The announcement was made on the website of the New Zealand Episcopal Conference, which declared that the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be invoked for the nation.

Newsroom (August 7, 2021 8:45 AM, Gaudium Press) After numerous requests made to the New Zealand episcopate and on the occasion of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven, celebrated on August 15, the Catholic Church present in New Zealand will renew the consecration of the country to Our Lady.

Invoking the protection of Mary Most Holy to the country

The announcement was made on the website of the New Zealand Episcopal Conference, which declared that it will invoke the protection of Mary Most Holy for the nation, especially in these worrying times for humanity, which is still living the traumas and sadness of a pandemic that insists on haunting society.

Launching of a website entirely dedicated to Our Lady

One of the initiatives planned for the occasion is the launching of a website entirely dedicated to Our Lady (www.tearaamaria.nz). Internet users will be able to consult all the information about the events of the year, as well as a section entirely dedicated to historical events, among which the Catholic Bishops of New Zealand to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven by Monsignor Jean-Baptiste Pompallier in January 1838 stands out.

National Shrine of Mary Assumed into Heaven

Mass on the Solemnity of the Assumption will be celebrated in St.8 Mary of the Angels Church in Wellington by all the Catholic Bishops of New Zealand. From this date onwards, the temple will become the National Shrine of Mary Assumed into Heaven. On the occasion will also be presented the artwork Mary with Child, in the Aotearoa style. (EPC)

Compiled by Zephania Gangl