Geographically it may be a far and distant Church, but the challenges that it faces
are akin to those found in Europe; the marginalisation of faith in an increasingly
secular society, the proper integration of migrants within larger society and an increasingly
aging and dwindling clergy. But the Catholic Church in New Zealand is also witnessing
the after-effects Sydney 2008, with young people becoming more enthusiastic and proud
of their faith, and the joy they bring with them to the local Church.
A local
Church that reflects the diversity of the cultures it incorporates, from the indigenous
Maori traditions, through the various waves of European migration to today’s increasing
body of Catholics from South East Asia, Vietnam in particular.
The bishops
of New Zealand, led by Archbishop John Dew of Wellington, are in Rome this week on
their 5 yearly Ad-limina pilgrimage, to report to the Curia and the Holy Father on
the life of their Church. Of the nation’s 4.4 million inhabitants about 15 percent
are Catholic. A small but incisive minority, says Archbishop Dew:
“Our main
challenge, I suppose is how to be present in an increasingly secular society. We are
often described as a very secular country, and this is a problem that we are trying
to deal with by being a stronger presence in society. For example, we have a National
Centre for Bioethics committed on different moral issues. Then, we have recently created
a national formation institute to coordinate our teaching staff, but also to make
sure that the Churches’ voice is heard on moral issues and public policies and to
be present in places where decisions are made. Then there is the challenge of acceptance
and integration of immigrants in our parishes through inculturation”.
One of
the themes of the 1998 Synod of Bishops for Oceania was enculturation. Archbishop
Dew says great progress has been made in this field: “There has always been a great
dialogue with the Maori, the indigenous peoples of New Zealand: the first missionaries
came here to devote their mission to them. Part of the new Missal was translated into
Maori, one thing New Zealand’s wanted to have, because we consider it an important
sign for our Church is that it be "bi-cultural." Inculturation in the liturgy is important,
but also in theology and spirituality. The Maori have a rich heritage of values such
as respect for the dignity and worth of the human person, we are trying to convey
this to our whole society. Another aspect of inculturation is the integration of other
ethnic minorities that have recently arrived in New Zealand. We are committed to
finding ways to enhance and promote their cultural heritage and religious values of
their countries so they can enrich our parishes, dioceses and communities”.
But
in all endeavors, Archbishop Dew points out that the energy and enthusiasm of young
Catholics is essential: “I think that Sydney was an amazing experience for us from
New Zealand. 4 thousand pilgrims travelled to Australia from here, now that is a really
significant number for a small country like ours (...) Our dioceses also hosted three
thousand young foreigners during the days in the diocese, the experience that had
a huge impact on the lives of our communities and our youth. I am convinced that today's
kids are much more involved in Church life because of this. I have accompanied groups
of young people to other World Youth Days (...) and I can say that what strikes me
every time is to see so many people enthusiastic about their faith: this is an encouragement
for them to be proud to be Catholic. The World Youth Days have really had a positive
impact on the life of the Church of the country”. Listen to Emer McCarthy’s interview
with Archbishop John Dew: