It was a pleasure for me to today accompany Bishop Barry Jones to God’s furthest outpost, or, using the language of Pope Francis, to the peripheries, since no place on earth is as far from Rome as the Chatham Islands, the most remote parish of the Christchurch Diocese.

It is a privilege for me to serve as Parish Priest for the people of this place, and I was delighted that today they got to welcome their bishop, the first bishop’s visit to the Islands in 15 years.  Bishop Barry and I will be on the islands until next Tuesday.

After landing at Waitangi we were taken to the marae where we were welcomed with a powhiri followed by a meal together.

Then to the beautifully maintained church and presbytery at Mass. At 9.30 the bishop celebrated Mass with a baptism and Confirmation.

Early tomorrow morning we head to Pitt Island. Please keep us, and all the people of these remote islands in your prayers.