Bishop Owen Dolan dies in Palmerston North, aged 96

Ordained to the priesthood in Hawera in 1954, he was a priest for 70 years, and was a bishop for 29 years.

In 1973, he responded to a call to missionary service in Peru, working alongside the Columban and Maryknoll Fathers among some of the most impoverished communities in Lima and Arequipa. His time in South America had a profound and lasting impact on his priestly life.

Bishop Dolan served in many parishes in New Zealand and held leadership roles including vicar general of the Archdiocese of Wellington and national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. He was ordained as Coadjutor Bishop of Palmerston North in 1995 at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, at a time when Bishop Peter Cullinane’s health was failing. Upon reaching the retirement age of 75 in 2004, he resigned as Bishop.

Vigil Prayers will be held at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Palmerston North on Monday, May 5, at 5.30pm, including a sharing of memories. A Requiem Mass for Bishop Dolan will be celebrated at the cathedral on Tuesday, May 6, at 1pm.

Tributes have been paid to Bishop Dolan’s pastoral approach and leadership.

Bishop John Adams, current Bishop of Palmerston North, said: “I personally valued Owen’s counsel and sought it often. His wisdom stretched back generations. He had a great love for the poor, never losing his connection with those he served in South America. Even in his later years at Metlifecare, people lined up to visit him, drawn to his kindness, humility and deep faith.”

In retirement, Bishop Dolan continued his ministry, celebrating Mass and offering pastoral care at Metlifecare on Fitchett Street, just three blocks from his birthplace in Palmerston North.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand gave thanks for Bishop Dolan’s “gentle, steady service to the Church and his deep commitment to justice and compassion”. He served as the New Zealand Bishops’ Deputy to Caritas for a decade until 2005.

“Long after his formal role ended, he remained a faithful supporter – often calling into the office to offer encouragement and prayer,” stated Caritas in a facebook post.

“His missionary years in Peru (1973-1978) profoundly shaped his lifelong concern for the poor and marginalised. In 2004, he visited a Caritas partner in Guatemala, praying with families of those killed by the military regime, and standing alongside them in their pursuit of justice before the Supreme Court. Reflecting on this experience, Bishop Dolan said: ‘We are not referring to an optional extra in Catholic practice when we speak about justice or peace or human development. Rather we refer to something that must be at the heart of the life of those who strive to be faithful disciples of Christ.’”

The Society of St Vincent de Paul said it had lost a strong advocate and supporter with the passing of Bishop Dolan.

Gerry Stevens, the Society’s New Zealand president, said Bishop Dolan 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”.

“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,” Mr Stevens said.

FULL STORY

Death of the Most Reverend Owen Dolan, Emeritus Coadjutor Bishop of Palmerston North (Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North)

Bishop DOLAN Obituary (2025) – Wellington Central, Wellington (The Post)

Facebook (Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand/Facebook)

Society of St Vincent de Paul NZ statement (SVDP)