The Diocesan community came together at Holy Name of Mary Parish, Rydalmere on 12 November, for the fifth annual Mass for Deceased Clergy. It was a moment to honour and give thanks for the priests who faithfully served our communities and now rest in God’s eternal care.
The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, and concelebrated by parish priest Fr Vincent Savarimuthu, Monsignor Ron McFarlane, Fr Ted Tyler and Fr Paul Hanna.
This year we especially remembered Fr Timothy (Tim) Hogan and Deacon Rodrigo ‘Rudy’ Rupac who passed away earlier this year.
In his homily, Bishop Vincent gave thanks for the humble ministry of our clergy.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, delivers the homily during the fifth annual Diocesan Mass for Deceased Clergy at Holy Name of Mary Parish, Rydalmere. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“These men left their houses, their families, and perhaps even their possessions in order to follow the footsteps of Jesus,” he said.
“They model their lives and ministries on the humble servants who came to serve and not be served. They endeavoured to put the affairs of God’s Kingdom above all personal interests; therefore, they are truly our brothers and sisters in the household of faith.”
Referring to the words of St Paul, Bishop Vincent shared how these men generously shared both the gospel and their lives with the communities they served.
Fr Ted Tyler led a brief prayer service at the cemetery, offering prayers and blessings at the graves of our deceased priests buried at Rookwood Cemetery. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“They have shown us the true priesthood of Jesus Christ: compassion, humility and servanthood.”
Following Mass, Fr Ted Tyler led a prayer service at Rookwood Cemetery, offering prayers and blessings at the graves of beloved priests Fr Roderick Bray (Merrylands), Fr Louis Breslan (Guildford), Fr James Stack (Granville) and Fr Eric Burton (North Rocks).
As we honour and remember the clergy who served the faithful in Diocesan parish across the years, we share their stories below.
Fr Roderick ‘Rod’ Bray. Image: supplied
Fr Roderick Anthony Bray (1938 – 2011)
Fr Rod was an “inspiration” to the vocations of other priests, serving as parish priest at St Margaret Mary’s, Merrylands from 1980 until his death.
He was ordained on 15 July 1961 and spent several years as a missionary in Papua New Guinea. Renowned for his pastoral dedication hearing many confessions, celebrating multiple Masses daily, and caring for the sick from his hospital bed.
Fr Bray celebrated his Golden Jubilee in July 2011 and passed away a month later on 27 August, leaving a strong legacy of faith and service. His Requiem Mass drew more than 3,000 mourners.
The much-loved parish shepherd is still affectionately remembered today for being a “tireless worker who put the needs of his parishioners above his own.”
Funeral Mass of Fr Lou Breslan at St Patrick’s Parish, Guildford. Image: Alfred Boudib/ Diocese of Parramatta
Fr Louis Joseph Breslan (1923 – 2015)
Born in Maghery, County Armagh, Ireland in 1923, Fr Lou served the faithful for more than 67 years, celebrating his Diamond Jubilee in 2008 at St Patrick’s, Guildford where he was a Parish Priest since 1975.
He was one of four brothers who all entered the priesthood. He studied at St Patrick’s Seminary in Carlow and intended to serve on overseas missions. A meeting with Cardinal Gilroy led him to Australia, where he arrived in 1949, serving in Diocese’s across the state, and then as a chaplain in the Royal Australian Navy for 20 years, including active overseas service. He also served as Chancellor in the Diocese of Parramatta.
In his ministry, Fr Lou was known for his warm, humble character, his generous spirit, and his heartfelt blessings. He paid attention to small details in people’s lives, making the ordinary sacred. His funeral was filled with tributes noting his hospitality, charity, and dedication.
In 2011, Fr Eric Burton was honoured with the Papal award Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Fr Eric Edward Burton (1925 – 2018)
Fr Eric Edward Burton, former Parish Priest of Christ the King Parish in North Rocks, died on 5 September 2018 at the age of 92.
Before his vocation, he worked as a telephone technician and entered seminary in 1942. Ordained on 24 July 1950, he had served for more than 68 years. In 2011, he was honoured with the Papal award Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. His younger brother, Kevin, was also a priest.
In 1970, Fr Eric became the founding parish priest of Christ the King, North Rocks, where he served for four decades. He was deeply committed to pastoral care, visiting parishioners in their homes and emphasising the “sacrament of presence”, simply being with people in their joys and struggles. Fr Eric also helped introduce the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults in the Diocese. He was known for his humility, generosity, and dedication.
Fr James Stack. Image: supplied
Fr James Anthony Stack (1930 – 2014)
Known affectionately as Fr Jim, Fr James Stack served as Parish Priest of Holy Family Church, East Granville, since 1976. He died unexpectedly on 6 January 2014, just days before his 84th birthday, suffering a fatal heart attack while swimming at Malabar Beach.
Originally from County Kerry, Ireland, Fr Jim came from a deeply religious family of ten children, several of whom entered religious life. His Gaelic motto “Comhar, Cabhair, Cairdeas” reflected his commitment to cooperation, help and friendship.
Looking forward to the diamond jubilee of his ordination, Father James had no thoughts of retirement. He will be remembered for his Irish spirit, dedication to home visitation, generosity, and friendship.
We pray for the repose of their souls.
View the photo gallery below.
