The beloved Bishop of Sandhurst Tribute [Press Release]

Posted by junix28 on December 30, 2010 in F.Y.I. (For your Information)

The Most Reverend Joseph Angelo Grech, much loved Bishop of the Sandhurst Diocese died (28/12/2010) at St Vincent’s hospital Melbourne after the recurrence of a blood disorder. He was aged 62.

Appointed as the sixth Bishop of the Sandhurst Diocese in 2001, the Most Reverend Joseph Grech has been a Bishop of the people, loved by young and old. This generous, warm and passionate man of God will be remembered as a great leader of the Catholic community of Sandhurst, of Australia and internationally. He was a friend to all.

Monsignor Marriott who was at his bedside when he died recalled his great love for young people. Monsignor said “Bishop Joe had a famous saying for young people – ‘God doesn’t make rubbish – there is good in each of us and we have to find it’. Read More…

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Life of Bishop Joe Grech of Sandhurst

Posted by junix28 on December 30, 2010 in F.Y.I. (For your Information)

Bishop Joseph Angelo Grech DD was installed as the sixth Bishop of Sandhurst in a solemn ceremony at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Friday 27 April 2001.

Born in Balzan, Malta on 10 December 1948, he attended the local schools and the Diocesan Seminary. He left Malta to follow many of his people to Melbourne and continued his studied for the priesthood at Corpus Christ College Glen Waverley and Clayton. He was ordained on the 30 December 1974 in his home town and returned to Melbourne to take up parish appointments in Northcote, Altona North, Maidstone and Moonee Ponds and as Parish Priest in Brunswick East.

Bishop Joe Grech’s death

Posted by junix28 on December 29, 2010 in F.Y.I. (For your Information)

Australian Catholic Church mourns Bishop Joseph Grech

The Australian Catholic Church mourns a holy and gentle pastor – Bishop Joseph Angelo Grech, 1948-2010.

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Bishop Joseph Angelo Grech, Bishop of Sandhurst, Victoria, at the age of 62.

Bishop Joe Grech took ill on 22 December with a recurrence of a blood disorder. His condition deteriorated on Christmas Day, and he died peacefully in St Vincent’s Private Hospital Melbourne with Archbishop Mark Coleridge and Fr Maurizio Pettena CS, as well as family members and close friends at his side.

Maltese-born Bishop Joseph Angelo Grech was born in 1948 and ordained to the priesthood in 1974. He was installed as the sixth Bishop of Sandhurst on 27 April 2001.

President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Archbishop Philip Wilson today paid tribute to Bishop Joe as an exceptional pastor.

“My brother Bishops and I are deeply saddened by the death of Bishop Joe Grech. Bishop Joe has been a wonderful member of the Episcopal Conference. He has made a tremendous contribution to the Church in Australia because of his deep faith and spirituality, which has been shown especially in the zeal with which he dealt with issues of migrants and refugees and his outreach to young people. He has also shown a wonderful support and commitment to Charismatic prayer groups in this country,” he said. Bishop Joe’s commitment to the people of the Diocese of Sandhurst was that of a man with a deep love for humanity and a great enthusiasm for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Bishop Joe is quoted as saying, “I love Jesus Christ and want everyone to have the same opportunities to know and love him as I do.” Bishop Joe was the Bishops’ delegate for Youth and Young Adults and for Migrants and Refugees, and he served in these roles with joy and a deep compassion. Bishop Joe frequently spoke out on the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees in Australia, and he matched these words with pastoral action, through his involvement in the establishment of services in remote detention centres. Young people around Australia will feel particularly keenly the loss of Bishop Joe whose enthusiastic manner, unique and charismatic style of preaching and gentle pastoral sensibility helped many young people encounter the spirit of Jesus Christ.

Further details and funeral arrangements will be provided as they come to hand.

Eternal rest grant unto him and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

SOURCE:

http://gozonews.com/16044/australian-catholic-church-mourns-bishop-joseph-grech/

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Bye Bishop Joe

Posted by junix28 on December 29, 2010 in My personal notes & preferences

I have journeyed with Bishop Joe Grech for sometimes up until yesterday, 28 December[my birthday] when he died at the hospital in Melbourne. He had been my good mentor, a good father and a good friend. This song is my way of recalling the wonderful journey in life I had been with this amazing Bishop. I will not forget his favorite catchphrase: “GOD DOES NOT MAKE RUBBISH”. So long Bishop Joe…farewell. Thanks for accompanying me in my journey. ‘What a journey it has been’ with you.