Words of respect and gratitude shows Archbishop as a man of compassion.
Archbishop Barry Hickey was someone who walked the talk of compassion, former Vicar for Clergy Brian McKenna told a packed St Mary’s Cathedral as a crowd watched simultaneously outside on large video screens.
The very building – the refurbished and completed cathedral – was testimony to Archbishop Hickey’s persistence and stubbornness, Fr McKenna said, particularly in the face of those who said it couldn’t be done.
He also lauded the archbishop for setting up hands-on social agencies such as Daydawn (Aboriginal ministry) and Shopfront (a ministry to the homeless).
“That’s where the archbishop’s heart is and what his mission has been about,” Fr McKenna said.
He reminded the congregation of the archbishop’s friendship with homeless people, particularly with local homeless Indigenous.
In his previous capacity as Vicar for Clergy, Fr McKenna said the archbishop had always lent an understanding ear.
His remarks came at a special “ceremony of thanks” following the Mass at which Archbishop Hickey was the principal celebrant.
In what was likely to be his final homily to the people, the Archbishop preached on the day’s Gospel regarding the hypocritical conduct of the Pharisees:
“Jesus had some very cutting words about the Pharisees,” the archbishop said, noting that Christ realised the Pharisees were poor leaders even though he was raised in the Pharisaical tradition.
“Match your beliefs by your actions. If we profess something we live it or we are hypocrites. We cannot live two lives,” he said.
After the Mass, the archbishop rejoined the congregation for music – with vocalists from Trinity and Mercedes colleges – and to give his own address.
He began by remembering his recently departed brother Brian:
“I wish he had been here … (but) that sadness is eased by the knowledge his grandson and his wife have now produced a beautiful baby who is less than seven days old and that boy is in the front here,” Archbishop Hickey said.
“So we see death and we see life. We see the cycle of life continuing under God’s governance.”
The archbishop thanked the priests of the diocese and those who had organised the occasion.
“One learns on the job. One starts naïve and gradually wisdom comes,” the archbishop said, apologising to anyone he hurt or failed in his 21 years of service as archbishop.
He was leaving the archdiocese “basically in good shape” he said, citing the many priests who had been ordained out of the two seminaries he (re)opened in 1994.
He noted the vibrancy of some parishes, especially on the city’s outskirts and the growth of schools and Catholic agencies.
In a lighter moment, the archbishop repeated recent comments about having to learn how to cook, now that he was retired.
“All the cookbooks in the world will not make up for the odd meal that people might cook for me,” the archbishop said to much laughter.
After earlier thanking and welcoming people watching outside on video screens, he thanked all his closest friends for all support, sure in the knowledge they would welcome his successor.
“The Hickey reign is almost over. So with the future archbishop you mightn’t be in the front row so make the most of it while you can,” the archbishop said.
Archbishop Hickey intended to continue pastoral work in his formal retirement.
“I can’t see you sitting around doing nothing,” Fr McKenna said to Archbishop Hickey earlier in the evening. “I’m sure the Holy Spirit will guide you.”