Catholic Enquiry NZ

05/06/2026

🔥 Join Us on Monday Night for Mission Hub! 🔥

Our topic this month is: Eucharist: Fuel for the Mission

Why is Pope Leo coming to Sydney in 2028? 🇻🇦🇦🇺

Because the International Eucharistic Congress (IEC28) is one of the largest and most significant gatherings in the life of the Church — bringing together tens of thousands of Catholics from around the world to rediscover the Eucharist as the source and summit of our faith… and the fuel for mission.

What would happen if our parishes became truly Eucharistic communities — formed by worship, united in love, and sent out on mission?

Join Tania Rimac, from the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation, as we explore the vision of IEC28 and how Eucharistic renewal can spark missionary renewal in our parishes, ministries, and communities.

✨ "Strengthened by the food that God gives us, let us bring Jesus to the hearts of all.” — Pope Leo XIV

📅 Monday 8 June
⏰ 7.00pm – 8.30pm
💻 Online

🔗 Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/.../register/meNli4s7TsG0CAzWIJdSEw

Feel free to invite others from your parish, ministry, or community who may be encouraged by this conversation.

04/06/2026

🇻🇦🏉 Fr Michael Pui Meets Pope Leo! 🏉🇻🇦

A special moment in Rome this week as Fr Michael Pui, National Director of MissioNZ (the Pontifical Mission Societies in New Zealand), met Pope Leo XIV.

A beautiful little moment of Aotearoa meeting Rome — and a reminder of the global family of the Church, united in faith and mission. 🌏⛪

And yes — in true Kiwi fashion, Fr Michael presented Pope Leo with an All Blacks cap 🏉🧢

✨ We wonder if we might see an All Blacks cap appear at the Vatican one day!

Fr Michael Pui, the national director of MissioNZ (the Pontifical Mission Societies in New Zealand), met Pope Leo in Rome this week. He thought it was fitting to bring the Pope a gift; Fr Michael gave the Holy Father an All Blacks cap 🏉🧢 (New Zealand Rugby)

He also reiterated the invitation for Pope Leo to visit us in New Zealand. This year marks 40 years since our only papal visit!

And while we're talking anniversaries, this year marks the 100th year of celebrating Mission Sunday globally!! Stay tuned for more on that commemoration in October.

03/06/2026

🎙✨ A Great Night Recording at the CBA Studio! ✨🎙

Last night I had the joy of heading into the Christian Broadcasting Association (CBA) studio with Frank Ritchie, James Bergin, and Sam Donkin for a wonderful evening of recording.

Over a couple of hours, we captured a rich conversation around Frank’s remarkable faith journey from Wesleyan Minister to the Catholic Church this past Easter — the questions, surprises, moments of grace, and the story of how God has been at work.

There were laughs, insights, honest reflections, and plenty of memorable moments along the way — a real rollicking yarn! 😊

We’re excited to begin sharing highlights, clips, and stories from the conversation over the coming weeks and months.

🙏 A huge thank you to CBA for generously letting us use the studio, and especially to Sam Donkin, who stayed back to help produce the footage.

✨ Watch this space!

03/06/2026

From makeup mogul to Catholic priest… WOW 🙏

Few people would walk away from a billion-dollar business — but that’s exactly what happened for Fr Scott-Vincent Borba, co-founder of e.l.f. Cosmetics (eyes, lips, face).

After years of success in the beauty industry, Scott sensed God calling him to something radically different. He left behind material success, entered seminary, and on 23 May was ordained a Catholic priest in California. His story is a powerful reminder that no career, success, or life path is too big for God to redirect.

In a recent interview with EWTN, he shares his remarkable conversion story, what it was like to leave behind wealth and status, and how friends and colleagues reacted when he announced he was entering the seminary.

“God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.” ❤️

Watch the inspiring interview here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fhvZVJQ3tk

What part of his story inspires you most?

Deacon Scott Borba, co-founder of the cosmetics brand e.l.f., is set to be ordained a Catholic priest in California. Deacon Scott Borba gave up his billion-d...

02/06/2026

June is traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

For Catholics, the Sacred Heart is a symbol of Christ's love for humanity - a love that is compassionate, merciful, and faithful, even in the face of suffering and rejection.

This devotion invites us to reflect on how deeply we are loved by God and how we are called to share that love with others.

02/06/2026

✨ Pope Leo’s First Encyclical — Key Themes at a Glance ✨

Pope Leo has recently published his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, on the topic of "Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence".

The Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has created a series of helpful infographics highlighting some of the key themes and reflections it raises.

Encyclicals are important letters written by the Pope to help guide and encourage the Church — offering wisdom on faith, society, and how we are called to live as disciples in today’s world.

These visuals provide an accessible way to explore some of the Holy Father’s key insights and invitations.

📖 Take some time to reflect, pray, and consider:
💭 What is Pope Leo inviting us to notice?
💭 How might this shape our faith, mission, and daily lives?
💭 What stands out most to you?

👇 Swipe through the infographics below and let us know what resonates.

📖 Want to read the full encyclical?
Read Magnifica Humanitas here https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html

29/05/2026

Pray For Peace 🌍🕊️

Pope Leo XIV, is inviting the global Church to unite in prayer this 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟯𝟬 𝗠𝗮𝘆, praying the 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 in our world.

In a time marked by conflict, suffering, and uncertainty, let us join our hearts together and storm heaven for peace.

Whether you pray the Rosary every day or have never prayed it before - you are warmly invited.

The Rosary is a beautiful, simple prayer that helps us reflect on the life of Jesus through the eyes of Mary, drawing us closer to Christ and entrusting our prayers to God.

Let’s pray together for:
- peace in our world
- healing and reconciliation
- hope for those suffering
- hearts open to God’s love

If you’re unsure or unfamiliar with how to pray the Rosary, we’d love to send you a copy of our Rosary booklet.
📩 [email protected]

👉 Read more here:
https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/us/vatican-announces-global-rosary-for-peace-with-pope-leo-xiv

28/05/2026

❤️ A Special Blessing for New Zealand ❤️

Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo offers a special blessing upon Aotearoa New Zealand with the heart relic of St Carlo Acutis, which will soon be touring our country.

What a gift it will be for so many people to encounter this remarkable young saint - a teenager with a deep love for Jesus, the Eucharist, and evangelisation in the digital age.

Also featured is Gwen Wiseman, whose ministry includes helping promote the spirituality of St Carlo Acutis and encouraging others to discover his witness of holiness in everyday life.

Please keep this upcoming pilgrimage in your prayers - that many hearts may be inspired, renewed, and drawn closer to Jesus.

👉 For tour dates, locations, and more information visit:
www.catholicdiscovery.nz

St Carlo Acutis, pray for us. 🙏