Bishop left Rome for Christchurch role
Bishop Basil Meeking b November 19, 1929 d June 11, 2020
John Basil Meeking (commonly known by his second name) became the seventh Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch, in 1987. He led the diocese, covering wider Canterbury, Westland and the Chatham Islands, for a decade. Then, in retirement, he held the title of Bishop Emeritus until his death on June 11 this year, aged 90.
Meeking was born in Ashburton on November 19, 1929.
He attended St Joseph’s Catholic School in Ashburton and was a boarder at St Bede’s College in Christchurch. Influenced by the nuns and priests who taught him he was drawn towards teaching as a career but felt a stronger call to become a priest.
He entered the seminary at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel, in 1947, and was ordained a priest for the Christchurch Diocese in 1953. His first Mass was held at the chapel at St Bede’s.
A deep-thinking man of slight build and scholarly mien, Meeking nevertheless threw himself into the practical duties connected with building projects at parish and diocesan levels in a time of substantial growth in the Church.
Following three months as an assistant priest at the Cathedral Parish, he was appointed to the southChristchurch parish of Beckenham and St Martins.
In the mid-1950s he was involved in the building of new churches at both places.
Then it was back to the Cathedral Parish, from where he served as chaplain to Christchurch Hospital and to the Catholic Nurses’ Guild from 1959 to
1963. He became secretary of the Hospital Chaplains Council. He worked on the Christchurch New Church Research Group.
After 10 years as a priest Meeking headed to Rome for advanced studies towards a doctoral degree. He graduated Doctor of Divinity at the University of St Thomas, Rome, in 1966 and returned to New Zealand.
However, his time in New Zealand would be limited.
While serving as administrator of parishes at Kaiapoi, Methven and Bryndwr consecutively, from 1966 to
1969, he figured prominently in the field of ecumenism.
He became the Catholic representative on the National Council of Churches and a consulter to the Secretariat for Unity, in Rome. His work in these duties led to a call for him to return to Rome.
There he was appointed an official of the Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity. He later became secretary to the organisation.
In Rome, Meeking continued to rise in prominence. In 1976, he was honoured with the designation of Chaplain to the
Holy Father (the Pope).
He was made a Prelate of Honour in 1982. By then he was secretary of the Joint Working Group of the World Council of Churches.
With prospects of further service in Rome, he might have declined the invitation to return to New Zealand when Christchurch Bishop Denis Hanrahan died suddenly. Meeking was advised of his selection to be his successor and, seeing it as his duty, accepted the call.
His episcopal ordination and installation as Bishop of Christchurch were celebrated in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on June 3, 1987.
The pressures of work in a time of change in the church led Meeking to appoint Fr John Cunneen as his pastoral assistant in 1990.
Two years later, Cunneen was made Auxiliary Bishop for the diocese. Meeking retired from his diocesan leadership role six years later and was succeeded by Bishop Cunneen.
His time as Bishop of Christchurch left an indelible mark on his brother priests. Bishop Meeking had a firm understanding on the nature of ordained ministry in the Catholic Church.
He often took the opportunity to teach on this matter. Bishop Meeking considered that clarity concerning the priestly vocation would in turn illumine the great, and but often unappreciated, dignity of the lay vocation in the church.
Explaining his retirement, Meeking admitted the burden of leading the diocese had taken its toll.
‘‘I am grateful that the Holy Father has agreed to let me give up the weight of responsibility that goes with the office,’’ he wrote.
He listed the heavy demands on him as ‘‘shepherding the flock, keeping it together in unity, nourishing it with sound teaching, protecting it from error and harm, supporting those who are in need’’.
Upon retirement, he took leave to study and meditate in a Benedictine monastery in France, revealing his sense of humour with the quip that he ‘‘just wanted to get out of the way of’’ Cunneen, who was then Bishop of Christchurch.
Meeking next served as a chaplain in various institutions in the USA.
Returning to Christchurch he resumed chaplaincy services, notably with the Carmelite Sisters whom he always held in the highest regard. He provided support to the diocese in many ways in his retirement.
He wrote for various publications on a range of themes, showing in particular his interest in Church liturgy and tradition.
In a tribute to Meeking, Cunneen spoke of his ‘‘profound theological understanding, deeply pastoral heart and unflagging dedication to the service of the Church in the diocese’’ – a summation with which most Catholics would agree.
Those who knew Meeking closely saw also an engaging and witty conversationalist.
‘‘I am grateful that the Holy Father has agreed to let me give up the weight of responsibility that goes with the office.’’ Bishop Basil Meeking on retirement