On Sunday 18 May, the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Palmerston North was filled with nearly 500 people who gathered to celebrate Monsignor Brian Walsh’s 50th anniversary of priestly ordination, many of whom had travelled across the country to be present.

Nick Wilson, Pastoral Services Director for the Diocese, opened the celebration with a warm welcome. He began with the whakataukī, “Kāore te kumara e kōrero mō tōna ake reka” – the kumara does not speak of its own sweetness – describing it as a fitting way to acknowledge Monsignor Brian’s humility.

“Brian has been a great servant leader in this diocese and never talks about how great he or his contribution is,” Wilson said.

In his homily, Monsignor Brian reflected on his 50 years of priesthood with characteristic humility. “I tried to think of one word to summarise these 50 years of priesthood,” he said, “but in reality, two words have come to mind: gratitude and thankfulness.”

He expressed deep gratitude to God – for the original call to priesthood, for the Holy Spirit sustaining his vocation, and for a second chance at life after he collapsed in Sydney Airport in 2019. “Since then,” he said, “I have appreciated my life and calling in a much different and deeper way.”

Monsignor Brian chose a reading from Romans, instead of the usual Fifth Sunday of Easter readings, because, as he explained, “it reflects so well St Paul’s and my own appreciation of God’s intimate presence, love and care for myself and for all of us.” The Second Reading from Corinthians highlighted the many aspects of love, which he used to acknowledge the love and support received from family, friends, bishops, clergy, and parishioners – “as in marriage – in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health.”

The Gospel of the Good Shepherd, he said, speaks to Christ’s call to each of us: “May we all continue to hear and heed the call of Christ in our lives. And may the Good Shepherd’s call result in many more vocations to the priesthood and religious life.”

A highlight during the Mass was Bishop John Adams presenting Monsignor Brian with a papal award in recognition of his 50 years of priestly service.

Monsignor Brian also acknowledged his fellow Jubilarians celebrating milestones this year: Fr Tom Lawn (New Plymouth), Fr David Tonks (Takapuna), and Fr Bernie O’Donnell (Palmerston North), all celebrating 50 years; along with Fr Nathaniel Brazil (10 years) and Fr Craig Butler (30 years).

“I have tried to be faithful to the call to diocesan priesthood and in serving God’s people,” he said. “I have always seen the diocesan priesthood as a call to be a person from the people, with the people, and for the people. Your hopes and aspirations are my hopes and aspirations – we walk the journey of faith and life together.”

After the Mass, an afternoon tea was held at the Diocesan Centre, where there were speeches and the cutting of a celebratory cake.