Thousands of mourners gathered to farewell Cardinal George Pell AC in a Solemn Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, filling St Mary’s Cathedral to overflow, as several hundred looked on from outside, remembering him as a “lion of the Church”.
Former prime ministers, members of parliament, clergy, bishops from across Australia and friends of the late Cardinal, joined the thousands of mourners in farewelling the former Archbishop of Sydney, who rose far beyond any other Australian cleric before him.
As the faithful gathered inside the Cathedral, the hundreds outside joined together in praying the rosary for the late Cardinal.
Most Rev Anthony Randazzo DD JCL, Bishop of Broken Bay, and Very Rev Dr David Ranson, Vicar General of Broken Bay, and Bishop Emeritus David Walker, were among the more than two hundred clergymen who processed into the Cathedral to concelebrate the Mass.
They were joined by Broken Bay’s seminarians, including Shayne D’Cunha, who was the crozier bearer for the Mass, and Matthew French, who was among the pallbearers.
Most Rev Anthony Fisher OP, Archbishop of Sydney, received rapturous applause from the crowd gathered outside before he entered the Cathedral, as he thanked them for their attendance.
After processing inside, Archbishop Fisher welcomed the mourners to the Mass, reflecting briefly on the life of the Cardinal, highlighting the achievements of his long ecclesiastical career.
The readings were done by Georgina Pell, the late Cardinal’s niece, and Dr Michael Casey, his former private secretary for more than a decade.
Archbishop Fisher’s homily focused on Pell’s determination, calling him a “lion of the Church” who proclaimed the Gospel shamelessly, vehemently and courageously to the end – despite false and consistent attacks. He said he was a “giant of a man with a big vision”, highlighting his dedication to growing the Church in Australia through new seminaries, educational institutes, and World Youth Day 2008.
Following his homily, the prayers of the faithful were read by close friends and family, including Director of Catholic Schools Broken Bay, Danny Casey, and Director of Communication, Katrina Lee.
Cardinal Pell’s brother David gave the principal eulogy, speaking about his late brother’s time in prison, and the toll it had taken on many in the family. He also highlighted his brother’s love for Australia, even when that love was not always reciprocated.
In his eulogy, former prime minister Tony Abbott called Pell “a saint for our times”, highlighting the role he had played in punishing misbehaving clergy and seeking redress for victims.
The eulogies of both men were punctuated by moments of applause from those both inside and outside the Cathedral, as they praised the accomplishments of Australia’s preeminent cleric.
Following the Mass, the Cardinal’s casket was taken to the Cathedral Crypt, where he was buried in a private ceremony attended by clergy, close friends, and relatives.
[Images with kind permission of The Catholic Weekly – Giovanni Portelli, Alphonsus Fok and Patrick J.Lee.]