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The Most Reverend Colin D. Campbell DD

Bishop of Dunedin

Bishop Campbell

Colin Campbell was born in Otautau in 1941, he has spent most of his life in and around Southland and Otago.  He was educated at St Therese's Convent School in North Invercargill and at Marist Brothers' High School. After study for the priesthood at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel, he was ordained by Bishop John Kavanagh in Dunedin in 1966.

He served in the cathedral parish, and over the years in the parishes of Mornington, Invercargill, Georgetown, Bluff, Green Island and Waikiwi. Furthering his studies, he completed a diploma in religious education in London, a diploma in liturgy in Germany and a bachelor of arts degree at Massey.

He taught pastoral theology at Mosgiel in the late 1980s, and for some years was regional assistant in the Dunedin Catholic Education Office. He has been a hospital, school and port chaplain, and is chaplain to the National Service Group of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and Dove Fellowship.

He has found great strength and support in belonging to a prayer group and feels drawn to choose the words "In the Spirit" as his motto.

In 2001 he was appointed by the Holy See to be rector of Holy Cross Seminary in Auckland.

"But I am heartened to know that the Dunedin clergy have a great esprit de corp among them - a good team spirit. And we have a wonderful laity and religious who are very dedicated and supportive of pastoral initiatives," he said

Bishop Boyle and the late Fr Leo Close have been significant mentors in his journey of faith. "I realise that I am following the steps of a wonderful pastor in Bishop Len, who has always had a great sense of openness, charity and hospitality towards people. He is a man with a great pastoral heart ... it will be a hard act to follow!"

Using a southerner image, Bishop Campbell likened the discipleship of all God's people in the community of the Church to gold miners, mining for gold together, finding out the talents and gifts of people, and how they can contribute them in order to build up the kingdom of God.

"I would see the ultimate goal as bishop to be that all may walk 'in all goodness and justice and truth' (Ephesians 5.9), to quote from the Vatican Council document on bishops." he said. "And I would see a bishop as being like a Barnabas figure. He is one of my favourites from the New Testament.

"We read in Acts that Barnabas was the man who went around encouraging people. He was sent by the apostles to do the rounds and check out how the communities were going; to see who was needed, when and where and how. The name Barnabas means 'Son of Encouragement'. It is my fervent hope and prayer that I may follow his example."

Bishop Campbell was ordained bishop on July 9, 2004 after Bishop Boyle, whose resignation on the ground of ill health in 2002 was accepted by the Holy See.


The Coat of Arms

Bishop Campbell's Coat of Arms was designed for him by his brother, Bryan Campbell.

The Shield bears the four stars of the Southern Cross, a white dove, symbolic of the Holy Spirit; the mountains and hills of Otago and Southland; the green fields of Southland's pastoral land; the Celtic Cross which reflects both his own Scottish ancestry and the Scottish and the Irish origins of so many of the Catholics in this diocese; and a river, which also has a twofold symbolism: the rivers which are such dominant features of the Otago and Southland landscape, and Christ's gift of his Spirit, which he described as  "streams of life-giving water" [John 7:37-39]. Under the shield is Bishop Colin's chosen motto: "In the Spirit".

The Clerical hat and tassels are not part of the design, but are required to accompany every bishop's coat of arms.

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The Most Reverend Leonard A. Boyle DD

Emeritus Bishop of Dunedin

1983 -1985

Co-Adjutor Bishop of Dunedin

1985 -2004

Fifth Bishop of Dunedin

Bishop Boyle

Leonard Boyle was born at Nightcaps, a coal-mining town in Southland on November 16, 1930. His parents owned hotels in Nightcaps and Winton. He was the sixth child to be born among seven boys and two girls. All of Bishop Boyle's grandparents were deceased when he was born and he always wanted to find more about them. When he went to a place in Galway, Ireland, called Anadown, he found his great grandfather's grave.

Bishop Boyle's great grandfather name was Martin and his headstone had been erected by John Boyle of New Zealand, who was Bishop Boyle's grandfather; so he traced his links back to Ireland. A farm twelve miles out of Galway is owned by the Boyles and nearby was a school which Martin Boyle went to. Bishop Boyle's Irish heritage is very important to him.

For primary school, Bishop Boyle went to the Sister of Mercy convents. Then he went to St Kevin's College in Oamaru for four years. He left school for six years and he went to the seminary, he had to go to St Kevin's and do one year of studying Latin because a lot of books were in Latin at the seminary.

Bishop Boyle decided to become a priest at the age of about 22 or 23. Up until then he was farming and shearing sheep in the Winton area. From the age of about six or seven he wanted to be a farmer. As an adult he actually owned a farm because he thought it was to be his life, but God had something else in store for him.

