Matthew Brodie

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. ==Priesthood==

Brodie first served as curate at St Benedict's Church, Newton, Auckland and then at the village of Puhoi. He was the first Parish Priest at Waihi. 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. ==Episcopacy==

Brodie was consecrated a bishop on 27 February 1916 in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Christchurch by the Apostolic delegate, Cardinal Cerretti, assisted by Archbishop Redwood and Bishop Verdon. 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. Brodie introduced the Carmelite nuns to Christchurch and he advanced the Holy Name Society, the Legion of Mary and the Catholic Women's League. He also encouraged the establishment of the Grail movement for women. Brodie proved to be a popular, long-serving and hard-working prelate in Christchurch. ==Public concern==

As Bishop, Brodie always "showed himself in the front rank in any movement connected with the well-being of the community in general". ==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. ==Notes==