On July 25, 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, the celebration consisted of kai, speeches, and expressions of gratitude for Emeritus Coadjutor Bishop Owen’s unwavering commitment to his faith and community.
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 July 21, 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 started 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.”
Following this, Nick Wilson gave 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 finished his education.” Nick also touched on Bishop Owen’s significant contributions to various parishes across the Wellington and Palmerston North Dioceses, serving in parishes 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 when Paul VI went past, and shaken hands with John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. “If John Paul I had lived longer than a month as pope, Owen would probably have met him too!”
In 1973 Bishop Owen went to serve in Peru, where 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 the dignity of all people.
In 1995, following Bishop Peter Cullinane’s severe heart attack, Bishop Owen was appointed as coadjutor bishop with the expectation that Bishop Peter would soon retire. However, Bishop Peter made a remarkable recovery and continued to serve for another 17 years, while Bishop Owen retired in 2004. Reflecting on this, Bishop Owen humorously noted, “The auxiliary bishop comes down in the morning and says to the bishop of the diocese, ‘What can I do to help today?’ But the coadjutor in the morning comes down and says to the bishop, ‘How are you feeling?'”
He and Bishop Peter maintained a close friendship over the years, staying in regular contact 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 unique dimension of working within the diocesan office, emphasising the importance of serving others in alignment with Christian values. He praised the staff 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 that we’re called upon to be by Jesus Christ: to serve our sisters and brothers.”
Steph Grantham, speaking on behalf of the Cathedral parish team, succinctly captured the essence of Bishop Owen’s influence: “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, both locally and throughout New Zealand.”
Even in retirement, Bishop Owen remains an active and beloved figure in the MetLife community, where his positive influence continues to draw others. “It fills us with joy to see you growing the numbers of Catholics residing at MetLife,” Steph noted. “We believe that’s a testament to your positive influence.”
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 very 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. The Diocese has been truly blessed to have had such an outstanding man among its ranks, and his legacy of compassion and grace will continue to inspire for generations to come.