Bishop Boyle had eight years training to be a priest. After Seminary training at Mosgiel he was ordained priest on July 31, 1961. From 1961 until 1983 Father Len Boyle worked in various parishes in Otago and Southland including Georgetown, South Dunedin and Invercargill. He was ordained bishop on May 3, 1983. Two years later, on August 19 1985, following the death of Bishop John Kavanagh, Bishop Boyle was installed as Bishop of Dunedin. On May 24, 2004 Bishop Boyle has resigned after Father Campbell was appointed Bishop of Dunedin by the Holy See.


Synod Dunedin

OUR DIOCESE

Our Journey

... OUR JOURNEY

God of light, guide us.

Ignite in us a flame of Courage to stride ahead.

Challenge us to tolerate differences.

Gift us with wisdom to see we are not always right.

Enlighten us to understand and action the needs of our community

Give us strength to be faithful travellers on our journey

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The Most Reverend John Patrick Kavanagh DD JCD

1949 -1957

Apostolic Administrator and Co-Adjutor Bishop of Dunedin

1957 -1985

Fourth Bishop of Dunedin

Bishop Kavanagh

John Kavanagh was born in Hawera on 30 April 1913. In 1932 he began studying for the priesthood at Holy Cross College,Mosgiel. He was ordained in Wellington on 6 September 1936, and then undertook postgraduate studies in Rome. He returned to New Zealand with a Doctorate of Canon Law in November 1940, and served for four years as assistant priest in Lower Hutt in the Diocese of Wellington.

Bishop Kavanagh had special links with the Polish community in New Zealand. He was proud of his appointment as legal guardian, with responsibility for settlement and welfare, to 700 Polish children brought to New Zealand after the Second World War. He was later honoured by the Polish Bishops' Conference when they arranged for him to accompany Pope John Paul II on his historic visit to Poland in 1979.

Dr Kavanagh was consecrated Coadjutor Bishop of Dunedin in 1949, and appointed Apostolic Administrator with right of succession. He exercised this right when Bishop Whyte died in 1957 after a long illness. As well as undertaking the organisation and development of his diocese. Bishop Kavanagh made an outstanding contribution to the life of the Church in New Zealand. He took part in all four sessions of the Second Vatican Council and had a deep grasp of where the Church was going. He was a man of great intellect and was an avid reader, strongly believing in the value of on-going formation and education for himself and for others. He was instrumental in founding the New Zealand Catholic Education Council in 1960, and served as its Chairman for the next quarter century. As Chairman, he was recognised as a key figure in the efforts to obtain State funding for Catholic schools and, later, in the negotiations that led to the passing of the Private Schools Conditional Integration Act.

Bishop Kavanagh was a member of the Council of the University of Otago, the Bishop responsible for the national seminary at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel, New Zealand, and also served as President of the New Zealand Bishops' Conference.

He died on 10 July 1985. As Cardinal Williams said at the time.

"His wisdom, his pastoral insights, his encyclopaedia knowledge of law, his concerns to advance Catholic education were all impressive facets of Bishop Kavanagh's person."

Of your charity
Pray for the happy response of the soul of

John Patrick Kavanagh DD JCD

Born in Hawea, Taranaki, New Zealand, 30 April 1913
Ordained Priest, 6 September 1936
Administrator and Co-Adjutor Bishop of Dunedin with
right of succession, 30 November 1949.
Suceeded to the Diocese of Dunedin, as its 4th Bishop, 26 December 1957
Died Dunedin, 10 July 1985
Buried at Andersons Bay Cemetery

God our Father,
May your servant John Patrick Kavanagh who was our Bishop rejoice
in the followship of the successors of the apostles whose office he shared in this life.
May he enjoy the reward of all his work and share the eternal joy of his Lord.
We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your son who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

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The Most Reverend Hugh O'Neill DD JCD

1942-1949

Co-Adjutor Bishop of Dunedin

Bishop O'Neill

Milestones in the life of His Lordship Bishop O'Neill

Born at Dunedin

June 29, 1898

Baptised in St Joseph's Cathedral, Dunedin

July 17, 1898

Entered Holy Cross College, Mosgiel

Febraury 14, 1914

Ordained Priest, St Joseph's Cathedral

July 31, 1921

Doctorate in Canon Law (Rome)

July 5, 1923

Appointed Professor at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel

January 18, 1924

Director of Propagation of the Faith

August 31, 1930

Editor "Catholic Missions"

