Bishop Emeritus Colin Campbell to be Interim Rector of Holy Cross Seminary

Retired Catholic Bishop of Dunedin Colin Campbell has been appointed Interim Rector of Holy Cross Seminary.

Bishop Emeritus Campbell has accepted the interim role until a permanent appointment is made to replace Father Mathew Vadakkevettuvazhiyil, who has left.

Holy Cross Seminary in Auckland is the national seminary for the education and formation of diocesan priests for the Catholic Church in New Zealand.

NZ Catholic Bishops Conference Vice President, Bishop of Auckland Stephen Lowe, says the bishops expect the interim rector to be in the role until the end of 2023, to allow time for Rome to appoint a permanent rector.

“The bishops are very appreciative of Fr Mathew for his time with the seminary and his passion for the preparation of seminarians for priesthood,” said Bishop Lowe.

Bishop Emeritus Campbell was Bishop of Dunedin from 2004 to 2018, when he retired. He was formerly Rector of Holy Cross Seminary from 2001 until his appointment as a bishop.