Words of welcome given by Archbishop Denis Hart at a Dinner for Priests
to Honour Monsignor Thomas Doyle upon his retirement as Director of Catholic Education

at Moonee Valley Racecourse,
on Monday, 30th September, 2002.

...

My dear Brothers in the Priesthood,

A very warm welcome to Moonee Valley as we seek to honour Monsignor Tom Doyle and to recognise all that he has done for the Church in education. I am delighted that this function has been organised by the priests of the Archdiocese as an indication of the great esteem in which Monsignor Tom is held. Together with my brother archbishops and bishops and in a particular way, Bishop David Konstant of Leeds, a long-standing friend, I wish to add my own thanks and that of the Diocese to Monsignor Tom for all that he continues to be to us and for the remarkable and precise care with which he has co-ordinated the work of education for the past twenty-two years.

Others will speak of his remarkable record – forty years of priesthood, thirty-four in education, twenty-four as Director of Religious Education, twenty-two as Director of Catholic Education and Executive Director of the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria, twenty-two years on the National Catholic Education Commission and finally Chairman for the last two.

Tom has served the priests in our parishes, families in our schools and four archbishops for many remarkable years. His wise, objective advice, his cryptic comments, his knowledge of human nature and his love of the priesthood and of the Church are legendary. I see his priestly service as a continuum, which is still unfolding as a pastor and leader of people.

I deeply respect his friendship, his characteristic objectivity, unassuming humility, genuine charity and high level of professional competence. These have distinguished him in the remarkable service to which we pay tribute tonight and of which others will speak with much more personal knowledge later in the evening.

Monsignor Tom, your brother priests and bishops honour you and thank you for the remarkable witness you continue to give.

+ Denis J. Hart,
Archbishop of Melbourne.