July 2026
Kia ora and greetings,
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. “ (Matt 5:14-16)
This message from the Gospel according to Matthew reminds us of our responsibility to engage with others. In his first Encyclical, Pope Leo XIV follows up on the teachings of his predecessors and especially Pope Leo XIII who is known for his social teachings in Rerum Novarum (1891). One of the key messages is the one on solidarity and speaking up for those who have been wronged. Through active listening, we can support those who feel like they are in the dark and let our light shine before them.
Acts of solidarity and of fraternity go far beyond our own beliefs. Working together with people of different faiths creates bonds against a language of division and the weaponizing of religion to serve ulterior motives.
Recently, we have had several occasions to celebrate the religious diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand: the Celebration of 30 years of the Council for Christians and Muslims, the Anniversary Celebration of the Auckland Inter-Faith Council and the launch of the new edition of the Religious Diversity Statement. It was an honour and a privilege to have been part of these celebrations, and especially to be part of the consultation process that led to the 4th edition of the Religious Diversity Statement.
Reports on these events are available here on the website.
“We are all his children and thus brothers and sisters. As one family, we share the opportunity and the responsibility to continue nurturing a culture of harmony and peace.” (Pope Leo XIV)
This month, our Zoom event on Monday, 20 July will promote the dialogue between Christians and Muslims. We are honoured that Fr Joseph Victor Edwin SJ has agreed to join us live from India.
The August Zoom event is planned for Monday, 17 August. The topic will be the Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. This document consists of 245 paragraphs and every person who reflects on it might shine light on a different aspect. I have made a point in not reading the many public comments made until I as a lay person have finished my own reflection on the document. In this session, I will present my reflection and compare them with other interpretations, including some that might be AI generated.
Our recent Muffin Talk interviews are:
- Fr Joe Grayland: Catholics’ Days (Katholikentag) in Germany
The days of celebration and dialogue of German Catholic lay people, politicians and clergy from a perspective of a New Zealand priest. - Debbie Miller: Listening & Acting
Listening, hearing, obeying – and acting. How do they connect in the light of the Scriptures? A conversation with Debbie Miller, a student of Jewish Studies. - Fr Kevin Waldie sm: Feast of St Peter & St Paul
Why is this a very special feast day and why do these two saints share one day?
Please also check out the News & Views page with short articles on events and reflections on the Sunday Scriptures.
Upcoming Events
Transforming Christian-Muslim Dialogue with Fr Joseph Victor Edwin SJ
Monday, 20 July 2026, 7-8.30pm (Zoom). Koha/Donation.
Please register to receive the Zoom link.
You might also be interested in this event organised by the Auckland Inter-Faith Council:
Saturday, 18 July, 3.30-5pm. Browns Bay. Virtues Project. (Facilitator: Margaret Mohamed)
For further information, please see our Interfaith page.
Many blessings,
Beate
Beate Matthies—Titipounamu Study & Joy
https://www.facebook.com/TitipounamuStudyandJoy
YouTube: @titipounamustudyandjoy
Between Two Popes – Journal of a Pilgrim
There is now a printed version of the accounts of my pilgrimage to Rome in 2025. My journey started two days after Pope Leo XIV was elected and finished one day before his inauguration.
This is a compact guide through the main churches and Holy Doors in the Year of Jubilee. A combination of historic facts, stories and a journal. Easy to read with many pictures. Available through this website.
