Rowena Orejana

Auckland

Reporter at NZ Catholic Newspaper

wife-mother-Catholic journalist

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Articles

Introducing first year seminarians, 2024

Apr 11, 2024 | nzcatholic.org.nz | Rowena Orejana

Six young men entered the Holy Cross seminary this year, double the number of first year seminarians in the past few years. Newly- appointed rector Fr David Dowling expressed hope that these young men will approach their formation with humility. “My hope is that these young men will open themselves to be conformed to Jesus, who ‘did not come to be served, but to serve.’,” Fr Dowling said.
Christchurch CSS Foodbank closed

Apr 11, 2024 | nzcatholic.org.nz | Rowena Orejana

After 16 years, Christchurch diocese’s Catholic Social Services made the hard decision of closing its foodbank due to rising costs. CSS manager Luis Arevalo announced the decision on a post on the diocese’s Facebook page. “We’ve been running the foodbank here are Catholic Social Services since its inception. Unfortunately, due to the rising costs of food because we have to purchase all our food, we’ve had to shut it down,” he said in a video message.
Festival of New Life date announced

Apr 11, 2024 | nzcatholic.org.nz | Rowena Orejana

The sixth Sunday of Easter, which falls on May 5 this year, has been designated by the New Zealand Bishops Conference and the Lutheran Dialogue group as the “Festival of New Life”, an occasion meant to signal hope and confidence in the move towards Christian unity. This was an initiative of the Roman Catholic/Lutheran Dialogue, who in a statement stressed, “we have all been baptised in Christ and, realising this provides a starting point for the seeds of unity to take root”.
No police charges vs Cardinal Dew

Mar 6, 2024 | nzcatholic.org.nz | Rowena Orejana

New Zealand Police found no evidence to substantiate allegations of abuse against Wellington Archbishop Emeritus Cardinal John Dew and will not be laying charges against him. Wellington Archbishop Paul Martin SM released this information in a letter to all the people in the Church following media reports on the abuse allegations. The letter was dated March 7, 2024. In the letter, Archbishop Martin clarified an ongoing Church inquiry will continue.
The social return on investment for charities

Dec 31, 2023 | nzcatholic.org.nz | Rowena Orejana

ImpactLab CEO Maria English called on social enterprise investors and philanthropic funders to “find those who don’t give up, and support them so they can love without getting tired”. Ms English, daughter of former Prime Minister Sir William English, spoke at a November 27 dinner at the Northern Club organised by the Auckland Catholic Caring Foundation.
South Korean pilgrimage was a real blessing

Dec 29, 2023 | nzcatholic.org.nz | Leigh Green-Thompson |Rowena Orejana

By LEIGH GREEN-THOMPSONBlessed can’t even begin to describe the experience of getting to know Christ more through learning about and experiencing a new culture. Getting the opportunity to visit South Korea, the home of Skincare, Kpop, kimchi, our favourite Korean dramas and so much more, was itself a great privilege. However, for the opportunity to grow in faith, love and intimacy with Christ through our explorations and journey through South Korea, was an honour.
Don’t forget suffering Church throughout the world

Dec 25, 2023 | nzcatholic.org.nz | Rowena Orejana

Aid for the Church in Need has asked Catholics in Aotearoa New Zealand not to forget about the suffering Church in other parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East and in Nigeria. ACN is a pontifical foundation that supports persecuted Christians. On November 30, they held a “Witness of Faith” night at the St Joseph and St Patrick Cathedral in Auckland.
Fr Wu upcycles Kai by Koha

Dec 24, 2023 | nzcatholic.org.nz | Rowena Orejana

St Joseph and St Joachim (Otahuhu) parish priest Fr Martin Wu is hoping that he can bring his latest project, “Kai by Koha”, around the community this Christmas to spread a little cheer. NZ Catholic caught up with Fr Wu at the “Gaudete, Advent and Christmas Carols”, a music ministry event to raise funds for the Auckland diocese Catholic Caring Foundation on November 30.
May His Love and Peace Reign

Dec 23, 2023 | nzcatholic.org.nz | Rowena Orejana

In recent weeks our TVs have confronted us with horrific scenes from Gaza. In this corner of the Holy Land, we see children screaming in abject terror at the killing and destruction has become the norm. The Holy Land is indeed a complex land, and it is difficult for us to understand the whats and whys of this long-standing conflict. Our hope and prayer is once again “peace”. Some 2000 years ago, angels sang of peace to shepherds, as they announced the birth of the Prince of Peace.
Christchurch Catholic health professionals group established

Dec 20, 2023 | nzcatholic.org.nz | Rowena Orejana

A Catholic health professionals group has been established in Christchurch. The establishment of the group means that there is an opportunity to meet with other professionals across a spread of health disciplines in the industry, and to discuss and support each other in both faith and vocation. All health professionals are most welcome to join by emailing . The initial gathering of the group was at the Sprig and Fern in early November.