Challenge 2000 Youth Worker Aroha Allen writes:

On Waitangi Day, Challenge 2000 supported the celebration of a special Mass at St Andrew’s, Newlands, which offered space for reflection of the significance of the signing of the treaty. I attended this service, saying a prayer in Te Reo Māori which was translated into English. Pā Pat Brophy SM shared on equality, partnership and The Treaty of Waitangi. Afterwards, members of the parish commented on how engaging the Mass was and highlighted the representation of the Māori flag and the New Zealand flag on the altar. The celebration ended with a sharing of refreshments, which gave everyone the opportunity to get to know each other a little better.

The prayer I said was:

E te Ātua, e aroha mai ana ki a mātou, ko ōu iwi katoa hei iwi mō mātou. Awhinatia mātou ki te mārama tētahi ki tētahi kia whakapaingia tōu hāhi. E mahi tahi ana i roto i te kōmunio tuturu.

God who loves each one of us, all your people are our people. Help us to understand each other. Let your Church be blessed, as we work together in true communion.

Āmene.

— Aroha Allen, Youth Worker