By Paul Dobbyn
Townsville Bishop Michael Putney’s final years have been described as “a lived homily on hope”.
Fr Bernie Gallagher, who studied with Bishop Putney at Banyo’s Pius XII Seminary, said he hoped to always remember this part of the bishop’s courageous and faith-filled journey.
“Bishop Michael was not deceived by death,” he said.
St Stephen’s Cathedral dean Fr David Pascoe, delivered a tribute at the 12.30pm Mass on Friday, March 28 – the day of Bishop Putney’s death.
He linked the bishop’s death to the day’s readings, which referred to “a wise scribe”.
“I first met him as a teacher of mine in theology,” Fr Pascoe said.
“Over the years he became a friend.
“He was a friend and mentor to many.
“There will be many words spoken of him in the days to come, but these readings today seem quite apt all of a sudden.
“We give thanks for a blessed life, for a blessed man, a wise and intelligent scribe.”
The comments were among a vast flood of tributes flowing in from all directions on the news of Bishop Putney’s death.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Denis Hart described Bishop Putney as “a great and priestly shepherd, a gifted theologian and ecumenist, and a significant contributor to the work of the Australian Bishops”.
The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity of which Bishop Putney was a member announced his death “with great sadness”.
Townsville diocese including vicar general and administrator Fr Mick Lowcock expressed sadness and paid tribute.
Fr Lowcock said, despite the knowledge that Bishop Putney was dying, his death had still come as a shock.
“We all knew he was very sick but when he went into hospital on Friday March 21 to have fluid removed there was an expectation he would improve again,” he said.
Bishop Putney was a priest and eventually an auxiliary bishop in Brisbane archdiocese until his installation as Townsville’s bishop.
Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge said Bishop Putney made a remarkable contribution locally, nationally and internationally.
“He was very much a man of Townsville and Queensland, but no less a national figure and a man of the universal Church,” he said.
“That is why he will be so much missed by so many in the diocese, across the nation and around the world. But he leaves a legacy of witness whch was never stronger than when he faced the mystery of death with the serenity and joy which only Easter faith can give.
“Michael Putney was many things: bishop, priest, pastor, theologian, teacher, writer. But in all these and beyond them, he was a man of deep faith.”
Brisbane archdiocese’s Auxiliary Bishop Brian Finnigan remembered his friend with fondness and respect.
Close associates in Townsville diocese including chancellor Len Horner and Catholic Education chief executive officer Cathy Day also expressed their grief at Bishop Putney’s passing and gratitude for his ministry.
Mr Horner said “the bishop was an inspirational leader who was a real friend.”
“We worked closely together on a number of key pastoral projects including the Indigenous Catholic Council, Commission for Cultural Diversity, Diocesan Pastoral Council, the revamped media and youth apostolates and the Year of Grace,” he said.
“Among his greatest legacies is the challenge to embrace the New Evangelisation and do things differently to draw people into the love of Jesus Christ.”
Ms Day said “one of Bishop Michael’s greatest loves was his Catholic schools”.
“One of my strongest memories was the spontaneous standing ovation he received from all staff at the Entertainment Centre at the conclusion of our Year of Grace last year.
“He was very moved by this gesture.
“Today let us hold him in our prayers and our thoughts and give thanks to God for the gift he was to us.”
