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International Formation for Priests & Brothers of the Society of Mary

The Marist Life

Marists prefer to work where the Church doesn’t exist or where it is not strong. For that reason they are often out on the ‘boundaries’.

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Training occurs in stages. The first stage is Accompaniment. The purpose is to clarify together, or ‘discern,’ what God might be ‘saying’ to this young man.

Vocation & Discernment

A vocation is a work that I feel I am meant to do. The calling may be challenging to you, but, if it is truly our Lord who is calling, then have courage.

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Scripture & Prayers to help you discern

It is in times of quiet contemplation of the Scriptures that you are most likely to hear ‘the call’ of God. View the Scriptures section on our Discernment page for more info.

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Ordination of Hemi Ropata

The Society of Mary celebrated with joy the ordination of Fr Hemi Waerengaahika Ropata SM at St Benedict’s Parish, Auckland, on 15 November. The date carried special significance, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the death of the Founder of the Marists, Fr Jean-Claude Colin.

Gathered with his whānau, friends, members of the Society of Mary, and many clergy from the Auckland Diocese, the celebration marked a milestone in the life of a young man whose vocational journey brings together his Māori heritage, his theological formation in New Zealand, and his international Marist experience and studies in Rome over the past eight years.

Originally from Auckland, with family connections to Ōtaki and the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Fr Hemi worked at the University of Auckland before entering the Marist Seminary. His formation began in 2018 at Te Kupenga – Catholic Theological College, followed by a special Novitiate year in the Philippines. He then moved to the Marist International House of Formation in Rome, where he lived and studied alongside Marist seminarians from across the world. After completing a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), he commenced a Licentiate in Canon Law. In August 2025 he returned to New Zealand and began ministry with the Marist Community and parish apostolates in Napier.

In his homily, Bishop Steve reflected on the call of the Prophet Jeremiah and drew a parallel with Fr Hemi’s own journey of hearing God’s invitation. Raised in an Anglican family and shaped by searching in other churches, Hemi eventually entered the RCIA programme at St Patrick’s Cathedral in 2013. After his reception into the Catholic Church, he prayed with gratitude, “I don’t know what you’ve done, but I’m willing to do whatever you ask.” This openness led to service and ministry at St Benedict’s Parish among the quiet work of cleaning floors and preparing candles. It was during Mass one day that the call deepened: as he watched the priest at the altar, he sensed a quiet inner voice saying, “You could do that.”

Following his vesting in priestly garments, Fr Hemi was honoured by his whānau, who placed upon him a treasured taonga; a korowai cloak, and offered waiata and haka in support of his new ministry as a priest of God in the Society of Mary.

We offer our heartfelt congratulations to Fr Hemi and assure him of our prayers as he continues his ministry within the Marist Community and parishes of Napier, serving the people of God with compassion and dedication in the way of Mary.