Matthew Brodie

Matthew Joseph Brodie (1871 – 11 October 1943) was the second Catholic bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand. He was appointed by Pope Benedict XV on 27 November 1915 and died in office on 11 October 1943. He was the first New Zealander by birth to be made a Catholic bishop. He was noted for his interest in promoting the general well-being of all.

Early life Brodie was born in Coromandel, New Zealand, in 1871. His parents were Irish immigrants to New Zealand. He received his early education in Coromandel and at the "Pitt St School" (St Peter's School). He 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. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Auckland in St Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland by Bishop Lenihan on 20 December 1896. He was effective because he was respected by all the parties. After leaving Waihi, he was Administrator at St Patrick's Cathedral and then Parish Priest at Parnell. He was also latterly the Vicar general of the Auckland Diocese.

Brodie was notable for his keen interest and support of Catholic education, especially of St Bede's College, Christchurch. Brodie also supported Nazareth House and the Sisters of the Good Shepherd at Mt Magdala, especially their orphanage of St Joseph.

Death Brodie was a patient at Lewisham Hospital (later called Calvary Hospital) from April 1943 until his death on 11 October 1943, aged 79. Brodie's requiem mass was celebrated by Bishop Liston and his Panagyric was preached by Archbishop O'Shea. Bishop O'Neill assisted at the Mass. Brodie was interred at Mt Magdala at the St John of God Chapel.