04/10/2026
Over 500 people gathered with the Sisters of Compassion and the Bishops of Aotearoa to celebrate the National Centennial Mass for Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert at St Mary of the Angels church on Sunday.
The Mass marked the centenary of Meri Hōhepa’s death in October 1926, drawing thousands to St Mary of the Angels and Wellington’s streets to pay their respects.
Congregation Leader, Sister Margaret-Anne Mills, welcomed the congregation, noting Venerable Meri Hōhepa’s “large-hearted neighbourliness and upholding the dignity of all people,” and her inspiring legacy that lives with us now and in the future.
Archbishop Paul Martin delivered the Homily, speaking about the practical compassion Suzanne Aubert brought to her work, particularly with the sick, the poor, women, children and Māori. Thanking the Sisters of Compassion, he said that for 134 years the Sisters have placed compassion at the heart of their mission and are the living embodiment of Meri Hōhepa's spirit. He reminded those gathered that they were there not only to remember her, but also to continue what she began.
Many with historic ties to Suzanne Aubert and the Sisters of Compassion travelled to Poneke for this occasion. Some had made a four-day He Haerenga Tapu / pilgrimage from as far away as Napier, Māhia, Wairoa, P**i P**i, and Palmerston North to the Chapel of Our Lady of Compassion in Island Bay for pōwhiri, before making their way to St Mary’s of the Angels in Boulcott Street.
We were pleased to see so many connections, and we thank Charles Ropitini, Deacon Danny Karatea-Goddard, Cardinal John Dew, First Secretary to the Nuncio, Father Tomasz Gdula, and the Bishops of Aotearoa and for being with us on the day.
