A personal tribute to Michael Slattery
[s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]John Hannon
Having worked with Michael Slattery in the Curia Offices of the Diocese of Broken Bay, since around 2000, along with him becoming a good friend and confidante, I found him to be a person always prepared to go well beyond the call of duty, in whatever field in which he was involved or whatever task he was asked to fulfil, along with the love, patience and support of his wife Bev.
His warm, encouraging and friendly personality and his commitment to following through were fundamental elements to his engagement with others. Among other things, he conscientiously and capably co-ordinated the program for permanent deacons on the diocese, spending much time outside the normal range of the working day, to attending evening meetings and preparing and presenting talks and pastoral advice to those involved. His own background experience in earlier priestly ministry stood him in good stead. Bishop David Walker realised that he had much to offer when he employed him to work in the diocese. When I parachuted into the wonderful community of St Patrick’s Asquith as parish priest in January 1998, parishioners were still talking about Michael’s pastoral care and concern from decades before, when he was an assistant priest there.
Then there was his involvement in not only organising and supervising a program for overseas priests who came to work in the diocese, but also first meeting and picking them up at the airport when they first arrived. He invariably provided a welcoming face to those who came in from other places, and made them feel at home.
Michael was a man who passionately and conscientiously lived his Catholic faith out in action, with perseverance and always a friendly smile. He became a good friend over the years we worked in the same environment, and have remained in regular contact since my return to Melbourne. Only weeks before his own 70th birthday, he had sent me his and Bev’s best wishes for my 70th, just ahead of him, as usual, with positive words of encouragement!
I quote him from Christmas 2021: “Hi John. Just like to wish you a very happy Christmas and more normal New Year. I enjoyed your piano playing during COVID. You’ve kept your talent well hidden. Still doing 2 days a week at McQuoin Park. It’s amazing the number of people I meet who were parishioners from Asquith and Pymble. The circle of life. Anyway, thinking of you this COVID Christmas.” And on 21st October 2022: “Hi John. Michael here (for a change!). Have a great 70th – mine is next month. I’ve fully retired now, and have finished at McQuoin Park. Enjoying the next stage of my life. Good health. Please keep Bev and myself in your prayers. Kind regards, Michael.”
And so we do, dear friend Michael, keep you and Bev in our prayers, as we give thanks for your love and your life, commending you to the God whom you faithfully served throughout your life, with all its challenges and changes, twists and turns. May you rest in peace, gone far too soon. And our thoughts are with Bev and family at this very sad time of grief and loss.
(Ed: Michael died suddenly of a heart attack on Friday 9th December 2022, only a few weeks after his 70th birthday.) [/s2If]
