one and a half terms as a Year 9 or 18 and a half terms as a Year 13, keep taking advantage of the opportunities on offer. Whether it is the careers day for Seniors, the work you are doing in your classes, the sports and cultural opportunities, they are all the launch pads to what happens when you leave the College.

Secondly, Fr Duckworth made a quip about the passing fad of mullets. Let’s be clear, if you want long hair you tie it up when you have your uniform on, or cut it. And remember, the way you wear your uniform visually displays what you think of our place.

Thirdly and perhaps most poignantly Fr Duckworth said “Today I am proud to be a Bedean” and that was largely to do with the fact that you Bedeans entered into the spirit of Feast day, because of the manner you participated in the mass, which led on to a fun Feast day, for staff and students.

Recently, Bishop Michael Gielen was appointed by the Holy Father to be the 11th Bishop of Christchurch. He takes over from Archbishop Paul Martin, who in his comparatively short time here has achieved much, providing a springboard for Bishop Michael to continue, some thing that the new bishop wished to convey. We are most fortunate that both men are most supportive of the education sector. Archbishop Paul had a long career in schools including two stints at St Bede’s, and he frequently presided in his time as Bishop, at various College Masses. Bishop Gielen has already indicated that he will follow suit, which is good news.

Included, for your information are excerpts from the catholic publication” Inform”, from both Archbishop Paul and from Bishop Michael.

From Archbishop Paul

It is with mixed emotions that I write this last message to you. I am delighted that the Holy Father has appointed Bishop Michael Gielen as the 11th bishop of this diocese. He will be a fine shepherd and leader. He is a man of faith, courage and good humour. I know you will come to discover this for yourselves over the coming years. I am also sad that my time living and working in this diocese has come to an end. It has been such a privilege to be the bishop and then to continue being the apostolic administrator over these last 17 months. I leave being so grateful for the people I have met, the opportunities that I have had to work with so many good people for the spread of the gospel, and for the prayer and support I have received. These last four years have been a significant time for the diocese as we have worked to establish new ways of worshipping together and being community for the sake of the mission of the Church. Some difficult decisions had to be made, and I know that a lot has been asked of people in terms of giving up what is familiar and comfortable for the sake of something that is unknown. It involves moving in faith and trust that God is at work. This journey has only just begun and with the leadership of Bishop Michael it will continue into the future as you work on being communities of faith with a strong desire to bring others to know the Good News of Christ.

From Bishop Michael

I am deeply humbled to be called by Pope Francis to serve as your Shepherd and to follow Archbishop Paul Martin, a much-loved Bishop of Christchurch. I have always admired Christchurch Diocese from afar: your rich and generous history of 135 years of faith; your enduring resilience in the face of adversity; not to mention your all-conquering rugby team. Not everything in Christchurch is new for me. I have very fond memories of a cycling pilgrimage I made with eight seminarians in 2015. Cycling through the diocese over five days, we were blessed to enjoy your rich hospitality while also taking in the breathtaking beauty this part of the world is so famous for. Never did I imagine I would become a part of your faith story.

About Bishop Michael

Born 2nd June 1971 in Cambridge

Ordained as a priest in 1997 in Hamilton, then served parishes in Gisborne, Hamilton and the western Bay of Plenty

Education includes studying a Masters in Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, USA 2012-2014 and a Licentiate in Theology from St. Peter Favre Centre for Formators to the Priesthood and Religious Life, Gregorian University, Rome

Moved to Auckland in 2014 as Director of Formation at Holy Cross Seminary, helping to train new priests

March 2020 became Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland

21 May 2022 appointed 11th Bishop of Christchurch

Until next week

Nha Mihi

JG Boyle