February 24, 1934

Administrator of Parish of Mosgiel

June 22, 1934

Chaplain to St Kevin's College, Oamaru

March 18, 1939

NZ Secretary of the Missionary Union of the Clergy

August 17, 1939

Appointed Titular Bishop of Bareta and Coadjutor of Dunedin

January 18, 1943

Conscreated at Dunedin

March 25, 1943

Observed Sliver Jubliee of Ordination

August 8, 1946

Resigned on Account of Ill Health

c 1947

Led the National Holy Year Piligrimage to Rome

March 28, 1951

Appointed a Vicar-General of the Archdiocese of Wellington

March, 1951

Died at Dunedin

December 27, 1955

After Bishop O'Neill's Consecration

Bishop Hugh John O'Neill with the consecrating prelates and clergy outside St Joseph's Cathedral after his consecration on March 25, 1943.

BISHOP O'NEILL AND OLD BOY PRIESTS OF THE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' HIGH SCHOOL,
DUNEDIN, WHO WERE PRESENT AT THE JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS IN 1951.
Back row from left: Revs. K. Kean, V. Flaherty, G. Hussey, P. McAleese, J. McCarthy, W. Quinn
Middle row from left: Revs P. Mee, C. Tylee, Bishop O'Neill, Revs. W. Monaghan, F Columb.
Front row from left: Revs. E. Fahey, J. Pound and J. Halley.

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The Most Reverend JamesWhyte DD

1920-1957

Third Bishop of Dunedin

Bishop Whyte

Dunedin's third Bishop was the Most Reverend James Whyte, DD. He was born in Kilkenny City in Ireland in 1868. He studied for the priesthood at St Kieran's College, Kilkenny, and was ordained on July 3, 1892. A few months later he sailed to Australia to begin his priestly work in the Archdiocese of Sydney, where his bishop was Patrick Francis Moran, former bishop of the Ossory diocese in which Kilkenny is located.

His first appointment was a professorship at St Patrick's College, Manly. The Rector of the college was Bishop Verdon, who was Bishop Whyte's immediate predecessor of the See. After some years at the seminary, he worked in various parishes of the archdiocese. He was appointed Diocesan inspector of Schools until his appointment at first parish priest of St Michael's Stanmore. While at Stanmore, he was also Chancellor of the Archdiocese.

On April 22, 1920, Bishop Whyte, who had been a priest for 28 years, was appointed Bishop of Dunedin to fill the vacancy, left by the death of Bishop Verdon in 1918.

Two bishops' consecration ceremony

The Procession makes its way into the Cathedral for the consecration ceremony of the two
Bishops, James Whyte and James Liston.

Bishop Whyte and other bishops

Prominent Catholic clergy in 1920, gathered for Bishop Whyte's conscreation. From left Bishops Cleary (Auckland); O'Shea; Whyte (the newly-appointed third Bishop of Dunedin); Archbishop Redwood, who conscreated Bishop Whyte; Bishop Liston; and Bishops Carroll (Lismore, NSW) and Brodie (Christchurch).

Bishop Whyte was conscrated Bishop in St Joseph's Cathedral on Sunday, December 12, 1920, together with Archbishop Liston, who had been appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Auckland. This conscreation ceremony was unique in the history of the Church in New Zealand in that two priests had been raised to the episcopate. The only regret was
. . ."there was not half room enough in St Joseph's for even those who came from afar . . . ."

Under Bishop Whyte's direction, remarkable progress was made in all parts of the diocese, and the building or extension of churches, schools, convents, presbyteries and charitable insitutions went on apace to keep abreast of the growth of the diocese. Many buildings now stand as a tribute to his work and enterprise.

In December 1941, Bishop Whyte suffered a stroke and entered the Mater Hospital. For the next 16 years, he was bedridden and unable to move about his diocese. These years were years of patient suffering in a hospital bed.

Solemn Pontifical Requiem Mass was offered in St Joseph's Cathedral for the Bishop who died in Dunedin. The hierarchy of New Zealand who were present for the ceremonies, are shown in the sanctuary of the cathedral.

THE FOUR CATHOLIC BISHOPS of New Zealand (above) enter the Southern Cemetery for the burial of Bishop J. Whyte. The Bishop of Christchurch, the Most Rev E. M. Joyce, is shown at front, and he is followed by the Bishop of Auckland, the Most Rev J. M. Liston; the Metropolitan of New Zealand, Archbishop P. T. B. Mckeefry; and the Bishop of Dunedin, the Most Rev J. P. Kavanagh.

Bishop Whyte died on December 26, 1957. At his death, he had completed 89 years of age; 65 years as a priest and 37 years as a Bishop.

