Fr Bernie Hennessy was farewelled recently by his parishioners in Gundagai and Jugiong after reaching the priest retirement age of 75 in October.

Jugiong parishioners paid tribute to the popular priest with  a morning tea,  while a luncheon was held in Gundagai after Fr Bernie’s final Mass in St Patrick’s Church, attended by his brothers Gerald (Mudgee) and Michael (Gunnedah) and their wives Moira and Meryl, and his sister Mary (Sydney).

Parish Council chairwoman Paula Butt and Bobarralong representative Bill Graham paid tribute to Fr Bernie, thanking him for his friendship, dedication and the faith he had shared during his ministry.

Fr Bernie was described as “a man of strong but gentle character who reaches out to people in all walks of life”.

“His ability to make each and every one of us feel special and included is something he should be very proud of,” Mrs Butt said at the farewell.

“We have been blessed and privileged to have Fr Bernie with us and it is with much gratitude that we thank him for his ministry and the friendship he has brought to our community, from babies right through to the elderly.”

Fr Bernie said he has many fond memories of his years of active priestly ministry.

He said “every encounter brings its own blessings, particularly through the sacraments, visiting the sick at home and in hospital and through the schools”.

Bernard Hennessy was second in a family of four children born to Jack and Min Hennessy.

He spent his early childhood in Gunnedah, growing up with his older sister Mary and younger brothers Gerald and Michael. He completed his education at St Joseph’s College, Hunter’s Hill.

At “Joey’s” he was a member of the schoolboy relay team which took out the Australian Championship. He also held  several schoolboy state athletic titles. 

Bernie was ordained a Catholic priest in St Joseph’s Church, Gunnedah, on September 8, 1972. 

His first posting was to South Tamworth Parish where he was described as a “ dedicated priest of outstanding personality”.

He co-celebrated Mass in the parish  on February 2, 1974, for the 20th anniversary of the opening of the church/school building and the first Mass said there by Monsignor Dunne.

After four years at St Edward’s, Fr Hennessy  served in Inverell and his home town Gunnedah, before deciding to become an army chaplain.

This position took him to Duntroon Military College and Kapooka as well as many other areas.

At Duntroon he saw quite a few Gunnedah-ites pass through the college and his ability to relate to the recruits was renowned. 

While serving as Parish Priest at Gundagai, Fr Bernie remained a reserve  chaplain for the AIF and frequently took part in Anzac Day commemorations around his parish.

Fr Bernie has retired to Queanbeyan, with mixed feelings after being so involved “sacramentally and personally in people’s lives, the parish, the archdiocese and the wider church community”.

“That relationship will be different on retirement and I will miss that, despite compensating factors,” he told the Catholic Voice newspaper.

He said he has also treasured his association as an army chaplain over 28 years both in full-time and part-time chaplaincy.

“My interest in sport has afforded me a wonderful opportunity to connect with so many who often have different affiliations with clergy or church,” he said.

Fr Bernie is planning “a good long break” before making himself available to assist in parishes as a relief priest.