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John Joseph O’Connor
24 February 1930 – 19 September 2026

The oldest priest in New Zealand yesterday 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.

This morning 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, Westland, Chatham Islands, and a couple of brief stints 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.