Canberra is in mourning following the passing of one of its most cherished figures, Bishop Pat Power, who died at the age of 83. Known for his deep compassion and inclusive spirit, Bishop Power left an indelible mark on the community he served for decades.
A man of the people, Bishop Power was named Canberran of the Year in 2009. He was celebrated for his humility, kindness, and ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life. His commitment to welcoming all groups into his church was a testament to his inclusive approach to faith and community service.
A Life of Service and Humility
Bishop Power’s long-time friend and fellow priest, Monsignor John Woods of South Belconnen Parish, described him as humble, self-effacing, and possessing a good sense of humor. “He didn’t mind a game of cards,” Woods recalled, sharing a recent conversation where Bishop Power expressed his readiness to pass on. “He was open and not afraid of death,” Woods added.
Despite his deep roots in Canberra, Bishop Power was a passionate supporter of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Up until a few years ago, he could often be seen walking up Mount Ainslie in his Rabbitohs jersey, a testament to his enduring spirit and love for life.
Early Life and Career
Born in Cooma and raised in Queanbeyan, Bishop Power’s journey in faith began early. He attended St Christopher’s School and was a foundation student at St Edmund’s College in 1954, maintaining a lifelong connection with the institution. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1965 and became the parish priest of Queanbeyan in 1985. The following year, he was appointed the fifth auxiliary bishop of the Canberra and Goulburn archdiocese.
Bishop Power emerged as a leading moderate voice within the Catholic Church, particularly during its challenging years of addressing sexual abuse scandals. He was a vocal advocate for inter-faith relations, the ordination of married men, and marriage equality, often speaking from a place of love and respect.
Family and Community Ties
Known for his strong family ties, Bishop Power was the eldest of five children and maintained close relationships with his siblings and their families. His nephew, Geoff de Jongh, shared that Bishop Power passed away surrounded by family, ready to “go to heaven.” De Jongh emphasized his uncle’s deep connection to the marginalized and his pride in his Queanbeyan roots, affectionately referred to as “Struggletown.”
“He shared himself around and was there for all our events, through the good times and the not-so-good times,” de Jongh said, highlighting Bishop Power’s involvement in the lives of his 17 nieces and nephews.
Bishop Power’s love for the Rabbitohs was well-known, and he played a role in advocating for their return to the national rugby competition in 1999. His joy was complete when they won the 2014 championship, declaring he could “die a happy man.”
Legacy and Impact
As Canberra and the broader community reflect on Bishop Power’s life, Monsignor Woods noted his significant influence on others, including his own decision to join the priesthood. “He lived his faith in a way that was attractive,” Woods said, emphasizing Bishop Power’s authenticity and integrity.
Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn, Christopher Prowse, described Bishop Power as a quintessential Canberran who faced major health issues with serenity. In his later years, he was often seen with his little white dog, Clara, and continued to say Mass with fellow residents at Southern Cross Campbell Residential Care.
“Even when people disagreed with some of the things that Pat might have said, you could never have questioned his integrity,” Woods remarked. “He would speak from the heart, but he was no fool.”
Bishop Power’s progressive stances sometimes sparked concern among more conservative Catholics, yet his approach was always rooted in love and respect. His passing leaves a significant void in the Canberra community and beyond, where his legacy of kindness, humility, and advocacy for the marginalized will be deeply missed.
As Canberra bids farewell to a beloved spiritual leader, the impact of Bishop Pat Power’s life and work will continue to resonate, inspiring future generations to embrace inclusivity, compassion, and community service.
