Sunday January the 8th. A group of young men accompanied by Frs Damian and Pat set off from the Whangaparaoa northwards on a pilgrimage of discovery. The journey was to be over eight days but to last a life-time. We visited many places, geographical places, and places of the heart. We met many people; the living - at the ‘sacred’ places, - the other travellers; and the dead – the ones who are our ancestors. We also each had an encounter with ourselves, now and in the future. The list of places visited seems mundane, but each place represents a moment; an experience; inspirational people.

We visited:

• Whangarei - the Marist community at St Francis Xaviar parish.
• Russell - site of Pompallier, one of the earliest mission buildings in the country and site of the national shrine of St Peter Chanel.
• Waitangi - The Treaty grounds.
• Ruapekapeka - Pa and battlesite.
• Okaihau - Marist community whose mission is the Pastoral Area of the Bay of Islands and South Hokianga
• Totara Point - site of the first Mass celebrated in New Zealand
• Motuti - Shrine where Bishop Pompallier’s remains are venerated.
• Tane Mahuta – a Kauri, NZs biggest.
• Auckland - the formation house in Hopetoun Street and then the Logos Centre in Onehunga.
• Turangi – Whitewater rafting on the Tongariro
• Waihi, for the month’s mind for Bishop Max Takuira Mariu S.M.
• Napier – to the Mission and its history, and for a retreat.
• Feilding – The Marist Community there and Hato Paora College.
• Otaki – Pukekaraka Marae
• Wellington – St Mary of the Angels, Karori Cemetery and then the Mitcheltown Community in Holloway Road, finishing with a barbecue.

Holy places, holy people. We arrived home changed people, people aware of God’s presence and guidance in our lives. Here is what one participant wrote of the experience:

The Marist Hikoi was an amazing journey. It was not only the external experiences of the many amazing places we went to during our week-long journey, but the internal journey that was also very much a part of the experience. Journeying around New Zealand to the significant Marist places created a very suitable environment for me to examine my life and my future. In particular visits to Pompallier, Waitangi, Puketapu and the many Marist communities we visited gave me inspiration and insight into my future and what I am called to do with my life. We met many inspirational people along the way including the workers at ‘Logos’-the sharing of their experiences of working with youth in Auckland gave me motivation for my work with Challenge 2000. The Hikoi has allowed me to realise a lot of things about my future and it is an experience that will be very significant in my life.  Heath Hutton

The experience will be repeated this year. If you are interested in participating or have any questions or comments, let us know. I can be contacted at
Fr Pat or 021 728276. Or you could contact Fr Damian or 021 2968794