Melbourne News

Celebrating 80 years

Wednesday 5 September 2012

ST CECILIA'S Church, Glen Iris was filled to capacity on Sunday 2 September for the Thanksgiving Mass to celebrate the 80^th birthday of Fr Gerard Dowling and his twin sister Mary Simpson.

On a glorious spring day, the siblings’ family and friends joined parishioners at the 10.30 am Mass, which was celebrated by Fr Gerard, Parish Priest Fr Ian Waters and Mgr Brian Walsh.

Fr Gerard, who is the priest in residence at St Cecilia’s, told those gathered that he and Mary didn’t need to be congratulated for reaching the milestone, as it was God’s will that he had enjoyed 80 years.

“We’re only alive for 80 years because the Lord made it possible,” he said.
 
The celebration coincided with Father’s Day, and in in his homily, Fr Dowling prayed for all fathers and reminded everyone of the importance of focusing on God our heavenly father.

“God the father must be the focal point of everything we do in our life, but particularly today on Father’s Day, this day of gratitude for the graces of 80 years.”
 
Fr Dowling paid tribute to his parents and reflected on the great blessings of being part of a wonderful parish community and a family with a rich history and strong faith and belief in Jesus Christ.
 
He expressed his gratitude to God for the privilege of the priesthood,  mentioning in particular the “tremendous blessing” of being able to minister  to a young member of the parish community who had died and his family.
 
After Mass, refreshments were provided in the parish hall.
 
Brian Caine paid tribute to Fr Gerard and Mary and encouraged them to share some memories of their upbringing and lives. A video and powerpoint presentation followed. Fr Gerard and Mary were presented with a cheque, which they plan to use to replace their recliner chairs.

Fr Gerard also received a special North Melbourne football team memento.

Read Fr Dowling's latest fortnightly column in Kairos Catholic Journal :  "Turning 80'