One hundred years ago, Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert, an extraordinary woman, left us, leaving an indelible mark on New Zealand. Her legacy of compassion has supported the most vulnerable members of our community, and it is this legacy we celebrate throughout 2026.
Many events are planned as part of our Celebrate Compassion 2026 programme, and to honour Meri Hōhepa, a centennial candle will be present, symbolising her enduring influence and continued presence in our lives.
Events 2026
11 January
The Centennial Candle was blessed by the Bishop of Auckland, Stephen Lowe,
during the annual Tōtara Point Mass in Hokianga, Northland—a ceremony that
commemorates the first Catholic Mass celebrated in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1838
by Bishop Jean Baptiste François Pompallier. That celebration not only marked
the beginning of Catholic liturgical presence in the country but also represented
an encounter with tangata whenua.
The blessing of the candle marked a moment of great significance, as it was
Bishop Pompallier who, 22 years after that historic Mass, invited the young
Suzanne Aubert to come to Aotearoa New Zealand to work alongside Māori.
This historical connection makes it especially fitting that our journey of
commemoration begins in the very place where Pompallier took such significant
steps in our country—steps that later led to the presence of the woman who
would become the founder of the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion.
6 February
We will officially launch our Year of Compassion at the annual Waitangi Day Mass
on Friday, 6 February, at 9:00 am at St Mary of the Angels Church, Wellington.
March
Hiruhārama | Jerusalem will be officially re-opened with a Mass after the
completion of renovated and restored elements at the convent and church site.
June
Celebration of 125 years of the Compassion Soup Kitchen, founded by Meri Hōhepa
Suzanne Aubert.
September
Recognition of Suzanne’s phrase book during Te Reo Māori Language Week.
October
Release of a special book for the Month of the Rosary.
Hīkoi connecting Māori Eucharistic Communities and their Meri Hōhepa Suzanne
Aubert links.
100 Year Memorial Mass at St Mary of the Angels, Wellington.
