Archbishop Paul Martin SM
Motto and Coat of Arms
The Marian symbol (monogram) on the blue sky represents Mary and reflects the call of Mary to Bishop Martin to be a member of the Society of Mary which uses the Marian monogram in this form. The gold base depicts the lamb holding the crook and represents the Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep and seeks out the lost.
On a scroll below the shield is Archbishop Martin’s motto: Rejoice in the Lord always. (Philippians 4:4), which echoes the response of Mary in the Magnificat when she exclaimed, “my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.”
Biography
- Born in Hastings 5 May 1967
- Attended primary school at St Joseph’s Hastings and secondary school at St John’s College, Hastings
- In 1985 he entered formation for the Society of Mary.
- In 1991 he spent time working in an Aboriginal Community in the Northern Territory, Australia
- Ordained deacon: 15 November 1992
- Ordained priest: 4 September 1993
- In 1993 he completed a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology at the Angelicum University of Rome and studied to become a teacher.
- Upon returning to New Zealand Archbishop Paul was in teaching roles, including St Bede’s College, and as Rector of St Patrick’s College, Wellington.
- In 2014 Archbishop Paul was Assistant Provincial and Provincial Bursar for the Society of Mary, before taking up the position of Bursar General in Rome.
- He was appointed Bishop of Christchurch on 5 December 2017, and ordained Bishop on 3 March 2018.
- He was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Wellington and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Christchurch on 1 January 2021.
- Succeeded Cardinal John Dew as Archbishop of Wellington on 5 May 2023.
