CHRISTCHURCH Bishop Barry Jones says the clergy of Christchurch can share in the joy of papal honours given to two priests of his diocese. Last month, Frs Bill Middleton and Brendan Daly became Msgr Middleton and Msgr Daly the former a prelate of honour of His Holiness, the latter a chaplain of His Holiness.
Msgr Middleton, ordained in 1964, started his ministry at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. He served in various parishes over the next 12 years before being assigned to Hokitika for nine years. He moved to Temuka in 1985. He has been parish priest at Burnside since 1990.
Msgr Daly was ordained at Christchurch’s cathedral in 1977. After parish and chaplaincy appointments, he went to Canada in 1983 for extra study. Named judicial vicar upon his return in 1986, he taught at Holy Cross College from 1987, later serving as rector of Holy Cross Seminary. In 2001 he taught canon law at the newly-opened Good Shepherd College, becoming principal in 2002.
Said Bishop Jones: It is the very nature of such awards that they cannot be given to all who deserve them, but all who know these two priests rejoice in their being honoured in this way.
The papal honours reflect well on all the priests of the diocese, who are proud and delighted for their brothers.
Bishop Jones said Msgr Daly has provided sound advice to several Christchurch bishops in the area of canon law. Msgr Middleton has been extremely successful in communicating the Catholic Faith to people from a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, Bishop Jones said.
Hes done the hard yards of priestly ministry.
