On Sunday 5 August, Fr Gerard Dowling OAM, Dean Emeritus and CatholicCare’s Spiritual Director, celebrated his Diamond Jubilee marking 60 years since his Ordination to the Priesthood.
Clockwise from main picture: Fr Dowling at his Ordination in 1958; speaking at the Parker Moffit Society event; the “Family Counsellor” on air; and celebrating his 85th birthday in 2017.
The Church of St Cecilia in Glen Iris was filled with guests who came to share in the special Thanksgiving Eucharist; celebrated by Fr Dowling along with Concelebrants Fr Kevin McGovern, Fr Kevin Dillon and Fr Fabian Smith.
Wearing the same vestments that he wore at his ordination, Fr Dowling delivered a homily where he spoke of Jesus Christ’s sole wish for people to be happy. In response, Fr Dowling has applied himself to 60 years of ministry with a determination to improving people’s lives.
Fr Dowling joined CatholicCare as a Counsellor in 1963 and currently serves as CatholicCare’s Spiritual Director. He has hosted “The Family Counsellor” program on radio since 1973 and continues to provide counselling support on RSN 927 every Sunday night.
All of us at CatholicCare are immensely grateful for everything that Fr Dowling has contributed – and continues to do - to help people in our community. We congratulate him on this magnificent milestone!
Read more 85th anniversary stories