It was with much sadness the Library received news of the death of Fr. John Wilkinson CM on February 19th, in the ninety-third year of his life and seventieth year as a priest.
Fr. Wilkinson had dedicated the greater part of his priestly ministry to the education and formation of Catholics. After his ordination he studied at the University of Dublin and remained there teaching in two Irish seminaries. Returning to Australia he first taught at St. Stanislaus', Bathurst and was then appointed rector of the Vincentian seminary in Perth. Thus began thirty-six years instructing and inspiring generations of priests in Australia, New Zealand and even Lebanon. He then returned to St. Stanislaus' for four years before taking up the role of chaplain to Macquarie University. When not teaching he was active in missions, retreats and relief work for other priests.
Fr. Wilkinson's other great love was history and it probably explains his long-standing interest in the Library. He contributed to the Australian Catholic Historical Society and to the history of his own order. In fact his last few years were spent preparing a history of the Vincentian mission in Fiji.
The funeral mass for Fr. Wilkinson was held at St. Joseph's, Malvern on February 25th and his mortal remains laid to rest at the East Malvern Cemetery.
O God, who didst endow they servant John with apostolic power for the preaching of the Gospel and for promoting the honour of the priesthood, grant that he may attain unto the everlasting fellowship of him whom he imitated and proclaimed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, forever and ever. Amen. (Adapted from the Collects for St. Vincent de Paul and a Deaceased Priest.)