Bishop Whyte lies buried in the same Memorial as the first Bishop Patrick Moran at the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin

MOST REV. JAMES WHYTE D.D.

Dunedin's third bishop, James Whyte, was born in Kilkenny, Ireland in 1868. Ordained to the priesthood July 1892, shortly after he sailed from Ireland to begin his priestly work in the Archdiocese of Sydney. Professor at St Patrick's College, Manly. Inspector of schools, parish priest of Stanmore. Chancellor of the archdiocese. In 1920 he was appointed bishop of Dunedin. His consecration as a bishop took place in St Joseph's Cathedral, Dunedin, 12 December 1920. Under Bishop Whyte's guidance, progress was made in the diocese he was a loving and devoted Father in God.

Sixteen years bedridden. Bishop Whyte died 26 December 1957, 89 years of age, 65 years a priest, and 37 years a bishop.

"He was a man of faith, and he lived by that faith." May he rest in peace.

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The Most Reverend Michael Verdon DD

1896-1918

Second Bishop of Dunedin

Bishop Verdon

The Most Rev Michael Verdon, an Irishman, a nephew of Cardinal Cullen of Dublin and a cousin of Cardinal Moran of Sydney, was born in 1838, at Liverpool, the year Bishop Pompallier arrived in New Zealand from France. As with Bishop Moran, he received his early education from the Vincentian Fathers at Castleknock, and then to the Irish College in Rome. After his ordination in 1861, he took up parish work and was then appointed to Holy Cross Seminary at Clonliffe, first as a teacher then as its rector. After eight years on the staff of the Irish College in Rome, he was appointed first Rector of St Patrick's College, Manly in Sydney. In 1896 when Michael Verdon was on his way to Rome to be the permanent representative of the Australian Hierarchy, news of the Dunedin appointment reached him at Melbourne.

Bishop Michael Verdon succeeded Bishop Moran in 1896, was the first Catholic Bishop to be consecrated in New Zealand in 1896 by Cardinal Moran of Sydney. One of his first concerns was the establishment of a national seminary in Dunedin, with the support of the other bishops. Holy Cross College, Mosgiel near Dunedin closed in 1997 with the relocation of the new seminary in Auckland, was opened on the 3 May 1900, exactly four years after Verdon's consecration. It was a significant step forward for the Church in New Zealand, for the seminary has not only ensured that there has been an adequate supply of clergy trained for New Zealand conditions but has created a very real bond between the secular priests of the country.

In the great influenza epidemic of 1918, which caused the deaths of thousands of people throughout the country, the Catholic schools became temporary hospitals and the nuns became nurses. It was the first time that many of the patients had come into direct contact with Catholic nuns and it did much to break down the ignorance and prejudice about them that had been widely current. Among the victims of the epidemic was the Bishop of Dunedin, Dr Verdon, a man revered by his people both for his scholarship and his holiness.

It is a measure of the man's inspiration that Archbishop Liston of Auckland should also say of him: "Little wonder then that ever since my coming to Auckland in 1920, I have kept his photograph on my working desk for happy memories of the Bishop himself . . . for guidance through reflection on his ways and for the seeking of his heavenly intercession."

Bishop Verdon was descended from Geoffrey, Count de Verdon, Duke of Lower Lorraine and Count of Ardennes, whose brother became Pope Stephen IX in 1057. Geoffrey' son Bertram came to England with William the Conqueror, and in 1086 was granted the privilege of presenting the glove, stamped with the de Verdon coat of arms to the sovereigns of England at their coronation and of supporting the right arm of the sovereign as long as the king held the sceptre during the coronation ceremony.

Subsequently the Verdons became one of the great Norman families of Ireland. They fought against Edward Bruce, brother of Robert Bruce of Scotland, when Edward attempted to make himself King of Ireland.

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The Most Reverend Patrick Moran DD

1869-1895

First Bishop of Dunedin

Bishop Moran

Bishop Patrick Moran, DD.. under whose administration St Joseph's Cathedral was erected.

Born in County Wicklow, Ireland, in 1823, Patrick Moran was ordained priest in 1847. In 1856 at the age of thirty-three, he was conscrated Bishop of Dardania and second Vicar Apostolic of the Vicariate of the Eastern Districts of the Cape of Good Hope, residing in Grahamstown.

On his first visit to Rome as a Bishop, Pius IX was surprised at his youthful appearance, and learning that he had been appointed Bishop at 33 years, made the comment: "You are the same age as Our Lord."

After thirteen years in South Africa, Bishop Moran was transferred in 1869 to the new diocese of Dunedin, arriving here in 1871. Bishop Moran died at his residence, Rattray Street in Dunedin, on May 22, 1895.

