Born Balzan, Malta, 10 December 1948
& ordained a priest, 30 December 1974
Installed as sixth Bishop of Sandhurst,
27 April 2001 - 28 December 2010
& ordained a priest, 30 December 1974
Installed as sixth Bishop of Sandhurst,
27 April 2001 - 28 December 2010
"Tuis enim fidelibus, Domine, vita mutatur, non tollitur: et dissoluta terrestris huius incolatus domo, aeterna in coelis habitatio comparatur."
Funeral: 1:00 PM Thursday 6th January 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral, 81 Wattle St, Bendigo, VIC |
On the day before, Wednesday 5th January 2011, the Bishop’s body will arrive at the Cathedral at 6.30 PM. Prayer will commence at 7.00 PM and the Cathedral will close at 9.00 PM. On the Thursday morning, prayer of the church will be offered for Bishop Grech at St Kilians Church, 181 McCrae St, Bendigo commencing at 8.00 AM and concluding at 9.00 AM. |
Mulqueen Family Funerals Ph (03) 5443 4455  |
"My brother Bishops and I are deeply saddened by the death of Bishop Joe Grech. Bishop Joe has been a wonderful member of the Episcopal Conference. He has made a tremendous contribution to the Church in Australia because of his deep faith and spirituality, which has been shown especially in the zeal with which he dealt with issues of migrants and refugees and his outreach to young people. He has also shown a wonderful support and commitment to Charismatic prayer groups in this country.”
- Most Rev Philip Wilson,
President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
“Since his priestly ordination in 1974, he worked with great distinction as a priest in Melbourne and as a Bishop in Melbourne and Sandhurst. For Bishop Joe, the good news was always light and joy for humanity.”
- Catholic Archbisop of Melbourne, Most Rev Denis Hart
“He had a famous saying for the young people,‘God doesn’t make rubbish - there is good in all ourselves and we have to pull up and find it'. All the kids would know him by that saying. It’s an epitaph for him.”
- Monsignor Frank Marriott, Administrator of the Diocese of Sandhurst
''The diocese of Sandhurst has now lost a shepherd, the migrant and refugee community have lost one of their greatest advocates, the Charismatic Renewal movement around the world has lost one of its greatest preachers and leaders, and the Church in Malta and the Universal Church has lost a great son."
- Malcolm Hart, senior youth ministry project officer
for the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
for the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
''Only in October he was larger than life here in Rome, leading a group of Sandhurst pilgrims to the canonisation of St Mary MacKillop ... 'In the decade he was Bishop of Sandhurst, he gave generous, warm and open leadership, which will be hugely missed.''
- HE Hon Tim Fischer, Australian Ambassador to the Holy See
Tributes |
There are 8 personal tributes |
| LINA FLORIDIA January 6th, 2011 at 10:59 am Only met Bishop Joe Grech at a Charismatic Renewal retreat a couple of years ago. I was so struck by his goodness that I asked him to bless my husband and myself. I feel I have lost a friend. RIP Bishop Grech, you will be sadly missed but always remembered. |
| Lizzie Moore January 3rd, 2011 at 3:32 pm "... and I will give him the Morning Star." (Rev. 2) {Thank you for publicising this site, Tony C.} |
| Damian January 3rd, 2011 at 12:43 pm Rest in peace, Bishop Joe. A great man and friend, and a wonderful example of faith. |
| Raine January 3rd, 2011 at 11:22 am Thank you for your priestly ministry to all who were priviliged to be in your presence at Mass, Conferences, or just one to one. Please pray for us Bishop Joe. |
| Margaret January 3rd, 2011 at 6:45 am I will never forget your kindness to me and to the boys. Rest in peace, Bishop Joe. |
