Monsignor David Bennett, pastor at Cambridge’s St Peter’s Catholic Church for 13 years before he took retirement, died earlier this month, aged 81.
A much-younger David Bennett during his early years in the priesthood.
Not only was he Pastor Emeritus of St Peter’s Church in Cambridge, but also of St Mary’s Church in Rotorua – where his farewell service was held – and the Catholic Cathedral in Hamilton. He also served in parishes in Auckland, Tokoroa and Te Awamutu.
In addition, he spent many years as chaplain with the New Zealand Police.
Had his story turned out differently, Mons Bennett may never have been a Catholic priest who went on to hold the titles of Vicar General and Prelate of the Papal Household.
His grandfather, Bishop Frederick Augustus Bennett, became New Zealand’s first Anglican Māori Bishop in 1928, and earlier records tell of an earlier Bennett Methodist minister in Ireland. One of Bishop Frederick’s 19 children from two marriages, and David Bennett’s uncle, became the Anglican Bishop Manuhuia ‘Manu’ Bennett.
Mons Bennett was born in Hamilton in 1943. His mother died when he was eight, and when his father remarried, it was his Catholic stepmother who may have been influential in his shifting from the family’s Anglican heritage.
In a 2018 interview with The News, one that marked the 50th anniversary of his entry into the priesthood, he said the church was in his DNA. He claimed that with the middle name Tiwha – loosely translated to ‘sign of the heavens’ – his path was set early.
After leaving school, he spent three years at the Holy Name Seminary in Riccarton, then completed a theology degree at the Holy Cross College in Mosgiel. He told The News that he particularly enjoyed the ecumenical principals espoused by the college that encouraged Catholics, Presbyterians and Anglicans to study together.
Mons Bennett was ordained in June 1968 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Auckland.
For much of his retirement, he lived quietly at Cambridge Resthaven in Vogel St, with his beloved Swedish Vallhund, Aneke.
It was there that The News discovered he was widely considered to be the family historian. His cottage was filled with genealogical references, including one that affirmed his family name, Bennett, as meaning ‘blessed’.
Those at his funeral service spoke of his endearing cheeky smile, his gentlemanly manner and his shock of white hair.
Following his funeral, Mons Bennett was buried at his family urupa in Ngongotaha.
See: Mons Bennett marks 50 years.
Mons David Bennett
