Prestigious award for New Zealand canon lawyer

Msgr Brendan Daly, Judicial Vicar of the Tribunal of the Catholic Church for New Zealand, has been honoured for outstanding service to canon law at the annual meeting of the Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand.

Msgr Daly received the Owen Oxenham Memorial Award for Outstanding Service to Canon Law at the conference in Adelaide earlier this month. He was also made a lifetime member of the Society.

The award, the highest recognition bestowed by the Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand, was established in memory of the Society’s founding president, Rev Dr Owen Oxenham. It is reserved for those whose sustained contributions have significantly shaped the field of canon law and enriched the life of the Church.

Msgr Daly, ordained a priest for the Diocese of Christchurch in 1977, completed doctoral studies in canon law in Ottawa in 1986. He has served as rector of Holy Cross Seminary, principal of Good Shepherd College, lecturer in canon law and a long-time judge and judicial vicar on tribunals in New Zealand and Australia.

His expertise is widely sought across the Pacific and Asia, including in his role as canon lawyer for the Safeguarding Office of the Asian Bishops Conference. He continues to contribute to safeguarding and formation at regional and international levels for the Pontifical Commission for Minors.

An accomplished scholar, he has authored three books, including Penal Issues in Canon Law, published last month by Paulist Press, alongside dozens of articles, chapters in books and conference papers.

Msgr Daly is the second New Zealander to receive the award, following Msgr David Price.

Beyond his academic and ecclesiastical service, Msgr Daly is also known for his passion for marathon running, having completed more than 50 races worldwide.