Waitangi Day
Sunday 6 February 2022 is our national day commemorating the first signings of the Treaty of Waitangi – Te Tiriti o Waitangi, in 1840.
“It is good that we look here to Waitangi, where in these first sacred discussions about the way to live in partnership with each other, my predecessor Bishop Pompallier asked for and received a guarantee of religious freedom and protection. It is religious tolerance, religious inclusion and religious acceptance that is our heritage. We honour and celebrate that today." From Cardinal John’s address at Waitangi in 2020 reaffirming protection of religious beliefs.
Readings for the 5th Sunday of Ordinary time
Is 6: 1-2a, 3-8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
“Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?”
“Here I am,” I said; “send me!”
Psalm 138: 1-2,2-3,4-5,7-8
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
1 Cor 15:1-11
… so we preach and so you believed.
Alleluia, alleluia
Come after me and I will make you fishers of people.
Luke 5:1-11
Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid;
from now on you will be catching people.”
When they brought their boats to the shore,
they left everything and followed him.
Optional Alternative Readings for this Sunday
The New Zealand Bishops have sent the following options to parishes as alternative Readings for Waitangi Day which falls on a Sunday in 2022.
Is 32: 15-18
Ps 84: 2,9-13
2 Cor 3:1-6
John 14:23-27
Prayer of the Faithful
Invocation: E te Ariki …
Response: Whakarongo mai rā ki a mātou
For true partnership living together in peaceful relationships: May there be a true desire among all in Aotearoa to grow more culturally aware and inclusive communities, schools and workplaces through inclusion of the Māori language, tikanga and understanding of a shared spirituality of our Christian tradition.
E te Ariki ... Response
For those in government: May leaders of all nations demonstrate religious tolerance and inclusion so that religious freedom and protection is preserved.
E te Ariki ... Response
You might compose more prayers seeking forgiveness, giving thanks, re-committing ourselves towards justice and increasing religious tolerance.
Prayer after Communion
E te Ariki, ka inoi nei mātou mā te Ūkaritia kua tango nei mātou,
May the Eucharist which we have received, strengthen and renew us, we pray o Lord,
e whakakaha, e whakahōu i a mātou, ā mā tēnei kaupapa huna o te kotahitanga
that through this mystery of unity
mātou e whiwhi ki te rangimārie ka tukua nei
we may possess the peace we may hand on,
me te whakaū i te rangimarie kua tango nei mātou.
and preserve the peace we have received.
Mā te Karaiti to mātou Ariki.
Through Christ our Lord.
Photo of Interior Onuku church, Akaroa.
Karakia
E te Ātua e aroha mai ana ki a mātou
God who loves each one of us
Ko ōu iwi katoa hei iwi mō mātou
All your people are our people,
Awhinatia mātou ki te mārama tetahi ki tetahi
Help us to understand each other
Kia whakapaingia tōu Hahi,
Let your Church be blessed,
E mahi tahi ana I roto I te kōmunio tuturu
As we work together in true communion.
Āmene
The National Anthem
Sing two verses - first in Māori and then in English. Words are included in the following video.
Click here to sing our own anthem in honour of this special national day.
Other Resources
Te Miha and other useful links HERE
Seeking ideas drawing on the scriptures for your homily or personal reflection?
Listen to this 30 min podcast of an informal conversation sharing insights from the Scriptures of the day.
Go to the Homily Studio podcast HERE
In the Treaty of Waitangi, we find the moral basis for our presence in Aotearoa New Zealand and a vision that sets this country apart. We hold in our hands a great treasure - the opportunity to create a society that truly honours the rights of its indigenous people. We have an opportunity to heal wounds that have been present for too long. The Treaty of Waitangi was built on respect for persons and respect for their diversity.
New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, Statement on the Treaty of Waitangi, 1995