THE FR. BRIAN WILKINSON
CHARITABLE TRUST
Our Vision
We are a Pukekohe Catholic, Parish-based charitable trust established to commemorate the life and work of Rev. Fr. Brian Wilkinson - a priest who devoted his time and effort of developing people's thirst for knowledge, both spiritually and educationally.
Our Purpose
To enable and support learners to reach heights in their faith journey and scholastic education that they would not likely reach without our help.
CHRONICLE OF FR. BRIAN'S LIFE
Born Dublin, Ireland 06/05/1933
to parents David and Margaret Wilkinson. Sibling to brother Gar.
Primary School: O'Connell's (Christian Bros)
Secondary School: St. Fintans Sutton
University: was in his 2nd year of an Art's degree at U.C.L. when he entered the seminary of Holy Cross Clonliffe on 11/10/1951
Ordained in Clonliffe by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid 26/05/1959
First Assignments
1957-58: Chaplain to High Park Convent, Drumcondra
1958-60: Studied in Rome, to obtain LCL (Licence in Canon Law)
1960-65: Finglas West Parish, Assistant Prient
1965-72: Curate to Naul Parish
1972-77: Curate to Dundrum Parish
1977-82: Curate to Springfield Tallaght Parish
1982-83: Curate to Foxrock Parish
1983: Released to work in New Zealand
(excardinated from the Dublin Diocese and incardinated into the Diocese of Auckland, New Zealand).
New Zealand 1983-91:
1984: St Mary's Parish, Northcote, Assistant Priest
1985-87: Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Howick, Parish Priest, covered St. Joseph's Parish in Waihi 1985 (On supply)
1987-91: St Patrick's Parish, Pukekohe, Parish Priest
Died in Auckland 13/10/1991
Buried in Pukekohe Catholic Cemetery
OUR STORY
The Father Brian Wilkinson Charitable Trust was established in 1992 to honour and commemorate the life of this so vital, vibrant, faith filled man and the life he lived in the parish of St Patrick's, Pukekohe.
During his time in Pukekohe, his persona pervaded and affected all within his reach, a reach that was not confined to the normal parish boundaries. Indeed, here was a man who took his mission, his love of Christ to so many outlying areas within the Auckland area.
His genuine love and interest in people, coupled with a critical intelligence and a wonderful sense of humour endeared him to, young and old, alike.
His love of his Catholic Faith was so evident and constantly was to the fore as he invited all, practising or not, to return to the Sacraments and engage with their Maker, be they of any faith.
He sowed a message of love.
His love of the Mass was so real. Homilies, so insightful and filled with all the warmth, relativity and knowledge that he possessed.
A gifted orator in his own right, he was invited as a guest speaker to so many local organisations - be it Rotary, Lions - and many more. Many of the local Counties Rugby Clubs gifted their dress jerseys to him as a memento. His personality was infectious, and people simply enjoyed being around him.
Yes, here was a man who affected us all and to whom the Father Brian Wilkinson Charitable Trust is committed.
Here was a man, a Priest who "walked his talk!"
The purpose of this page is to provide the parishioners of St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Pukekohe, and others who may be interested with a basic understanding of what the Trust is about.
For more information for those who may apply to receive support from the Trust and those who may wish to support the work of the Trust, please contact Noel Surrey via email: SurreyNoelBWCT@gmail.com