Canberra-Goulburn Bishop Patrick Power, who died last week, was farewelled yesterday with a Solemn Pontifical Mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral, Canberra. Source: Catholic Voice.
Standing before a congregation that filled every corner of St Christopher’s Cathedral, Matthew de Jongh described his uncle as “the most wonderful, loving, inspirational and caring person” he had ever known.
For his family, Bishop Power was more than a priest and bishop. He was the big brother who carried his younger sisters home from school, the uncle who gave every niece and nephew a nickname and the organiser of Christmas day family races.
“He treated everyone with dignity, respect and love,” Mr de Jongh said.
“More than anything though, Pat was always there for us, whether it was walking together, cheering at the footy, casting a line while fishing, or turning up at family and school events. He never failed to check in, share his encouragement and greet us with that infectious positivity that made you feel like he’d been waiting all day just to see you.”
Clergy and friends travelled across the country for the funeral Mass, joining parishioners, community leaders, and, above all, family, at the service. Many others gathered at Haydon Hall and in groups around the archdiocese to watch the service via livestream together.
Encased within Bishop Power’s coffin were a South Sydney Rabbitohs jersey and a St Edmund’s College jersey, tributes to two of his greatest passions.
In his homily, Monsignor John Woods said Bishop Power’s ministry was marked by courage as well as compassion.
“After the example of the Good Shepherd, he was renowned for his willingness to comfort the afflicted and to disturb the comfortable,” he said.
“Pat’s ministry began in and led back to prayer. He went where truth and love beckoned, often in an ecumenical manner and with all others of goodwill.”
FULL STORY
Farewell to Bishop Patrick Power: A life of love and service (Catholic Voice)
