TOWNSVILLE’S late Bishop Michael Putney has been described as “a giant of a man with a heart capable of loving without making any distinctions between colour, race, creed or religious affiliation”.
The tribute from Port Moresby Archbishop John Ribat has been one of many continuing to flow into the diocesan office in the days and weeks after the much-loved bishop’s death.
Diocesan administrator Fr Mick Lowcock said the number and geographical diversity of the messages have been overwhelming.
“It just shows the great depth and breadth that Bishop Michael’s ministry covered and the number of lives that he had touched and influenced,” he said.
World Community for Christian Meditation director Benedictine Father Laurence Freeman said “seeing Bishop Michael in his diocese made me understand how a person can be married to a place and a community, and how his union of faith and love gives a glimpse of how Christ is married to the earth and to humanity”.
Archbishop of Furol, Zahle and the Bekka, Issam John Darwish, said “over many years of ecumenical engagements, Bishop Michael made numerous close friendships in the Eastern Churches, especially the Melkite Catholic Community”.
“I am sure he will never be forgotten by our Melkite faithful and especially our community in Australia,” he said.
Sisters of St Joseph congregational leader Sr Monica Cavanagh remembered the bishop as “a highly respected figure whose contribution to the local, Australian and universal Church, particularly in the ecumenical movement will long be remembered and deeply missed”.
Fr Lowcock said “a special prayer had been sent out to parishes to be used in Masses to remember our beloved Bishop Michael”.
“This week’s Masses will be dedicated to him,” he said.
“A special prayer card has also been produced by the diocesan office and will be distributed at parish Masses this weekend.”
Meanwhile, the St Mary MacKillop Parish is responding to the late bishop’s passion for evangelisation by hosting a community concert on May 25 at the Holy Trinity Church, Mundingburra.
Parish choir co-ordinator Pria D’Souza will again organise an afternoon of musical entertainment starting at 3pm.
Students from St Joseph’s School and St Margaret Mary’s College, along with a variety of local choirs, will ensure the line-up offers a wide variety of musical experiences.
Organisers aim to build on the success of last year’s event which drew more than 300 people.