Bishop Moran and his priests
This photograph of Bishop Moran (seated, centre) and his priests, taken probably in the early 1890's.

Seated from left - Fathers Sheehan, O'Leary, McKay, Bishop Moran, Father Walsh and Keenan.

Standing, from left - Fathers Hunt, J . O'Donnell, P. O'Neill, Vereker, P Murphy, J Lynch, Donnolly, J O'Neill, Burke, P. M. Lynch, McGarth, Newport, P. O'Donnell, Coffey.

Bishop Moran's consecration of the Cathedral

A Montage made to celebrate Bishop Moran's consecration of St Joseph's Cathedral in 1886.
The procession into the church is shown at centre.

Vigil Prayers for Bishop Moran on his death, May 1895

Bishops' Memorial at the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Most Rev. Patrick Moran, D.D.

Here rests in Peace; Patrick Moran, first Bishop of the Diocese of Dunedin. Born in County Wicklow, 1823, he studied at Maynooth College and was ordained priest 1847. In 1856 he was consecrated Bishop of Dardania in South Africa. Bishop Moran was transferred in 1869 to the new diocese of Dunedin. For twenty-six years as a watchful pastor and able administrator he wisely governed this diocese. He was a vigerous and eloquent defender of the Faith and Catholic Education. He founded the N.Z. Tablet in 1873 for this specific purpose.
He sowed the mustard seed which in his lifetime became a great tree.
He was indeed the pride and glory of the Church in this diocese and in New Zealand.
Bishop Moran died in Dunedin 22 May 1895 aged 72.

See: life of Bishop Patrick Moran for more information


CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF THE DUNEDIN DIOCESE BURIED ELSEWHERE

Most Reverend Michael Verdon, D.D., born Liverpool 1838, ordained priest Dublin 1861, consecrated second Bishop of Dunedin 3 May 1896 in St Joseph's Cathedral. Dounder of Holy Cross College, Mosgiel. Died Wellington 22 November 1918. In March 1963 his remains were transferred to Holy Cross College, and buried there in the chapel erected to his memory.

Most Reverend Hugh John O'Neill D.D. J.C.D, consecrated Titular Bishop of Bareta and Co-adjutor Bishop to Bishop James Whyte, Bishop of Dunedin, 25 March 1943 in St Joseph's Cathedral. Born Dunedin 1898, ordained priest 1921. In 1949 due to ill health resigned. Died Dunedin 27 December 1955, and is buried Andersons Bay Cemetery.

Most Reverend John Patrick Kavanagh D.D. J.C.D., born Hawera, studied Holy Cross College and Rome. A priest of the Wellington Archdiocese, he was consecrated Titular Bishop of Algiza, Apostolic Administrator and Co-adjutor Bishop to Bishop James Whyte with the right of succession, in Wellington, 30 November 1949. Succeeded to the see of Dunedin as fourth Bishop 26 December 1957. Died 10 July 1985 and is buried Andersons Bay Cemetery.

After the Burial of Bishop Patrick Moran 27 May 1895 the Catholic community of the Dunedin Diocese and elsewhere, generously contributed to the erection of a fitting mounment over his grave. The Memorial which included a mortuary chapel, was designed in Gothic architecture by F. W. Petre and constructed by Mr D. Woods. This Memorial was completed in 1896.

The height of the edifice from the steps to the top of the cross was 16 metres. The ceiling of the chapel was finished with a groined roof of Oamaru stone and ornamentation similar to the interior architecture of St Joseph's Cathedral. A vault 2.4 metres so are constructed beneath floor level.

In November 1918, the Most Reverend Michael Verdon, second Bishop of Dunedin, was buried in the vault. On 5 March 1963 his remain was transferred to the Bishop Verdon Memorial Chapel, Holy Cross College, Mosgiel. Bishop Verdon was the founder of Holy Cross College.

The Third Bishop of Dunedin, the Most Reverend James Whyte, died 26 December 1957, lies buried in this vault.

Due to deteriorating stone work and crumbling Oamaru stone, the original Memorial was remodelled in October 1985. Surmounted now, by a very prominent celtic cross, the Memorial fittingly commemorates
the burial place of Bishop Patrick Moran and Bishop James Whyte.

This Memorial was re-dedicated on the occasion of the Centennial of the opening of St Joseph's Cathedral 14 February, 1986, by the Most Reverend Antonio Magnoni D.D. Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to New Zealand and Fiji.

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The Most Reverend Jean Baptiste Francois Pompallier DD

1801-1871

New Zealand's first Bishop and Oceania 1838 -1868

See: Pompallier

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