Patricia is a writer, anthropologist, and lifelong observer of faith, family, and belonging. Ordained ministry, grandparenthood, widowhood, and a remarkable return to university in later life have all shaped her unique perspective. After retiring from parish leadership, Patricia enrolled as a mature student in anthropology, completing a BA, Honours, and eventually a PhD, driven by a fascination with ritual, identity, and community. Her doctoral research, The Once and Future Cathedral, was profoundly influenced by the Christchurch earthquakes and the destruction of the Cathedral, an event that became both a personal and academic turning point. Patricia’s journey has taken her from Christchurch to Oxford and back again, weaving together grief, love, faith, scholarship, and resilience. She has had an extraordinary life story about reinvention, learning at any age, and finding meaning amid upheaval.

<p>Patricia is a writer, anthropologist, and lifelong observer of faith, family, and belonging. Ordained ministry, grandparenthood, widowhood, and a remarkable return to university in later life have all shaped her unique perspective. After retiring from parish leadership, Patricia enrolled as a mature student in anthropology, completing a BA, Honours, and eventually a PhD, driven by a fascination with ritual, identity, and community. Her doctoral research, The Once and Future Cathedral, was profoundly influenced by the Christchurch earthquakes and the destruction of the Cathedral, an event that became both a personal and academic turning point. Patricia’s journey has taken her from Christchurch to Oxford and back again, weaving together grief, love, faith, scholarship, and resilience. She has had an extraordinary life story about reinvention, learning at any age, and finding meaning amid upheaval.</p>

John Cowan hosts ‘Real Life’, a weekly nationwide chat show on Newstalk ZB featuring a different high-profile guest every week. John talks with them about their life, their upbringing, their passions and their view of the world.

Real Life With John Cowan

Rev Dr Patricia Allan ONZM

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/aec49ec7-eb55-4f8f-9902-b3dd0075d2d4/transcript