Patrick Dunn (bishop)

Early life

Dunn was born in London and is the eldest son of the late L. P. ("Pat") Dunn, a prominent Auckland obstetrician. He was educated at St Michael's School, Remuera, Sacred Heart College, Auckland (1961–1967) and the University of Auckland (1968). He studied for the Catholic priesthood under the Jesuits at Holy Name Seminary, Christchurch (1969–1970), and under the Vincentians at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel (1971–76). From 1988–89 he studied for master's degree in theology from the Melbourne College of Divinity. The latter studies also resulted in the publication of Dunn's book on priesthood (see bibliography).

Ordinations

Dunn was ordained a priest at St Michael's Church, Remuera on 24 April 1976. He then carried out pastoral work with Maori in Mangere East and lived at the Auckland Catholic marae, Te Unga Waka Marae in Epsom. Later, he served in the Auckland suburbs of Takapuna, Pakuranga and Northcote. In 1986 and 1987 he was Diocesan Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Auckland. In 1992 he was appointed pastoral assistant to the tenth Catholic Bishop of Auckland Denis Browne. On 24 July 1994, Dunn was ordained to the episcopate as the Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland.

Ordinary

On 24 December 1994 he was appointed Bishop of Auckland to succeed Browne who was translated to the Diocese of Hamilton. Dunn was formally installed as Bishop of Auckland in St Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland on 29 March 1995. He is the Secretary of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference and the Episcopal Deputy for Holy Cross Seminary and Good Shepherd College.

Liturgy

Dunn has expressed dissatisfaction with the 1998 International Commission on English in the Liturgy translation of the Roman Missal. He has said that the present translation produced an accurate English translation of Latin, but not a clear and beautiful vernacular text. He would like a new translation to be undertaken and has suggested that all the English-speaking Bishops' Conferences agree to pursue this.