Locals and visitors joined Auckland Bishop Stephen Lowe to remember and pray for the soul Fr Peter Michael Ryan, MHM, or as he was well known, “Pā Mikaere” during a commemorative Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus/Te Ngākau Tapu o Hehu church, at Waitāruke, and at the unveiling of Pa Ryan’s headstone at Te Puna Roimata, Waitāruke.
Bishop-elect Richard Laurenson said he is praying that he does not disappoint the Lord as he confessed moving between " peace and terror" after accepting his new role as bishop.
Pope Francis has appointed Fr. Richard Laurenson as the new Catholic Bishop of Hamilton. SNAP expects the new bishop to be more effective than his predecessor, Bishop Stephen Lowe, in supporting victims and survivors of clergy abuse, and in protecting vulnerable .