George Pell’s funeral mass at Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral
Former prime minister Tony Abbott has paid tribute to Cardinal George Pell at his funeral mass, calling him “a saint for our times”.
NSW
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Former prime minister Tony Abbott has paid tribute to Cardinal George Pell, calling him “a saint for our times” and said Thursday’s funeral mass was “a joyous tribute to a great hero”.
Cardinal Pell was farewelled by 275 priests and 75 seminarians at a funeral mass at St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday that drew an overflow crowd numbering into the thousands.
Mr Abbott said Cardinal Pell reminded him of what was once said of B.A. Santamaria.
“The mark of the false prophet is that everyone speaks well of you … he triumphantly avoided this fate,” Mr Abbott said, drawing laughter from the congregation.
“Cardinal Pell’s observation that climate change had some of the characteristics of a low level undemanding religion was the sort of comment that enraged his opponents precisely because it was true.”
He added that Pell was “made a scapegoat of the church” despite his efforts to root out misbehaviour and make amends for the sins of some of its priests.
“His greatest triumph was not to hold high ecclesiastical offices … but to keep his faith. He did not succumb to self pity and despair and instead accepted this modern day crucifixion and walked humbly in the way of our lord,” Mr Abbott said.
Referring to protesters outside the Cathedral who were chanting “George Pell, go to hell” Mr Abbott said, “at least they believe in the afterlife – perhaps this is St George Pell’s first miracle”.
Meanwhile David Pell remembered his brother “Georgie” as a man who “loved Sydney” and was “prince of the church, a holy man, and a proud Australian”.
“He was at home here and he loved Sydney and judging by the outpouring of support when he was laying in state, Sydney loved him,” he said.
Mr Pell also delivered a staunch and forensic defence of his brother.
“He was falsely accused, tried, and was convicted and spent 404 in solitary confinement, the outcome of which was three magnificent prison diaries.”
In a message to his brother’s continued detractors, Mr Pell said: “We implore you to abandon the work algorithm of lies and half truths that are being perpetrated,” as cheers could be heard from those watching the mass from outside.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher described Pell as a man whose passions were truth, the life of the mind, and pastoral work who was both “loved and hated” for his audacity in defending and advocating for the Catholic Church.
Fisher made reference to Pell’s 404 days in a Victorian prison and how the Cardinal referred to it good-humouredly as his “extended spiritual retreat”.
The Archbishop said the Cardinal “accepted this with equanimity and forgiveness” and found a new ministry corresponding with prisoners from his cell.
Fisher also remembered Pell’s audacity in acquiring and renovating a guesthouse for Australian pilgrims, Domus Australia, and getting the Pope to officially open it.
“This may have been the only time the Pope has ever opened a hotel,” he joked.
“While he rose to international prominence and roles the Cardinal remained an Australian to the end,” Fisher said.
“George Pell was a giant of a man with a big vision that looked large … he had a big heart (able to) withstand persecution, but a soft heart too.
“His influence has been far reaching and we can be confident it will continue … he may even be more influential from his new address.”
Mourners were allowed into the Cathedral from 9.30am for the 11am solemn funeral mass, with the Cathedral’s forecourt also opened to mourners to watch the service on a JumboTron.
Additionally many churches across Australia were expected to offer masses dedicated to the late Cardinal.
Former prime minister John Howard joined a number of dignitaries at the service.
But neither Premier Dominic Perrottet nor NSW opposition leader Chris Minns attended citing prior commitments, the state government being represented by Finance Minister Damien Tudehope.
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was also in attendance, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has indicated that South Australian Senator Don Farrell will attend the mass on behalf of the government.
Sacred hymns and music beloved of the late Cardinal will also feature heavily, with the mass’s opening hymn ‘Love Divine, All Loves Excelling’ having been sung at his Archdiocesan Mass of Farewell in 2014.
The service will also feature a “motet”, or choral composition written especially for the occasion featuring Cardinal Pell’s personal motto, “Do not be afraid,” taken from the Book of Wisdom.
After the service the Cardinal’s remains will be interred on the crypt beneath St Mary’s.
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