It is with deep sadness that the Diocese of Palmerston North announces the death of the Most Reverend Owen John Dolan, Emeritus Coadjutor Bishop of Palmerston North. Bishop Owen passed away peacefully in hospital after a short illness. He was 96 years old.

Born in Palmerston North on 30 September 1928, Bishop Owen was raised in Hāwera following the early death of his mother. After schooling at St Joseph’s Primary School, St Patrick’s College Silverstream, and Hāwera High School, he pursued his priestly formation at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel, and was ordained a priest in Hāwera on 21 July 1954.

Throughout his ministry, Bishop Owen served across many parishes in New Zealand, including Petone, Wairoa, Patea, New Plymouth, Inglewood, Feilding, Upper Hutt, and Waitara. In 1973, he responded to the 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 made a profound and lasting impact on his priestly life.

On returning to New Zealand, Bishop Owen continued his service in parishes across Wellington and Stokes Valley, 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 on 10 December 1995, at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. Upon reaching retirement age in 2004, he became Emeritus Coadjutor Bishop.

A coadjutor bishop is appointed to assist and eventually succeed a diocesan bishop, often when the bishop is nearing retirement or experiencing ill health. Bishop Owen was appointed at a time when Bishop Peter Cullinane was seriously unwell; however, Bishop Peter made a remarkable recovery. As a result, Bishop Owen served alongside Bishop Peter until his own retirement in 2004, with Bishop Peter still in office. The two bishops developed a close friendship that continued over the years, staying in regular contact even after their retirements.

Bishop John Adams, current Bishop of Palmerston North, reflected:

“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.”

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

Funeral details will be released in due course. Please keep Bishop Owen, and all those who mourn him, in your prayers.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.