Father McMenamin Memorial

Who was the man behind the Father McMenamin Memorial? Here at Sacred Heart Church in Petone, we uncover a story of courage and faith. Father James Joseph McMenamin served this very parish before the First World War. He was born in Whanganui in 1874, but his family later settled in the Hutt Valley. He worked as a tailor with his brother on High Street and even played cricket for the Waiwhetu Cricket Club. A seemingly ordinary life took a dramatic turn when he answered a higher calling. At 28, he joined the first intake of seminarians at Holy Cross Seminary in Mosgiel. He was ordained in 1909 and after a short time in Westport, he returned here to Petone as Parish Priest of Sacred Heart, succeeding his mentor, Father Maples. When war broke out in 1914, Father McMenamin didn’t hesitate. He enlisted as an army chaplain and landed at Gallipoli on the first day. He earned immense respect for his bravery, ministering to the troops under horrific conditions. One fellow chaplain noted, “No place was too hot for him.” He carried water, aided the wounded, and tirelessly offered comfort. The Gallipoli campaign took a toll on his health. His weight plummeted from 67kg to less than 44kg. He was sent home to New Zealand to recover. However, his commitment to service propelled him back to the front lines. He served in military hospitals in England before returning to France in 1917, attached to the 2nd Battalion of the Canterbury Regiment. Tragically, on June 8, 1917, during the Battle of Messines, Father McMenamin was killed by an exploding shell while performing the sacred duty of burying the dead. He was initially buried in Messines, but later reinterred in Nieppe, France. This memorial and the very church itself serve as a testament to his bravery, faith, and selfless dedication. This stained-glass window behind the altar was originally commissioned for the former brick church. It depicts scenes from Father McMenamin’s life and service. Even his chalice, a gift from his parishioners, has a remarkable story. It traveled back to Belgium for the centenary commemorations of his death in 2017 and was displayed at the Messines museum. Father McMenamin’s story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during wartime and the enduring strength of the human spirit.