Legendary hospital chaplain dies

by KATHLEEN CASEY
Fr Bernie Goulding was 82 when he died on November 28, 2014, after 52 years as a diocesan
priest in Christchurch. Fr Dan Doyle shared a tribute at his funeral, which was celebrated by
Bishop Barry Jones.

With one sister, Patti, Bernie Goulding lost his mother when only young. He became a boarder
at St Kevin’s College in Oamaru where, as a tall and handsome lad, he excelled academically
and in sports. From his earliest years he had a great love of God and a desire to serve his people.
After seminary training at Mosgiel and ordination in 1957, Fr Goulding’s work spanned the
diocese, from Rangiora in North Canterbury to Waimate in the south, from Whataroa to Runanga
on the West Coast and in the Chatham Islands and Antarctica.
He cared for many Christchurch parishes and was a long-serving hospital chaplain at all the public hospitals.
“He was unrelenting in his quest for souls and in his eagerness to help people to lives of
faith and faithfulness,” said Fr Doyle. “He was also accepting and supportive of those with
addictions, helping them to overcome their problems and live healthy lives.”
A great visitor, Fr Goulding’s knowledge of family interconnections was huge and he was
never bashful about telling a retired Catholic that it was time to get back to Mass.
“His hospital chaplaincy days were legend. He was a most wonderful comfort, and offered sacramental support to thousands of people who were dying.”
Fr Gouldng was a generous man, contributing to charities and spending little on himself.
“Father Bernie has been a loved and respected priest, a wonderful friend to many and a great example of faithfulness to God and the Church,” said Fr Doyle. “He will be missed. His
memory will be carried on in the hearts of many and in the faith of all those whom he baptised, married and ministered to during his long years of priestly service.”