The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in was filled with mourners on Tuesday 6 May, 2025 as clergy, family, and people from across the diocese gathered for the Requiem Mass of the Most Reverend Owen John Dolan, Coadjutor Emeritus Bishop of Palmerston North. Bishop Owen passed away on 28 April at the age of 96.

During the Mass, Bishop John welcomed bishops from across New Zealand, clergy, whānau, members of the Māori community, and representatives from other faith traditions. A letter of condolence from the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Evangelisation of Peoples was also read, expressing sorrow and solidarity with the Diocese.

Bishop Peter Cullinane, Bishop Emeritus of Palmerston North and long-time friend of Bishop Owen, delivered the homily, reflecting on the late bishop’s life of faithful service and warm humanity. Drawing from Chapter 21 of John’s Gospel, Bishop Peter likened Bishop Owen to the Risen Christ who “loved being with his disciples,” highlighting Bishop Owen’s deep love of human company and his enduring openness and compassion.

“His love of storytelling, his humour, his respect for others and their views – these weren’t passing traits,” Bishop Peter said. “He was genuine, faithful, and utterly without pretence.”

Bishop Peter’s homily recalled how Bishop Owen embodied his chosen episcopal motto: “Let the same mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus.” He praised Bishop Owen’s resistance to clericalism, noting that he allowed God’s grace to flow through him naturally. His pastoral approach, marked by presence rather than pretence, left a lasting impression on those he served.

“Owen had a special mission,” said Bishop Peter. “And he didn’t make a bad fist of being as we all are. He was truly one of us.”

Quoting Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, Bishop Peter concluded with a final farewell: “You can go now; mission accomplished.”

Read Bishop Peter Cullinane’s full homily here.

Photos can be found on our Facebook page.

A video of the Requiem Mass and Internment can be found on our YouTube channel.