PAUL FLANAGAN

Paul Flanagan, PhD

I was born in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, the youngest of six children, and baptised within the Catholic faith community in the Hamilton East church - which has since been rebuilt and is now the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I studied at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel, including a degree in theology at Otago University, and was ordained priest, serving over 7 years in ministry in Tauranga and Hamilton. I left priestly ministry, meeting and marrying Fiona, a midwife. We have three wonderful sons, all now adults. I have studied psychology, counselling and supervision, and practiced for some years counselling families and young people in Hamilton. I now teach at Te Whare Wananga o Waikato the University of Waikato and am the Professional Leader of Counsellor Education programmes in Te Kura Toi Tangata the School of Education. It is a privilege to be part of WIFCO, meeting people of faith from different communities. I find my life is enriched by our encounters and stories of life and faith.