Pope Francis on Friday accepted the resignation of Melbourne Auxiliary Bishop Terence Curtin, who has served as bishop for the Northern Region of the archdiocese since 2014. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
For more than 50 years as a priest, Bishop Curtin has faithfully served the people of God in Melbourne in various capacities, including as a beloved parish priest, as an academic at Australian Catholic University and as Master of Catholic Theological College.
He has also chaired the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria and served as Conventual Chaplain ad honorem to the Sovereign Military and Hospitaller Order of Malta.
Reflecting on his retirement, Bishop Curtin recalled that when he was in the seminary, “one of the priests once said to us, ‘Gentlemen, when your time comes, have the grace to go!’” With the Vatican announcement on Friday, that time has now come.
“Although more than four years over the ‘official’ retirement age, it has been a great joy and privilege to continue sharing these years with the people of Melbourne – and in particular the clergy and faithful of the Northern Region of the Archdiocese,” Bishop Curtin said.
“I offer my sincere thanks to all who have given their prayers and support throughout my ministry, and I wish to assure them of my own.”
Last year, as he responded to the appointment of new Bishops Rene Ramirez and Thinh Nguyen as auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese, Melbourne Archbishop Peter A Comensoli also expressed his deep gratitude to Bishop Curtin for his faithful ministry as an active auxiliary bishop, and his willingness to serve well beyond the usual age of retirement.
“Bishop Curtin’s dedication and care for our people has been exceptional,” he said.
“I ask that we keep him in prayer as he concludes his role and prepares to take up a joyous time of well-deserved rest!”
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Bishop Terry Curtin retires as auxiliary bishop (Melbourne Catholic)
Resignation of auxiliary bishop of Melbourne, Australia (Holy See Press Office)
