WelCom August 2024
Emma Dodsworth
On July 25 2024, Palmerston North diocesan and parish staff and local clergy gathered to honour Bishop Owen Dolan’s extraordinary 70th anniversary of priesthood. Held at Te Rau Aroha – the Diocesan Centre, Bishop Owen’s major milestone was celebrated with kai, speeches, and expressions of gratitude for his unwavering commitment to his faith and community.
Earlier in the week Bishop Owen’s 70th ordination anniversary was celebrated at the 9.30am Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Palmerston North.
At 95 years old, Bishop Owen J Dolan is both the oldest and one of the longest-serving priests in New Zealand. His journey began with his ordination on 21 July, 1954, in Hawera, where he was raised by his grandmother and two aunts after his mother passed away when he was just a week old.
Bishop John Adams began the celebration with a reference to Les Misérables, drawing parallels between the mercy shown by the bishop in the story and the grace Bishop Owen has extended throughout his priesthood. He praised Bishop Owen for his welcoming nature, noting how many have found solace and friendship at his door. ‘Everyone leaves your presence somehow better for spending their time with you,’ Bishop John said. ‘You have a wonderful gift for friendship and a pastoral genius that makes you a beacon of compassion and grace.’
Nick Wilson, Diocesan Young Catholics Team Leader, conveyed a vivid reflection of Bishop Owen’s life and accomplishments. ‘To give context to Owen’s life, he was in primary and secondary school when WWII was happening. He was also the Dux of Hawera High School, where he completed his secondary education.’ Nick touched on Bishop Owen’s significant contributions to various parishes across the Wellington and Palmerston North dioceses, serving in Petone, Wairoa, Patea, Inglewood, New Plymouth, Fielding, Upper Hutt, Waitara, Stokes Valley, and Mt Victoria.
Nick also highlighted Bishop Owen’s encounters with four popes, having been in St Peter’s Square as Paul VI went past, and having shaken hands with John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis.
In 1973, Bishop Owen went to Peru to serve. He learned the language and embraced the local culture amidst political upheaval. His wide-ranging experience led to his appointments as the National Director of the Pontifical Missions and National Chaplain of the St Vincent de Paul Society, roles that underscored his commitment to social justice and dignity of all people.
In 1995, Bishop Owen was appointed as coadjutor bishop in Palmerston North with the expectation that Bishop Peter Cullinane would soon retire. However, Bishop Peter recovered from a heart condition and continued to serve for another 17 years, while Bishop Owen retired in 2004. Bishop Owen and Bishop Peter have maintained a close friendship and supporting each other through their clerical duties.
Reflecting on his 70 years, Bishop Owen spoke of the influence of his scripture professor at Holy Cross Seminary, Fr Ronald Cox sm, who frequently emphasised Philippians 2:5: ‘Seek the mind of Christ’. This phrase became Bishop Owen’s guiding motto upon his ordination as coadjutor bishop.
Bishop Owen highlighted the importance of serving others in alignment with Christian values. He praised the staff working in the diocesan office for their dedication, acknowledging the special grace involved in their service to the Diocese of Palmerston North. ‘Thank God for us all, because we’re carrying out the work we’re called upon to do by Jesus Christ: to serve our sisters and brothers.’
Steph Grantham, speaking on behalf of the Cathedral parish team, said: ‘You are a pillar in the diocesan community and an essential ingredient in the Catholic Cathedral parish. We appreciate and recognise your years of devotion to serving our people and offering support to our priests, locally and throughout New Zealand.’
Steph said, ‘Even in retirement, Bishop Owen remains an active and beloved figure in his MetLife community, where his positive influence continues to draw others.
The Catholic Education Team lauded Bishop Owen’s impact on Catholic education, emphasising his warmth, humour, and servant leadership. ‘Your steadfast commitment to our faith and education has been a guiding light for us all.’
The celebration concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment from Bishop John: ‘Owen spoke eloquently about service and being a gift to others, so we have a gift for you, Owen, just as a sign of our thankfulness for your being amongst us, for your faithfulness, and for the beautiful gifts that people have recognised today.’
Bishop Owen Dolan’s 70 years of priesthood stand as a testament to his enduring faith, dedication, and the profound impact he has had on countless lives. As he continues to serve and inspire, the diocesan community looks forward to his continuing presence and guidance.
