Thousands of mourners paid their respects today to the Most Reverend William “Bill” Wright, Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, at a Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Hamilton.
While COVID-19 regulations meant capacity was limited and attendance in the church restricted, it didn’t stop those grieving from lining the streets.
Two-hundred people filled the cathedral and, as per Bishop Bill’s request, this included a large contingent of students and parishioners from across the Diocese.
In addition, many more worldwide said their goodbyes to the much-loved leader as they watched the Funeral Mass through an online streaming platform.
Bishop Bill, who passed away in Maitland Hospital on Saturday 13 November, having succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 69, left behind a wonderful legacy.
Over the past decade, he arguably experienced significantly more milestones than most bishops do in their entire careers.
Under his leadership, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle witnessed substantial growth in the provision of grassroots community programs through CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning.
Bishop Bill was passionate about walking alongside those in our community who needed a bit of extra support, too.
He was an advocate for strengthening and expanding the social footprint across the Diocese, from community kitchens and food programs to refugee support services.
Most significant to the life of the church in the Diocese, Bishop Bill also committed to convening a synod, the first held locally in three decades.
He was interested in consulting and collaborating with the diocesan community to help work towards becoming a more welcoming, inclusive and participatory church for all in this modern world.
With direction from the Bishop, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle developed three new schools, St Aloysius Catholic Primary School and St Bede’s Catholic College, both in Chisholm, and most recently Catherine McAuley Catholic College in Medowie.
The Diocese introduced important services such as St Nicholas Early Education, St Nicholas OOSH and St Nicholas Pathways, as well as The Rosewood Centre to better support people’s mental health in the community.
He led the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle through a significant internal transformation with the launch of the Many Parts. One Body. One Mission initiative to assists diocesan agencies in working together, providing more opportunities to draw on each other’s strengths.
Wednesday’s Funeral Mass was presided over by Archbishop Anthony Fisher, joined by conjoint celebrants Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli, Bishop Brian Mascord and Bishop Michael McKenna.
Father Andrew Doohan and the Bishop’s deacon, Vince Ryan, undertook the Master of Ceremonies duties.
Bishop Bill was a man of the people who took great honour in serving alongside his community, paying due recognition to the past and involving youth in the life of the church.
Fittingly, his Funeral Mass started with a Welcome to Country led by Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School student Lawson Griffin.
Music and scripture selected for the ceremony were the same as what Bishop Bill chose for his ordination, which also took place at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 10 years prior in June 2011.
On entry to the Funeral Mass, the pallbearers were members of Bishop Bill’s family.
The entrance hymn was Lead, Kindly Light by John Henry Newman.
Archbishop Anthony then welcomed those gathered in the church, which was followed by a message from His Holiness Pope Francis.
During his introductory remarks, Archbishop Anthony also reflected on Bishop Bill’s grounded nature.
“Bill is remembered as a warm, considered and deeply faithful man with a wry wit,” he said.
“He had a great capacity for sitting patiently with people, especially down-and-outs.
“He was a Good Shepard.”
Bishop Bill’s sister, Pat Purcell, and nephew Matthew Purcell then offered words of remembrance and paid homage to his earlier years, including recounts of how he had met two popes before he had even reached his 12th birthday.
Bishop Brian Mascord, who served alongside Bishop Bill in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle as his Vicar General between 2013 and 2017, gave the homily.
He began in jest, recounting his fondness for simplicity.
“Today as we come together to pray for Bill, I believe he would have much preferred that this celebration took place during the more serious lockdown conditions, as it would have been less complicated,” he explained.
Bishop Brian’s homily intertwined reflections on the Gospel readings with personal recounts of their friendship, which spanned 35 years.
“Bill’s love of history did not allow him to settle in the past but rather to evaluate that history and ask the question of how we can use it to move forward,” he said.
“On that last visit I had with him he asked me a question about how he had led this diocese, I answered with the simple words of with kindness and love.”
Staff who served alongside the Bishop in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and shared his Christian faith, led readings from the Gospel and prayers.
Students from St Bede’s Catholic College brought the gifts to the altar.
On exiting the Funeral Mass, the pallbearers were Bishop Bill’s priest consultors.
The final hymn was Now Sing My Soul by Michael Sword.
Following the Funeral Mass and onsite wake, the cortege travelled from Newcastle to St John’s Oratory in Maitland, where they were met by a guard of honour formed by 200 students from All Saints College and St John’s Primary School.
The Rites of Committal followed, and Bishop Bill was laid to rest, surrounded by his family, friends and clergy.
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