By Paul Dobbyn
FORMER Archbishop of Sydney Cardinal Edward Clancy, who died aged 90, has been described by long-time friend Cardinal Edward Cassidy as a “great pastor”.
“Sydney archdiocese was blessed to have had him in these not-so-easy years,” Cardinal Cassidy said.
Cardinal Clancy, the city’s seventh archbishop and predecessor to Cardinal George Pell, died early Sunday, August 3 at the Little Sisters of the Poor nursing home at Randwick.
In February 1983 he became Archbishop of Sydney, a role he held until 2001 when he retired.
It was Cardinal Clancy’s support, especially in Rome, that resulted in the eventual canonisation of Australia’s first saint, Mary MacKillop
Cardinal Cassidy, who lives in Newcastle, said this had been a “very personal loss”.
“We were ordained on the same day in St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, 65 years ago on July 25,” the cardinal said.
“I moved to the Vatican and the friendship continued.
“He would always stay with me when he was in Rome.”
Cardinal Cassidy said the last few years had been difficult for his friend.
“On his 90th birthday last December, I couldn’t get a call through and I had to leave a message,” he said.
“He’d been suffering bad health for quite a while.
“For this reason it’s good he’s been finally able to go in peace and be with the Lord.”
