KEY POINTS:
Monsignor James Shannahan is a man in great demand at Auckland Catholic weddings and baptisms.
"He has probably performed more wedding ceremonies than any other Catholic priest in Auckland," says a friend.
The 82-year-old Orakei Parish priest becomes a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the community.
He has served in Auckland parishes for 58 years. In 2002, his work was recognised by the Pope, who conferred on him the title of Prelate of Honour.
He is unofficial chaplain to the Croatian community because of his many years of contact with them while serving the parishes of Te Atatu and Henderson.
He also served in Mangakino, Ponsonby, Remuera and Waiheke and as a prison chaplain and member of Catholic Social Services.
