August 2026
Kia ora and greetings,
This month we are celebrating 6 years since the foundation of Titipounamu Study & Joy. Our first interview on YouTube was a recording with Prof Thomas O’Loughlin, and today our list of interviews on YouTube has surpassed 200. They are all available on our website. In addition, the more than 500 interviews done for the radio are also still available – but only on request.
Our website has become a resource hub with interviews, articles, reflections, photos and so much more. We have even started a sales page promoting our own greeting cards and booklets as well as promoting resources from other authors and artists.
One of the world cities for great art is certainly Rome, Italy. On 5 August we commemorate the dedication of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. This basilica is the largest Marian church in Rome, and most recently, has become even more important as Pope Francis chose it as his burial place. It was built in the 5th century and is renowned for its connection to the Council of Ephesus, where the doctrine of Mary as the Mother of God was affirmed. (for more info, see www.studyjoy.nz/2026/04/26/between-two-popes-book-now-available/)
Our recent Muffin Talk interviews are:
- Ann-Marie Parker: Catholic Caring Foundation
What is the Catholic Caring Foundation and how do they work?
Listen to Ann-Marie Parker and hear about this organisation that provides funding for care and support of families/whānau and communities affected by poverty and hardship. - Dr Melissa Derby: Statement on Religious Diversity
In July 2026, the Human Rights Commission published the 4th edition of the Statement on Religious Diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand. Dr Melissa Derby, the country’s Race Relations Commissioner, explains the background and purpose of the document.
Please also check out the News & Views page with short articles on events and reflections on the Sunday Scriptures.
Recent short articles:
Religious Diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand. Launch of the new edition of the document “Religious Diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand” in Auckland to which members of the Auckland Inter-Faith Council contributed.
Our Common Future Built on Faith. Celebration of 23 years of Auckland Inter-Faith Council with Dr Melissa Derby (NZ Race Relations Commissioner) as the guest speaker who pointed out that “No country is immune against discrimination and hatred, but in Aotearoa New Zealand, everybody needs to be able to practice their faith without fear.”
Virtues – Our Special Qualities. Auckland Inter-Faith Council’s Dialogue & Learning event on virtues. These qualities were called “values in action”.
Liturgical Spirituality. Event with Fr Paul Turner, a US priest from Kansas City, Missouri, who is also a consultor for the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
Upcoming Events
Our next Webinar:
Our topic for our next presentations is the Papal Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas:
Pope Leo has spoken to us in his first letter to the Catholics in the world. In this letter, Magnifica Humanitas (On Safeguarding the human person in the time of Artificial Intelligence), he gives advice on how we can deal with challenges and opportunities in today’s world in which AI is taken an increasingly important role. Come and learn more about his message to us and how we as Catholics are called to take an active part in society.
Magnifica Humanitas with Beate Matthies
Monday, 17 August 2026, 7-8pm. Zoom. Please register to receive the Zoom link.
or
Tuesday, 25 August 2026, 7-8pm (St John the Baptist, Mairangi Bay, Auckland)
Fee: Koha/Donation.
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.
