Marianna Pekar

I am Marianna Pekar, humbly affiliated with the Sacred Heart Parish since 2016. Prior to this, I was a member of the Newtown Saint Anne’s Parish. Besides being part of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), I serve as a proclaimer and liturgy leader at the 7 PM mass on Sundays.

Originally from Hungary, I was born in a small town in the Northwestern part of the country and grew up in Budapest. My journey to New Zealand began with a scholarship to study at Otago University. After graduating, I made a conscious decision to stay in New Zealand for work opportunities, eventually settling in Wellington. Growing up in a Catholic family during a time when religion was persecuted in Hungary taught me the value of steadfast faith and resilience. Despite the challenges, my family’s commitment to faith profoundly shaped my beliefs.

My academic background is in Financial Mathematics and Statistics, which I studied in both Hungary and New Zealand. I later pursued studies in AI and Data Science and am currently working towards a PhD in this field. Professionally, I have worked as a consultant, engaging in social research and data science.

Living in Hungary and New Zealand has enriched my life experiences. Although I sometimes feel my accent makes me a less effective liturgy leader or proclaimer, I believe it’s important to show my children that serving God can be done in any capacity, however small. Our parish has been gracious in allowing me to fulfill these roles.

Outside of my parish duties, I lead a busy family life, caring for my children, working, and studying. I enjoy coding, participating in some networks outside of work, like Women in Data Science, and learning and reading in different languages. I love fine arts, and art history and enjoy travelling to places relating to these.

I am deeply grateful for God’s guidance in my life, helping me make difficult decisions such as leaving my family at a young age and finding my wonderful husband who shares my love for God and a desire to lead a righteous life. Initially, living in New Zealand felt like being in a Babylonian exile, far from home and among people with very different values. However, being part of this parish and the broader Catholic community in New Zealand has made me realise that God is present wherever two or more gather in His name.

I hope to continue growing in love and understanding, becoming a useful member of the parish. My aim is to help build a real community where we all acknowledge our imperfections and recognise that God loves us all.