AUCKLAND About 160 diocesan priests from around New Zealand will gather in Blenheim this month for a national assembly of clergy. The assembly, the second of its kind, runs from April 14 to 18 and will be led by Fr David Ransom of Australias Broken Bay diocese. Fr Ransom, considered an expert in spirituality, is a former Trappist monk.

The first diocesan priests assembly was held in 2003, also in Blenheim.

Fr Alan Roberts, the parish priest in the town, said the assembly offers a chance not only for priests to learn from the series of talks Fr Ransom will give, but also to share experiences with other priests from around the country. There will also be an opportunity for priests to go on an excursion in the region.

Bishop Denis Browne, president of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, said the first assembly, led by Fr Timothy Radcliffe, OP, had a great spirit and allowed the priests to build up a great community spirit.

The bishops sponsored the 2003 gathering, and were happy to sponsor it again, Bishop Browne said, adding that the priests were looking forward to the assembly.