Recently, the Assumptionist Center in Brighton, MA welcomed Archbishop John Dew as a visitor from ‘down under’ Wellington, New Zealand. The purpose of his visit was dual in nature. First of importance was his wish to spend some time with one of his diocesan priests, Fr. Patrick Bridgmen, who is studying for his License in Theology in the STM at Boston College. Secondly, he was in route to Rome for his ‘ad limina’ visit at the Vatican with Pope Benedict XVI.

While at the Center, Archbishop Dew was the principal celebrant at the Second Sunday of Advent liturgy. In his homily, the Archbishop reminded everyone, with humor and renewed energy, of the challenge of living the Advent theme of hope through patient, active waiting, adding to this our belief and need to balance the reality of the Lord’s presence in the here and now, as we look forward to His Second Coming in the future.

Archbishop Dew’s early experiences in priestly ministry, after studies in theology and philosophy, were assignments as a parish priest, archdiocesan youth ministry director and college staff member, among many other positions. In addition, he studied spirituality at the Institute of St. Anselm, Kent, England.

Ordained an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Wellington in 1995, he became Co-Adjutor in 2004 and Archbishop in 2005. He is presently President of the Federation of Catholic Bishops Conference of Oceania.

It is interesting to note that his archdiocese is 15% Catholic, has 45 parishes and 63 diocesan priests. Evangelization is a significant challenge. There is however a growth in the Catholic population due to Asian immigration, especially from the Philippines.

When asked about his experience here at the Center, Archbishop Dew responded immediately by expressing his gratitude for the gift that the residents are experiencing by living in a “blessed and prayerful community energized by the commitment to study and service to the Church.”

Archbishop Dew did on leave the Boston area before visiting many historic sights and enjoying our latest production of the “Nutcracker.” Our door is always open for his return!