Prealene Khera
A solemn and mournful crowd of about 1200 congregated at the St Albans Sacred Heart Catholic Church on February 18 to farewell a beloved local parish priest, Father John O’Reilly, who died on February 7, leaving behind a “profound legacy”.
Born in the west of Ireland in 1937, Father O’Reilly migrated to Australia nearly 25 years later, in 1961.
In the decades since, he became an instrumental figure in changing the lives of many people in St Albans and beyond.
He played a major role in establishing numerous educational institutions, including the Catholic Regional College in Caroline Springs, St Albans, North Keilor, Sydenham and Melton.
Father O’Reilly was “a man of great vision and action” according to Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs principal Jamie Madigan.
“For over 50 years, as parish priest of Sacred Heart, St Albans, [Father O’Reilly] dedicated his life to the service of Catholic education and the faith formation of our school communities,” Mr Madigan said.
“His tireless work and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on Catholic education in Melbourne’s west.
“[He] also recognised broader needs within the community.”
In the mid-1980s, Mr Madigan said, Father O’Reilly saw a “critical gap” in palliative care and services for the terminally ill.
“With his characteristic resolve, he spearheaded the establishment of the Mercy Hospice within 12 months, offering comfort and dignity to those in need,” he said.
“His ability to translate faith into action truly reflected the words of St Mary MacKillop: Never see a need without doing something about it.”
Brimbank councillors also honoured Father O’Reilly’s life at a recent council meeting.
“[He] was a visionary that championed education and the west, many people termed him as the Pope of the western suburbs,” Cr Virginia Tachos said.
“He was a force, tough … yet caring.
“He envisioned a parish that nurtured growth from birth right through to assisting the development of the Mercy Hospice for those in their last and final days.”
Cr Maria Kerr said Father O’Reilly had been a “leader” in the community.
“[He] was a man of faith, generous, supportive, and would go above and beyond to help people and families in need,” she said.
