WelCom March 2022
Pā Colin Durning died peacefully in Dunedin on Monday 14 February. Colin lived a rich life and turned 95 in January this year. Last November he celebrated 25 years as a priest.
Pā Colin Durning came to the priesthood as a late vocation after a life of remarkable achievements. Over the years he has not only been father to his eight children but also Fr Colin Durning, Professor Durning, as well as being recognised as a kaumātua by Māori.
Cardinal John Dew said, ‘We give thanks for his years of service as a priest of the Archdiocese and in particular to the Māori community. We also offer deep and prayerful sympathy to Colin’s family members. May he rest in peace.’
Pā Gerard Burns attended Colin’s funeral in Dunedin to represent the Archdiocese of Wellington and as a long-standing friend of Colin and his whānau.
WelCom will bring reflections about Pā Colin and his life in next month’s edition.