Fr Michael O’Connor SM (“Fr Mick”) is currently residing at the Marist Seminary in Auckland.

Here’s a little background on Fr Mick. Mick O’Connor is an old boy of SBC along with his 4 brothers, Barney 58-62, Paddy 60-64, Brian 64-68 and Kevin 67-71. Mick attended SBC 1954-1958, was Dux in 1958, a prefect, and played in the first XI and the first XV. He went to primary school at St Joseph's Papanui as did his 7 siblings. 

After finishing up at the Marist Seminary (Greenmeadows) Fr Mick taught at St Bede’s, his old college for a year, in 1966 whilst doing his first degree at Canterbury University and in preparation for his missionary appointment in Fiji. Mick moved to Fiji in 1971 and returned to New Zealand in 2018.

Mick took up numerous roles in Fiji, initially being a teacher of Chemistry and Maths at St John’s College in Cawaci (Ovalau). After this, he moved to teaching Agriculture (Tutu, Taveuni) and then went on to be the parish priest of Napuka and Rabi. Mick went on to be the Superior at Marist College (the Pacific Regional Seminary).

Upon completing a Doctorate through the University of Toronto, Mick returned to Fiji in 1990. He was appointed Vicar Provincial of Marist Province of Oceania (1994-1999) and then Provincial (2000-2005). And from 2007-2008, he was on the staff at Marist College, and part time teacher, at Catholic Institute, Bomana, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

His last appointment in Oceania was to be Rector at Pacific Regional Seminary in Suva, Fiji (2009-2017). He is a model for all of us in his spirit of service and his missionary zeal. Those who visited the communities he was at throughout Oceania frequently recall his endless hospitality, generosity and servanthood.

Fr Mick joined the staff of Te Kupenga in 2019 - a NZQA registered Private Training Establishment with a particular focus on providing courses for seminarians, teachers in Catholic schools and really anyone who wants to study the theological disciplines at a post-secondary level.

Fr Mick has not limited himself to just his role as “Advisor to the Dean” – reflecting all his roles in Oceania, Mick if anything – is an “Advisor to Everyone.” Always down for a laugh, providing advice and pastorally supporting staff and students, Fr Mick embodies the Kaupapa of Te Kupenga.

Mick is renowned for his ability to step into any role, his record email response time, his loving nature, the sweeping of the leaves in the carpark of the College and ultimately his love for the Crusaders (the Winners of the REAL Super Rugby Competition.)

Fr Mick was meant to go to Australia for a sabbatical in July but is currently spending Lockdown at the Seminary in Auckland with three other Marist Priests and three seminarians.

Every now and again Mick shares stories of his time in Fiji, like the time he left the house on a Sunday at 5 am and returned at 9 pm. travelling round numerous churches by boat doing baptisms and masses. Every night Mick is the first person in line to clean the dishes and is also renowned for his world class meatloaf.

The place St Bede’s has in his heart remains evident as he continues to follow the First XV results and stays up to date on any news that comes through from the Old Boys’ Association.