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John Joseph O’Connor
24 February 1930 – 19 September 2026
On Saturday just past the oldest priest in New Zealand became the youngest priest in Heaven.
Jack my uncle was ordained sixty years ago. He has been a significant presence in our family, in later years our patriarch.
We loved him.
And Jack loved us.
Over the weekend I celebrated Mass in the parish of Opihi, (Pleasant Point, Geraldine and Temuka) where Jack was also known and loved. And Jack often commented that he loved his years in this part of the diocese.
Over his six decades of priestly ministry Jack served in every part of the Christchurch Diocese: South Canterbury, North Canterbury, Westland, Chatham Islands, with a couple of brief appointments in Christchurch city.
Jack loved the people he served.
And the people loved Jack.
He was also something of a specialist in chaplaincy to prayer groups across the diocese.
May he Rest in Peace.
Wednesday 23 September
Jack will rest in the Nazareth House Chapel from 9.00am
where I will celebrate Mass at 10.00am
and lead a Vigil Service at 4.00pm.
Thursday 24 September
Funeral Mass 10.00am followed by burial.
❤
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family John at this time, and may Fr Jack Rest In Peace.
Our love and sympathy to you and family members at this time. May Jack now rest in peace
Beautiful soul
Soncere condolances, John.
Fr Jack was ‘our priest’ for Dove Women’s fellowship for quite some time. He came to meetings offering reconciliation and a listening ear, a lovely man with a ready smile.
Our loss is heaven’s gain.
You, your family and all who knew him, will miss him. R.I.P
Patsy
I recall meeting Fr Jack on one of my visits to Fr John. May he Rest in Peace
Rest in Peace Jack. You blessed many Women’s Hearts and Souls she. You attended our Retreats.
Blessings in love to all your family Fr John.
Brenda
Sincere condolences at his passing Fr John to you and all the family. Rest in Peace, Fr Jack, true and blessed servant.
A lovely gentle man. Condolences to you and your family John. May Fr. Jack rest in peace
Deo gratias for the fullness of Jack’s life. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched, especially the O’Connor family he loved. Thoughts and prayers as you present him to God the most High.
At your side, John
Condolences to you John. Have many happy memories of the time he spent in Ngahere.Anna
Father John led me to the church in Timaru. A special man. He joins a great woman of prayer who also died in chch on Saturday.
Sympathies to you and your family, Fr. John. A totara has fallen. My dear Joe will welcome him through those gates !! R.I.P.
I went to reconciliation to him at the Healing place in the country near Christchurch. Such a kind gentle soul. RIP Fr Jack.
Deepest condolences, John
Sincere condolences to all of Jack’s family. A truly saintly human being and a very human saint. It was a blessing to have known him and to spend time with him and he will now be enjoying his just reward for his life of service. Requiescat in pace Father Jack.
Hi John We remember fr jack fondly for his boundless enthusiasm for Christ and the gospel. He will have a very deep and special meaning to you and your wider family. May he rest in peace. Mike T
What a beautiful man! Fr Jack has gone to his God, an absolute servant. I have fond memories of his time in Temuka and enjoyed sharing them with you on your trip to Hamilton last month. May God be with you and your family at this time.
May the road rise to meet him, the wind be always at his back, the sun shine warm upon his face, the rain fall soft upon his fields and until we meet again dear Fr Jack, may our God hold you in the palm of his hand.