Life of courage and compassion of one figure (83) leaves lasting mark on voiceless
- Replies 0
When we think of the Catholic Church, many of us picture tradition, solemnity, and a certain reluctance to rock the boat.
But every so often, a figure emerges who’s not afraid to challenge the status quo—someone who stands up for the voiceless, even if it means ruffling a few feathers along the way.
He passed away at the age of 83. He was one such rare soul. His life and legacy are a testament to the power of compassion, courage, and conviction.
Born in 1942 in the snowy town of Cooma and raised in Queanbeyan, Patrick Percival Power—affectionately known as ‘Father Pat’—was ordained in 1965.
From the very beginning, he dedicated himself to serving the vulnerable and disadvantaged, ministering in Braidwood, Goulburn, and Canberra.
His warmth and humanity quickly made him a beloved figure in the community.
In 1986, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, a position he held for more than 25 years.
But Bishop Power was never content to simply go through the motions.
He was a tireless campaigner, a familiar face at rallies and protests, and a voice that refused to be silenced—especially when it came to standing up for those on 'struggle street'.
Bishop Power’s approach to faith was refreshingly progressive. He openly questioned the need for priestly celibacy and the exclusion of women from senior roles in the Church—topics that remain controversial to this day.
He was also a vocal supporter of same-sex relationships, long before it was common for church leaders to speak out on such issues.
In a 2012 interview, he recalled making a public statement as far back as 1998, reaching out to the LGBTQ+ community and insisting they should be welcomed in the life of the Church.
'That’s very cruel language,' he said of the Church’s traditional teachings on homosexuality.
'One of the things I think is important is that the church would reconsider not only its teaching on homosexuality, but on sexuality generally.'
Bishop Power’s willingness to challenge the Church hierarchy didn’t always make him popular with his superiors—or with political leaders.
He clashed with the Vatican over the need for reform, and with then-Prime Minister John Howard over the treatment of refugees and support for Palestinian statehood.
But he never backed down from what he believed was right.
Archbishop Christopher Prowse, reflecting on Bishop Power’s legacy, described him as 'an outspoken supporter for the poor and marginalised' and 'a man of profound humanity who always sided with the ones who were in struggle street'.
Whether it was advocating for refugees, calling for justice for survivors of sexual abuse, or urging the Church to become more inclusive, Bishop Power’s guiding principle was always the dignity of the human person.
He was named Canberra Citizen of the Year in 2009—a fitting recognition for someone who spent his life fighting for those who too often go unheard.
Bishop Power’s advocacy didn’t stop at words. He was a relentless campaigner for reform within the Church, especially in the wake of the sexual abuse scandals that rocked Catholic communities worldwide.
He warned that unless the Church changed, it would continue to lose relevance and authority.
He was particularly concerned about the shortage of clergy, arguing that the rule requiring priests to remain celibate was driving away potential candidates.
'While we persist in this disciplinary world that Catholic priests in the Latin rite are not able to marry, there are just less and less young people coming into the priesthood,' he said.
It was a message the Vatican didn’t want to hear, but Bishop Power believed it was his duty to speak the truth, no matter how uncomfortable.
When Bishop Power retired at 70, his farewell mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Manuka was standing room only—a testament to the deep affection and respect he inspired.
Even in retirement, he continued to speak out, urging the Church to listen to the real needs of its people.
His passing leaves a void, not just in the Catholic community, but in the broader Australian society.
Arrangements for his funeral are yet to be announced, but it’s expected to draw a large and diverse crowd—proof that his influence reached far beyond the pulpit.
Bishop Pat Power’s life reminds us that true leadership isn’t about titles or tradition—it’s about having the courage to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult.
He showed us that faith can be a force for inclusion, justice, and compassion.
As the Church continues to grapple with questions of relevance and reform, Bishop Pat Power’s legacy stands as a reminder of what it means to lead with both courage and compassion.
He was never afraid to challenge tradition when it failed to serve the people, and he proved that faith can be a catalyst for justice, empathy, and change.
His voice may now be silent, but the values he championed—dignity, inclusion, and humanity—will continue to resonate long after his passing.
