MORE than 1000 clergy, religious and laity packed Brisbane’s St Stephen’s Cathedral for the funeral of retired Archbishop Francis Rush on July 27.
Nineteen visiting bishops farewelled Archbishop Rush, who had been a priest for 62 years and a bishop for 40 years when he died on July 21.
A letter from Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano relayed Pope John Paul’s ‘heartfelt condolences’ at the death of Archbishop Rush, who he remembered from the Second Vatican Council.
Among the funeral crowd were mourners from other Christian traditions, all acknowledging a great Christian and ecumenist.
Government and the community were represented by Queensland Governor Major General Peter Arnison, State Treasurer Terry Mackenroth, Opposition Leader Mike Horan and Brisbane Lord Mayor Jim Soorley.
