20 Facts About Matthew Brodie

Matthew Joseph Brodie was the second Catholic bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand.

Matthew Brodie was appointed by Pope Benedict XV on 27 November 1915 and died in office on 11 October 1943.

Matthew Brodie was the first New Zealander by birth to be made a Catholic bishop.

Matthew Brodie was noted for his interest in promoting the general well-being of all.

Matthew Brodie received his early education in Coromandel and at the "Pitt St School".

Matthew Brodie was then sent to Sydney for his secondary education at St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill and he then trained as a priest at St Patrick's College, Manly where one of his professors was Michael Verdon.

Matthew Brodie was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Auckland in St Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland by Bishop Lenihan on 20 December 1896.

Matthew Brodie was at Waihi at the time of the 1912 Waihi miners' strike and he made personal efforts which contributed to its settlement.

Matthew Brodie was effective because he was respected by all the parties.

Matthew Brodie was latterly the Vicar general of the Auckland Diocese.

Matthew Brodie was consecrated a bishop on 27 February 1916 in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Christchurch by the Apostolic delegate, Cardinal Cerretti, assisted by Archbishop Redwood and Bishop Verdon.

Matthew Brodie was notable for his keen interest and support of Catholic education, especially of St Bede's College, Christchurch.

Matthew Brodie supported Nazareth House and the Sisters of the Good Shepherd at Mt Magdala, especially their orphanage of St Joseph.

Matthew Brodie introduced the Carmelite nuns to Christchurch and he advanced the Holy Name Society, the Legion of Mary and the Catholic Women's League.

Matthew Brodie encouraged the establishment of the Grail movement for women.

Matthew Brodie proved to be a popular, long-serving and hard-working prelate in Christchurch.

Matthew Brodie, cooperating with the Anglican Archbishop West-Watson, mediated to promote the settlement of the Tramway Strike of 1932.

Matthew Brodie met with the parties till dawn in working for a peaceful settlement.

Matthew Brodie was a patient at Lewisham Hospital from April 1943 until his death on 11 October 1943, aged 79.

Matthew Brodie was interred at Mt Magdala at the St John of God Chapel.