Archbishop Francis Carroll, who served as Bishop of Wagga Wagga and Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn during almost 70 years of distinguished priestly service died 14 March 2024 in Wagga Wagga at the age of 93.
Born on 9 September 1930 in Ganmain, New South Wales, he was the second of seven children of Patrick and Rose Carroll.
He attended the local Ganmain School before transferring to Sydney and completed his secondary education with the De La Salle Brothers in Marrickville. His seminary studies were conducted at St Columba’s Seminary, Springwood and St Patrick’s Seminary, Manly. He was ordained a priest at Ganmain by Bishop Francis Augustine Henschke, Bishop of Wagga Wagga.
He has always been regarded as profoundly pastoral and humble in his long service to the Church.
Frank Carroll succeeded Bishop Henschke as bishop of Wagga Wagga in 1968.
In 1983, he was appointed Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn until 2006.
He was President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference from 2000 to 2006.
In 2006, he retired and returned to Wagga Wagga.
In recent times, Archbishop Carroll has suffered from indifferent health and has been resident at Loreto Home of Compassion in Wagga Wagga.
“Archbishop Francis always retained the personal charm of his rural family background. So many loved him as a Catholic leader of immense stature. Simply called Father Francis by friends and parishioners over the years, he was always approachable. His humble and prayerful manner will be remembered by so many”, said Archbishop Christopher Prowse of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn.
Hear with favour our prayers, which we humbly offer, O Lord, for the salvation of the soul of Francis Carroll, your servant and priest, that he, who devoted a faithful ministry to your name, may rejoice in the perpetual company of your Saints. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Pontifical Requiem Mass for Archbishop Carroll will be celebrated at St Christopher’s Cathedral, Canberra, at 11am on Thursday 21 March 2024. Internment in the crypt of St Christopher’s will occur at the conclusion of Mass.
With thanks to the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn.
