John Kavanagh (bishop)

John Patrick Kavanagh (30 April 1913 – 10 July 1985) was the fourth Catholic Bishop of Dunedin (1957–1985).


John Kavanagh
4th Bishop of Dunedin
Personal details
Born(1913-04-30)30 April 1913
Hāwera, New Zealand
Died(1985-07-10)10 July 1985
Dunedin, New Zealand

Early life

edit

Kavanagh was born in Hāwera in 1913.[1]

Legacy

edit

Dunedin's only Catholic secondary school, Kavanagh College, was named after him until 2023.

In 2018 public controversy arose as to his handling of clergy and religious abuse allegations during his episcopal tenure.[2] In 2020, Cardinal John Dew instigated an investigation into Kavanagh's actions.[3] The investigation found that Kavanagh failed to investigate abuse claims relating to one priest. In 2022 it was announced that Kavanagh College would be renamed Trinity Catholic College from 1 January 2023 in consequence.[4]

Death

edit

He died in Dunedin on 10 July 1985.[1]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Mulrennan, Frances. "Kavanagh, John Patrick". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
  2. ^ Morris, Chris (15 December 2018). "Sisters of Mercy a dark misnomer". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
  3. ^ "New Zealand cardinal opens inquiry into late bishop's actions on abuse". Catholic News Service. 18 November 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  4. ^ Hudson, Daisy (18 March 2022). "Kavanagh College to be renamed". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
Catholic Church titles
Preceded by
-
Auxiliary Bishop of Dunedin
1949–1957
Succeeded by
-
Preceded by 4th Bishop of Dunedin
1957–1985
Succeeded by