Owen John Dolan, Emeritus Coadjutor Bishop of Palmerston North, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 following a short illness. Born in Palmerston North on September 30, 1928, he was raised in Hāwera after the early death of his mother. He was ordained a priest on July 21, 1954, and served across various parishes in New Zealand, including Petone, Wairoa, Patea, and others.
In 1973, Bishop Owen answered the call to missionary service in Peru, working with the Columban and Maryknoll Fathers in some of the most impoverished communities. This experience deeply influenced his priestly vocation. Upon returning to New Zealand, he held leadership roles, including Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Wellington and National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies.
In 1995, Bishop Owen was ordained as Coadjutor Bishop of Palmerston North, assisting Bishop Peter Cullinane during a time of ill health. Following Bishop Cullinane’s recovery, the two bishops worked together until Bishop Owen’s retirement in 2004. Even in retirement, Bishop Owen remained active, offering pastoral care at Metlifecare in Palmerston North, where he was loved for his kindness, humility, and deep faith.
Hundreds gather to farewell Bishop Owen Dolan
Clergy, whānau, and faithful from across the Diocese of Palmerston North gathered at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit on 6 May for the Requiem Mass of Bishop Owen John Dolan, who died peacefully on 28 April aged 96.
The Mass was attended by bishops from across New Zealand, members of the Māori community, clergy, and representatives from other faiths. A letter from the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Evangelisation of Peoples was read, expressing sorrow and solidarity with the diocese.
In his homily, Bishop Emeritus Peter Cullinane paid tribute to Bishop Owen’s deep humanity, humility, and enduring faith. Reflecting on Bishop Owen’s love of company, humour, and storytelling, Bishop Peter praised his resistance to clericalism and his commitment to a ministry grounded in presence and compassion.
Read the full article on our website.
Farewell to a great supporter
The Society of St Vincent de Paul has lost a strong advocate and supporter with the passing of Bishop Owen Dolan, Coadjutor Bishop of the Palmerston North Diocese, at the age of 96.
Our sympathies go out to members of his extended family, his brother bishops and priests, and to his many friends.
Bishop Owen was a vital part of the Society for 20 years and was the Society’s spiritual advisor for many years. It was a role he cherished and we were the beneficiaries of his wisdom, discernment and deep spirituality.
He attended the International Assembly of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, held in Rome 3- 5 June 2016. There were National Presidents from well over 100 countries present at the Assembly.
Bishop Owen was much loved and respected by members of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. As many Vincentians will know, he was a bright, cheerful man with a ready sense of humour who didn’t take things too seriously. Grim-faced, rule-based Christianity was not for him.
His brand of practical Christianity, applying the Catholic faith to everyday situations and challenges, fitted well with the mission and spirit of the Society. He was always willing to roll his sleeves up and help out. He was available to anybody who needed him.
His great gift was his humanity and openness which he brought to the challenging role of being a bishop. You could talk to him easily. Nothing seemed to shock him. We were very fortunate to have him, not just as a fellow Vincentian, but as a mentor and spiritual guide for so many years.
Bishop Owen was ordained a priest in 1954 and his first appointment was to Petone parish as a curate. As a schoolboy in Petone, I remember him coming to the parish. Everybody thought he was the bee’s knees – a young man with energy, enthusiasm and a fantastic memory. I met him again some 50 years later and he could still tell me where we lived in Petone.
He went on to work in a number of parishes and served as a missionary in Peru for five years from 1973-78. His work as a missionary among people suffering extreme poverty profoundly impacted and shaped his priestly life.
On his return to New Zealand he resumed parish life and was made Vicar General to Cardinal Tom Williams. In 1995 he was appointed Coadjutor Bishop to the Diocese of Palmerston North.
Bishop Owen will be remembered as a man who thoroughly enjoyed his priesthood of more than 70 years, going on to be the oldest priest in New Zealand. He said his experience of growing older “has been a happy one, a peaceful one – no distressing things at all.”
His life was one of priestly dedication and compassion. To us in the Society, Bishop Owen has been an ongoing inspiration as well as a fellow traveller.
May he rest in peace.
Gerry Stevens
President of the Society of St Vincent de Paul in New Zealand
Looking Back on a Remarkable Life
As we remember and give thanks for the life of Bishop Owen Dolan, we invite you to revisit some of the moments we captured in recent years.
An Interview With Bishop Owen – 3 videos from 2020, where Bishop Owen relfects on becoming a bishop and shares some stories from his time in Peru.
A Conversation with Bishop Owen Dolan – an interview for the 2023 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, where Bishop Owen reflects on his experiences of growing older.
Celebrating 70 Years of Service – an article to mark Bishop Owen’s 70th anniversary of priesthood in 2024.