Few words about SFX
Early Missionary Efforts (19th Century)
Missionary Arrival:
The first Catholic missionaries arrived in New Zealand in the 1830s, with the Marist Fathers playing a significant role. They focused on evangelizing both European settlers and Māori communities.
Establishment of Whangarei Mission:
By the 1840s, Whangarei became an important center for Catholic activity, with priests serving the local population and establishing connections with Māori iwi (tribes).
Formation of the Parish (1860s)
Parish Establishment:
St. Francis Xavier Parish was formally established in the 1860s, reflecting the growing Catholic community. The parish was named after St. Francis Xavier, a Jesuit missionary known for his work in Asia and a patron of missions.
Early Years
A third visit in December led to him purchasing a goat and kid. In 1845, after the sack of Kororāreka, Father Garin heard rumors that all houses in Whangārei, except Mair’s, had been destroyed by fire. However, upon arrival, he found only Mair’s house plundered but not burned. In 1846, Father Garin traveled to the eastern parts of his parish, from Whangārei to Parua, Pataua, and Ngunguru. In 1847, settlers began to return to Whangārei after the unrest, and Father Garin learned that the Iwiathi, a local Māori chief, wanted to send a mission to Whangārei. Garin asked Bishop Pompallier to send someone to support the mission. However, Father Garin left Whangārei later that year due to the Protestant mission gaining ground
On February 1, 1847, Father Viard visited Whangārei. He was later made the Bishop of Wellington in 1850, marking a significant leadership shift. Following the relocation of many Marist priests due to a strained relationship between Pompallier and the Vatican, for the next ten years, priests were scarcely seen in Whangārei. Mid to Late 1800s By 1866, Whangārei was placed under the care of Father Alnarez, who began ministering to Catholics across the district. With the town continuing to develop, land was purchased for the church by Bishop Luck in 1880. This move helped lay the foundation for a Catholic presence in the area. The first Whangārei church building was constructed in 1881 and blessed by Bishop Luck. In the late 1800s, prominent Catholic families such as the Mahoneys and Hennessys were instrumental in the church’s development. The church had also received major support from doctors like Dr. Patrick Hill, who donated land and funds. Shifting Foundations and Growth in the 1990s On February 21, 1993, the parishioners formed committees to handle the future of Catholic education in Whangārei. After public meetings, seven options were discussed, and three were considered for school relocation. The final decision was to combine St Joseph’s and St Mary’s on the St Mary’s site and move Forms 1 and 2 pupils to Pompallier College.
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Bishop Jean Baptiste Francois Pompallier
Pompallier Catholic College is named after Bishop Jean Baptiste Francois Pompallier who led the first group of Catholic Missionaries (Marists) who belonged to the Society of Mary, from Lyons, France, to New Zealand. Arriving in the Hokianga with three Marist Priests and Brothers in 1838, he quickly set about learning the Māori language and meeting the needs of Catholics already present in New Zealand. This early group of missionaries went on to establish churches, health, and education services throughout New Zealand.
Pompallier was the first Catholic Bishop of New Zealand. The College was founded in 1971 after fund-raising among Northland Catholic Parishes. Fr Jack Sloane sm, Parish Priest of Whangarei, had encouraged (along with his community of Marists) the Society of Mary to set up a private Boys’ Boarding School, which was owned, staffed and administered by the Society of Mary – its foundation staff were Marist Fathers and Brothers.
In August 1993, a working group was set up to deal with the logistics of the amalgamation, including managing debts, teacher employment, and resource allocation. The aim was to complete the amalgamation by January 1995. On September 26, 1993, the parish secured an opportunity to purchase land adjoining the Kamo site, allowing the new church to be located in a more prominent position. This led to further discussions about the growth and expansion of the church's role in the community. In 1992, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) began, and a number of new roles were added to support the parish, including Margaret Fromont as religious education coordinator and Ann Thompson as youth coordinator. Community Initiatives The Whangārei Dove Fellowship was established in February 1994, followed by the first public meeting in July.
The existing church structure, built in a more contemporary style, reflects modern liturgical needs while honoring its historical roots. Active Community: Today, the parish remains vibrant, offering regular Mass services, community events, and programs for youth, families, and seniors. It continues to foster a sense of belonging and spiritual growth among its members. Significance St. Francis Xavier Whangarei Parish serves not only as a place of worship but also as a community center, actively involved in the lives of its parishioners and the broader Whangarei area. Its history is a testament to the resilience and commitment of the Catholic community in New Zealand.