From the Bishop - December 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Greetings to you all as we journey through Advent, looking towards the coming of Our Lord at Christmas and at the end of time.
In my teenage years, U2 was one of my favourite bands. Their music and lyrics captured the hearts of many in my generation. What endeared me even more to them, was the courageous faith of Bono, their lead singer.
When asked about Christmas, he once said, “I believe that there is a logic that stands behind all things and, as a poet, I see
the wonderful appropriateness that this awesome power would express itself as a baby, born in straw poverty.”
This mystery is what we celebrate at Christmas: our awesome God, the creator of the cosmos, humbling Himself to become a poor baby. For Bono, this is true because it is the correct order. If God is powerful, he has no need to prove it through a show
of power. Rather, his power is shown in something poor and vulnerable. There are few things more humble and vulnerable than a poor, defenceless baby, lying in a borrowed manger.
I invite you to take time to reflect anew on this mystery. How is it that the God who created the Southern Alps, watched over the formation of the Canterbury plains, who tenderly thought of you before you were born, now, once again, comes among us as a vulnerable baby? I have come to know and believe, He did this because He loves us, He wants to be in relationship with us, to show His face to each of us in His Son, Jesus. Babies change us. This is the mystery of Christmas. God, in his perfect will, bursts into our world, whether we are ready or not. He does not ask for any material gift. Rather, he only asks for the door of our hearts to be open. This is a time to celebrate new beginnings, fresh hope, and the unending promise of God’s light in the darkness. Let us welcome the Christ Child, not only into our homes and churches, but into every part of our lives.
The New Zealand Bishops’ Pastoral Letter, Following the Prime Minister’s Apology to Those Abused in State and Faith-Based Care
In mid November, I joined with many of you as we listened to the Prime Minister’s apology to those who suffered abuse in state and faith-based care. It was an important moment in our nation’s history. The Sunday following the Prime Minister’s apology, a pastoral letter from the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference was read at all Masses, followed by a Litany of Lament. I joined with you in offering Mass for those who suffered from every kind of abuse at the hands of people in the Church, here in New Zealand. I ask you to walk with me, as we continue to face this painful wound within the Church, in the Christchurch Diocese and in our country. In this season of Advent, may it be a darkness we can turn away from as we walk towards the light of Christ.
As I speak to you now through Inform, may I quote from the guiding words of Pope Francis, found at the end of our Pastoral Letter of Lament: “Looking back to the past, no effort to beg pardon and to seek to repair the harm done, will ever be sufficient. Looking ahead to the future, no effort must be spared to create a culture able to prevent such situations from happening.” We have taken some important steps on that road, but there is more to be done.
A Milestone for Inform
May I congratulate Ken Joblin on editing this, his fiftieth issue
of Inform. His faith speaks through his work for this publication, as in other work he does for us. I also thank those involved in the formulation, design, and production of Inform both now and during the 33 years of its life. 143 editions have helped tell the story of the many faces and buildings, regions and communities, who make up our wonderful diocese of faith. Inform has helped tell our story, while reminding us of the one who authored it, Our Lord. I also thank those of you who responded to our Inform survey. Around 200 of you indicated how much you value Inform for its content and its ability to capture the life of the diocese. It remains a critical way for us all to remain connected as a family of faith, throughout the diocese. Later in this issue, Ken will write further about the insights gained from your responses.
Gratitude for Good Work
I would like to thank Simon Thompson, who concludes his time with us as General Manager at the end of the year. He joined us in late 2021, and highlights of his time include the successful completion of the new Marian College, the move of our diocesan offices back to Barbadoes Street, and his work in the selection of the preferred site of the new Cathedral. After more than a decade of supporting the Diocese of Christchurch, our Property Manager Tony Sewell will also conclude his time with us at the end of the year. He has overseen some critical moments in the Diocese during a great time of challenge, but also of opportunity. He has provided trusted advice to three bishops and their advisors, to parishes and diocesan staff. The guidance he has offered to the Cathedral project will serve us well in the years ahead. We wish Simon Thompson and Tony Sewell well in what lies ahead for them and their families.
Priests’ Retirement Villas Fundraising Campaign
My thanks to those who have given so generously for the priests’ retirement villas. Providing appropriate retirement housing
for priests, who have given so generously and faithfully to
the Diocese, is an important responsibility we all share. Your generosity will form the foundation for a restful home for them.
Final Thoughts
May I conclude by reprising the words of Bono from U2: “there is a logic that stands behind all things, a wonderful appropriateness — that this awesome, powerful God, would express Himself as a baby, born in straw poverty.” How blessed are we to have Him come to our door. May we have the humility to let him enter our inn.
Yours in Christ
+ Michael Gielen
Bishop of Christchurch
