ANYONE who has seen Brisbane Auxiliary Bishop John Gerry lately will not fail to notice his wide smile.
After graciously serving the Church for 52 years as a priest and 27 years as a bishop, his retirement last week was a momentous occasion for a true man of God.
Humility underlies his many achievements in both Brisbane archdiocese and on a wider plane.
Bishop Gerry has been integral to the leadership of Brisbane archdiocese, and his service under both Archbishop Francis Rush and John Bathersby has been unfailing.
He has led in the instigation of many of the social services Brisbane archdiocese has developed over the years and his pastoral sense has been invaluable to many other roles.
The huge gap Bishop Gerry will leave will only now be felt by many in the archdiocese.
We wish him the best in his well deserved retirement.