Basil Meeking facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend Basil Meeking |
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|---|---|
| 7th Bishop of Christchurch | |
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| Appointed | 30 March 1987 |
| Enthroned | 3 June 1987 |
| Reign ended | 15 December 1995 |
| Predecessor | Denis Hanrahan |
| Successor | John Cunneen |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 19 July 1953 |
| Consecration | 3 June 1987 by Thomas Williams |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 November 1929 Ashburton, New Zealand |
| Died | 11 June 2020 (aged 90) Christchurch, New Zealand |
John Basil Meeking (born 19 November 1929 – died 11 June 2020) was an important religious leader in New Zealand. He served as the 7th bishop of Christchurch from 1987 to 1995. A bishop is a senior leader in the Christian Church.
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Early Life and Becoming a Priest
John Basil Meeking was born in Ashburton, New Zealand, in 1929. He studied to become a priest, which is a religious leader who performs church services. He officially became a priest in 1953.
Serving as Bishop of Christchurch
In 1987, Pope John Paul II chose John Basil Meeking to become the Bishop of Christchurch. He took on this important role on 3 June 1987. As bishop, he was the main leader for the Catholic Church in the Christchurch area.
During his time as bishop, he did many important things. He worked as a chaplain at Christchurch Hospital. A chaplain is a priest who provides spiritual support in places like hospitals. He also represented the Catholic Church at the National Council of Churches. This group brings together different Christian churches to work on common goals.
Bishop Meeking stepped down from his role as Bishop of Christchurch in 1995.
Work in Rome
Before becoming a bishop, John Basil Meeking spent many years working in Rome, Italy. From 1963 to 1966, he studied at a special university called the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
After his studies, he joined the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. This council works to improve relationships between different Christian churches around the world. He worked there for 18 years, helping to build bridges between various Christian groups.
Later Life and Passing
Bishop Meeking passed away in Christchurch on 11 June 2020. He was 90 years old. He had been unwell for some time before his death.
