Brian Ashby

Ashby was born in Belfast, a northern suburb of Christchurch, in 1923. He received his primary education at St Joseph's Convent, Papanui, and his secondary education at St Bede's College (to which he won a scholarship). In 1941, Ashby studied law at the University of Canterbury while working in a law office. Over the next two years, he served with the Fifth Canterbury Regiment. When the under-20s were released for further study in 1943, Ashby began his study for the priesthood at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel. In 1946, he was selected by Bishop Lyons for theology studies in Rome where he was ordained on 1 January 1950. In 1951, he completed his doctorate in theology. ==Priesthood==

Ashby returned to Christchurch and was appointed as assistant priest in the new parish of North Timaru. In 1957 he became secretary to Bishop Joyce, the 4th Bishop of Christchurch. In 1960 Ashby was sent to London to study the techniques of the Catholic Enquiry Centre there. Ashby became the co-director of the New Zealand Catholic Enquiry Centre when it opened in Wellington in 1961. On 11 July 1964, Ashby was appointed as the Fifth Bishop of Christchurch, succeeding Bishop Joyce. ==Episcopacy==

Ashby was consecrated Bishop at the age of 41 (one of the youngest bishops to take office) on 5 August 1964 in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Christchurch by Archbishop McKeefry of Wellington and the co-consecrators Archbishop Liston of Auckland and Bishop Snedden (Auxiliary Bishop of Wellington). Ashby attended the last sessions of the Second Vatican Council, an experience which placed him in an optimum position to help steer the New Zealand church through the difficult transition times following the Council. In Christchurch, he was pivotal in enabling the construction of the Our Lady of Victories Church in 1968, designed by Charles Thomas to embrace the spirit of Vatican II. ==Social justice concerns==

Ashby had the role of visionary in the Catholic hierarchy and he became a significant leader in Church and community affairs. His youth, energy and charisma enabled him to take the lead on social justice issues, particularly those involving Māori-Pākehā relations, overseas aid and sporting contacts with South Africa (which he visited, to see for himself the consequences of Apartheid) Both he and his friend, Bishop Pyatt were outspoken critics of the 1981 Springbok Rugby Tour. The effect of Ashby's leadership was visible in 1981, when scarcely a priest in his diocese supported the tour. Ashby said that he was a peaceful man but that he "owed it to my integrity to take the stands that I have taken". ==Retirement and death==

Ashby resigned the see on 4 July 1985 because of a stroke, after serving 21 years as Bishop of Christchurch. During his retirement he was president of the New Zealand Counter-Stroke Support Group. In April 1988, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and died on 5 June 1988 in the Mary Potter Hospital, Christchurch. Ashby is interred in Christchurch's Bromley Cemetery. ==Notes==