From the First Catholic Mass in 1838 to Today: Honouring 188 Years of Faith in Aotearoa New Zealand

On 10 January 2026, a special Mass was celebrated at Tōtara Point in North Aotearoa New Zealand, marking 188 years since the first Catholic presence in the country. The occasion brought together the local Catholic community, clergy, religious, and members of the wider Marist family to honour both the beginnings of the Church in this land and its continuing mission today.

The homily was given by Bishop Steve Lowe who reflected on the Church as a woven kete (a traditional Māori basket), made strong by the many strands that form it. He spoke of the baptised faithful, clergy, Catechists, and the recently arrived Missionaries of the Sacred Heart priests now serving in the Far North - each contributing their unique gifts to the life and faith of the Church in Aotearoa.

During the celebration, the early Māori catechists were remembered with gratitude. These men and women travelled to Sydney for formation and returned to share the Gospel among their own people, demonstrating that from its earliest days, the Church in Aotearoa was shaped by leadership, collaboration, and deep local commitment.

Brothers Anthony and Samisoni with Bishop Steve Lowe

The anniversary traces its roots to the arrival of Bishop Jean-Baptiste François Pompallier, the first Vicar Apostolic of Western Oceania. Born in Lyon, France, in 1801, Pompallier was appointed in 1836 to oversee a vast mission territory stretching across the Pacific. That same year, he set sail from Le Havre, France, with four Marist priests and three Brothers, including Br Michel Colombon, who would become the first Marist Brother to arrive in Aotearoa alongside Bishop Pompallier.

Their mission was to establish Catholic communities throughout Oceania. The journey was arduous: one priest died during the voyage, while others were left to begin missions in Wallis and Futuna, as the Bishop continued onward toward Aotearoa.

Br Osmund pauses on his way to the event at Totara Point

After stopping at Tahiti, Tonga, Rotuma, and Sydney, Pompallier and his companions arrived in Hokianga Harbour on 10 January 1838. Three days later, on 13 January, he celebrated what is regarded as the first Catholic Mass on New Zealand soil at Tōtara Point. This historic Mass, celebrated at the request of a Catholic couple, Mary and Thomas Poynton, marked the formal beginning of the Catholic Church in Aotearoa.

As Bishop Pompallier lifted the Eucharist for the first time on this soil in 1838, a seed of faith was planted that has since grown in many directions across the land. That seed continues to bear fruit today through the Marist presence in Aotearoa - particularly in its schools, communities, and ministries - and through the wider Marist family who remain committed to education, service, and mission.

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