Former Tasmanian senator turned Catholic priest Fr Michael Tate was given a final farewell during a Requiem Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral in Hobart yesterday. Source: Hobart Archdiocese.
Fr Tate’s family were present, as well as a multitude of friends and acquaintances that he made during his 80 years, hailing from many walks of life – including academia, the political world, and the Catholic community.
Fr Tate died on June 5 at Calvary Hospital in Lenah Valley. Born in Sydney but raised and educated in Hobart, he achieved much as a legal academic, federal politician, diplomat, and finally as a Catholic priest.
The Mass was celebrated by Hobart Archbishop Anthony Ireland and concelebrated by Bishop Mark Freeman of Ballarat, and priests of the Archdiocese of Hobart.
“Many knew him as a priest, pastor, scholar, teacher, diplomat, advocate, pilgrim, and visionary,” Archbishop Ireland said in his homily.
“Others knew him simply as Michael: a friend, a companion, a conversation partner whose curiosity seemed inexhaustible.
“Michael’s personal generosity was not trumpeted but it was experienced here and overseas. Many people received help from Michael and never spoke about it publicly because Michael himself never spoke about it publicly. He simply saw a need and responded.”
Archbishop Ireland spoke of Fr Tate’s impact on the local community in Hobart.
“Everywhere one looks in the South Hobart parish one finds traces of Michael’s imagination and faith. The renewed hall. The beautiful images of Franciscan life that he brought from Assisi. The Buena Vista Apartments established in the former school. The Camino to Cygnet. Even his final dream – helping people discover not merely environmental responsibility but a spirituality of creation inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi.”
At the beginning of the ceremony, Fr Tate’s casket was processed into the Cathedral draped in the Australian flag, fitting for a man who served his country in many capacities, and who was honoured with an Order of Australia.
In her eulogy, Fr Tate’s niece, Monica Biddington spoke with affection of her uncle who always remained in close contact with family throughout his life.
Jeffrey McGee from the University of Tasmania spoke of the four main roles Fr Tate played during his lifetime, that of academic, politician, diplomat, and priest.
“It reads almost like four different lives,” Professor McGee said. “But anyone who knew Michael, knew it was in truth one life, with one thread quietly running through it from the very beginning. A life of warmth and service to others.”
FULL STORY
Hundreds farewell Fr Michael Tate during moving ceremony (By Catherine Sheehan, Hobart Archdiocese)
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Tributes flow at funeral for former Labor senator and Catholic priest Fr Michael Tate (ABC News)
