March 2026
Kia ora and greetings,
This year, the timing of the fasting period has been extraordinary for anyone involved in interreligious dialogue. The beginning of Lent coincided with the beginning of Ramadan. However, it is not just the Christians and Muslims who fast during this time, but also the Bahá’i community who celebrated the Persian New Year yesterday, Naw-Rúz.
Spiritual renewal is important for all of us. In the Northern Hemisphere it is also the time of nature reawakening – of fresh leaves and the first (often yellow) flower blooming. In the Southern Hemisphere, the renewal can strengthen us for the colder and rainy days.
Our recent Muffin Talk interviews covered a variety of topics:
- Sonja Grace: The Sound of Healing
How can we use our own voice to create a deep and healthy state of relaxation? - Prof. em. Thomas O’Loughlin: Baptism & Lent
What is the connection between Lent and Baptism – and where is the best place for a Baptismal Font? - Ros Rice: Incorporate Societies in Aotearoa New Zealand
An update on what will happen to the many organisations that have not re-registered when the NZ legislation for Incorporate Societies will change on 05 April 2026. - Bishop Michael Dooley: NZCBCIR
60 years of Nostra Aetate – why interreligious dialogue is important.
Please also check out the News & Views page with short articles on events and reflections on the Sunday Scriptures.
Here are some examples of recent articles:
- The Beauty of Truth. Conference by the Dominican Friars.
- World Day of Prayer 2026. Ecumenical event on Auckland’s North Shore.
- NZCBCIR Meeting 2026. “Our Kaupapa is Dialogue”.
You might be interested in our special Easter Greeting Card with the picture of a beautiful Hibiscus flower and the greeting in two languages (Design 06).
We have some plans for future interviews and online presentations in the next few weeks. Details are still to be confirmed.
In the month of May you can join us for an in-person-presentation on the topic: “Mary, Untier of Knots”. If you are unable to come in person and are interested in a repeat online, please get in touch.
Upcoming Events
Mary Untier of Knots with Beate Matthies.
Tuesday, 26 May, 7-8pm, at St John the Baptist Church, East Coast Road 395, Mairangi Bay, Auckland. Free event. Online donations are appreciated.
Please register with us.
Many blessings,
Beate
Beate Matthies—Titipounamu Study & Joy
https://www.facebook.com/TitipounamuStudyandJoy
YouTube: @titipounamustudyandjoy
