A National Moment of Devotion: St Mary of the Angels Dedicated as New Zealand’s Shrine to Mary

On Sunday 14 August 2022, the Catholic community of Aotearoa New Zealand gathered in unity and reverence to witness the dedication of St Mary of the Angels, Wellington, as the National Shrine to Mary, Mother of God, Assumed into Heaven.

This momentous event marked the culmination of a year-long journey, beginning with the rededication of Aotearoa to Mary in 2021 during the Feast of the Assumption, and followed by a nationwide hīkoi of the newly commissioned Marian artwork, Ko Hāta Maria, te Matua Wahine o te Atua – Holy Mary, Mother of God, painted by Damien Walker of the Studio of Saint Philomena.

Now permanently housed in the century-old landmark church, this sacred image stands as the visual heart of the shrine—a reminder of kotahitanga (unity), of the spiritual and cultural identity of our people, and of the Mother who draws us ever closer to her Son.

The Dedication Mass was rich with the diversity and beauty of Catholic life in Aotearoa. From the pūtatara and karanga that opened the liturgy, to the floral offerings of children, the procession of bishops, kaumatua, priests, religious and lay leaders, and the prayers and music in multiple languages, the event wove together the threads of our nation’s faith.

Cardinal John Dew, who presided over the Mass, reminded the congregation of the power sacred sites hold. "These places…are awe-inspiring, they prompt us to reflect on life, stir up feelings of reverence and draw us close to God," he said. “St Mary of the Angels is already a sacred place…now this icon of Mary is here permanently. We hope and pray in time this becomes one of those sacred sites.”

Today, pilgrims and visitors are invited to encounter the presence of Our Lady not only through prayer, but through the powerful visual language of sacred art, an image rooted in Aotearoa, reflecting our people, our whenua, and our hope.

Click here to read the full article about the dedication of the National Shrine on the Archdiocese of Wellington website: St Mary of the Angels Dedicated as National Shrine