Bishop Paul Martin SM

Pope Francis has appointed Father Paul Martin SM as the 10th Bishop of the Christchurch Diocese, and he will be ordained Bishop in Christchurch on Saturday 3 March.

He succeeds Bishop Barry Jones who died in February 2016.

Bishop Patrick Dunn, President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference is delighted with the appointment.

“On behalf of all the New Zealand Bishops I warmly welcome Bishop – Elect Paul to our New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference.

“We know that he will bring a new voice and a valuable perspective to our discussions,” he said.

Paul Martin is most recognised in the Society of Mary through his involvement in the education ministry. A teacher at Pompallier College, Whangarei, and St Patrick’s College, Wellington, Deputy Rector at St Bede’s College, Christchurch, and then as Rector at St Patrick’s College Wellington, Paul also served as President of the Wellington Secondary School Principals’ Association.

While education has been his primary ministry, for a time he worked in Māori pastoral care in Rawene in the South Hokianga, as chaplain at Hato Paora College, Fielding, and as a member of the Society of Mary’s Provincial Council (governance board).

His most recent appointment is as Bursar General of the Society of Mary in Rome.

Bishop Dunn says it is wonderful for Christchurch to have a bishop with extensive pastoral experience and who comes to the role with a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Source: sm.org.nz