Hunt, who died recently at the age of 90 led a remarkable life.

His varied career in Aotearoa New Zealand since his arrival from Ireland in 1952, sees him stand out as friend, priest, teacher, formator, philosopher and theologian.

The Publisher, Accent Publications says, "His writings reveal a scholar's love of his subject, a poet's love for language, and a pastor's passion for the care and formation of his people. His students would add, his sense of humour, his teacher's love of truth and his desire to engage with the contemporary world."

Two themes stand out in his writing:

• His concern to treat every individual as unique, and so not to subsume them into any wider 'system'.
• His passion to keep renewing the Church, and to prepare future priests for this purpose.

Supplied: Accent Publications

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His requiem Mass was celebrated by the Bishop of Auckland, Bishop Patrick Dunn, on October 13.

Five other bishops and dozens of other priests were present.

In his homily Fr Stuart Sellar said, "I've met three saints in my life and Vincent Hunt was one of them."

"He was a man consulted by bishops in Australia and New Zealand for his prudence, wisdom and judgment. He had a lovely humanity about him." Continue reading

He had celebrated his 90th birthday on 14 July this year.

Hunt was born in Roscommon, Ireland. He was a priest for 62 years in the Diocese of Auckland.

From about the age of 18 he was an aspirant for the Society of St Columban.

However, ill health interfered. He was ordained at Thurles in Ireland in 1952 for Auckland diocese.

His ministry in Auckland included two parishes, Takapuna and Hamilton (twice), and chaplaincy work at the University of Waikato.

Between 1957 and 1980 he also completed three degrees and taught at Holy Name Seminary, Holy Cross Seminary and was rector at the latter from 1991-1995.

Hunt retired from teaching in 1998.

The Funeral procession will leave St John Vianney House, 14 Vermont St, on Sunday 12 October at 4.30pm, followed by vigil prayers in Sacred Heart Church, Ponsonby. Funeral Mass at Ponsonby on Monday 13 October at 11am, followed by burial at Panmure Catholic Cemetery.

Source

• NZ Catholic