HOW touching but how appropriate to open The Catholic Leader ( March 30) a day after Bishop Michael Putney’s death and find the “Regional” section devoted to Townsville Diocese and see evidence of his devotion to and joy in his people and his work to the end.
Those of us lucky enough to have known him and worked with him count that as one of God’s blessings in our lives.
As the Leader’s photos and stories show, Bishop Michael was a man of great intellect, great heart and great endurance.
His love for the Church and its work at all levels was immense; he did think globally but knew that was meaningless unless he and we acted locally.
Bishop Michael’s episcopal motto was “He will rejoice over you in gladness”.
Pope Francis in his Joy of the Gospel describes this same text from the prophet Zephaniah (3,17) as “Perhaps (God’s) most exciting invitation” to have a sense of joy in salvation at the centre of our lives.
We can thank God that Michael Putney himself responded enthusiastically to that invitation and helped those around him to do likewise and so grow in that joy.
May he rest in peace.
Gerard and Geraldine Hore
Toowoomba, QLD
