OCEANIA/NEW ZEALAND - The Pope appoints new coadjutor Bishop of Christchurch

Wednesday, 28 June 2006

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI on 28 June 2006 appointed Coadjutor Bishop of the diocese of Christchurch (New Zealand), Rev. Mgr. Barry Jones, Administrator of Christchurch Cathedral.
Mgr Barry Jones, was born on 29 September 1941 at North Canterbury, in the diocese of Christchurch. He studied philosophy and theology at Holy Cross Major Seminary in Mosgiel, in the diocese of Dunedin. He was ordained a priest on 4 July 1966, for the diocese of Christchurch. At the diocesan level, he was involved in organising marriage preparation courses. Since his ordination he has been: (1967-1970) assistant priest at North Timaru; (1971-1974) assistant priest at Christchurch Cathedral; (1974) member of the Advisory Council; (1975-1978) assistant priest at Greymouth in charge of Kumara parish; (1979-1993) parish priest at Akaroa and diocesan delegate for Maori communities; (1993-2002) vice rector of Good Shepherd House (pre-seminary) and administrator of the parish of Riccarton and Bryndwr. Since 2003 administrator of Christchurch Cathedral.
The diocese of Christchurch, created in 1887, is a suffragan of the archdiocese of Wellington. It has an area of 51,780sq km., and a population of, 503,631 of whom 62,715 are Catholics gathered in 52 parishes assisted by 73 priests (49 diocesan and 24 religious), 155 women religious and there are 4 major seminarians. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 28/6/2006; Righe 18; Parole 218)


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