Read more: 'Our work is to enlarge the tent’: Who is Pope Leo XIV?
But every so often, a figure emerges who’s not afraid to challenge the status quo—someone who stands up for the voiceless, even if it means ruffling a few feathers along the way.
He passed away at the age of 83. He was one such rare soul. His life and legacy are a testament to the power of compassion, courage, and conviction.
Born in 1942 in the snowy town of Cooma and raised in Queanbeyan, Patrick Percival Power—affectionately known as ‘Father Pat’—was ordained in 1965.
From the very beginning, he dedicated himself to serving the vulnerable and disadvantaged, ministering in Braidwood, Goulburn, and Canberra.
His warmth and humanity quickly made him a beloved figure in the community.
Bishop Pat Power remembered for outspoken support for poor, marginalised, and vulnerable throughout decades-long service in the Catholic Church. Credit: Instagram
In 1986, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, a position he held for more than 25 years.
But Bishop Power was never content to simply go through the motions.
He was a tireless campaigner, a familiar face at rallies and protests, and a voice that refused to be silenced—especially when it came to standing up for those on 'struggle street'.
Bishop Power’s approach to faith was refreshingly progressive. He openly questioned the need for priestly celibacy and the exclusion of women from senior roles in the Church—topics that remain controversial to this day.
He was also a vocal supporter of same-sex relationships, long before it was common for church leaders to speak out on such issues.
In a 2012 interview, he recalled making a public statement as far back as 1998, reaching out to the LGBTQ+ community and insisting they should be welcomed in the life of the Church.
'That’s very cruel language,' he said of the Church’s traditional teachings on homosexuality.
'One of the things I think is important is that the church would reconsider not only its teaching on homosexuality, but on sexuality generally.'
Bishop Power’s willingness to challenge the Church hierarchy didn’t always make him popular with his superiors—or with political leaders.
He clashed with the Vatican over the need for reform, and with then-Prime Minister John Howard over the treatment of refugees and support for Palestinian statehood.
But he never backed down from what he believed was right.
Archbishop Christopher Prowse, reflecting on Bishop Power’s legacy, described him as 'an outspoken supporter for the poor and marginalised' and 'a man of profound humanity who always sided with the ones who were in struggle street'.
Whether it was advocating for refugees, calling for justice for survivors of sexual abuse, or urging the Church to become more inclusive, Bishop Power’s guiding principle was always the dignity of the human person.
He was named Canberra Citizen of the Year in 2009—a fitting recognition for someone who spent his life fighting for those who too often go unheard.
Bishop Power’s advocacy didn’t stop at words. He was a relentless campaigner for reform within the Church, especially in the wake of the sexual abuse scandals that rocked Catholic communities worldwide.
He warned that unless the Church changed, it would continue to lose relevance and authority.
He was particularly concerned about the shortage of clergy, arguing that the rule requiring priests to remain celibate was driving away potential candidates.
'While we persist in this disciplinary world that Catholic priests in the Latin rite are not able to marry, there are just less and less young people coming into the priesthood,' he said.
It was a message the Vatican didn’t want to hear, but Bishop Power believed it was his duty to speak the truth, no matter how uncomfortable.
When Bishop Power retired at 70, his farewell mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Manuka was standing room only—a testament to the deep affection and respect he inspired.
Even in retirement, he continued to speak out, urging the Church to listen to the real needs of its people.
His passing leaves a void, not just in the Catholic community, but in the broader Australian society.
Arrangements for his funeral are yet to be announced, but it’s expected to draw a large and diverse crowd—proof that his influence reached far beyond the pulpit.
Bishop Pat Power’s life reminds us that true leadership isn’t about titles or tradition—it’s about having the courage to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult.
He showed us that faith can be a force for inclusion, justice, and compassion.
He was never afraid to challenge tradition when it failed to serve the people, and he proved that faith can be a catalyst for justice, empathy, and change.
His voice may now be silent, but the values he championed—dignity, inclusion, and humanity—will continue to resonate long after his passing.
Read more: 'Our work is to enlarge the tent’: Who is Pope Leo XIV?
